I was thinking about your problem this evening. It does sound as if your little lad has maybe just got used to waking regularly through the night. He probably doesn't really need a wee, but just feels like a bit of company, and of course who can blame him for that. So if it is a habit, then to break the habit, change something - ideally something quite significant. How about moving his crate? Maybe up to your room?
We moved Jess's crate up to our room, and it really helped. If she stirred and started to squeak, I was right there and often just a word to her was enough, sleepytime now Jess, and she went back to sleep. And one thing that I know someone else has already mentioned, covering the crate helped us as well. I put a wool shawl over the crate, left the end with the door clear. Jess definitely likes it better.
You asked what do our dogs do in the evening - Jess sleeps, basically. She'll be awake and interested if anything is going on - visitors, cooking, eating - otherwise she'll be dozing on the sofa or in her downstairs crate. She's ready to go to sleep for the night by 9, but I do wake her and take her out for a last wee before we go up to bed.