How many days until Christmas Eve 2026?

When is Christmas Eve 2026?

Christmas Eve 2026 is on Thursday, December 24, 2026. It is always December 24 — the evening before Christmas Day, which falls on Friday, December 25, 2026.

In many countries Christmas Eve is the main celebration: families gather for a big dinner, open presents in the evening or go to midnight Mass.

Christmas Eve dates for the next five years

Christmas Eve moves through the week from year to year. Here is when it falls next, with a live count of the days left.

How Christmas Eve is celebrated around the world

• Germany, Austria and Switzerland: on Heiligabend, presents are usually opened in the evening, after dinner.
• Poland: Wigilia begins when the first star appears, with a meatless supper of twelve dishes.
• Sweden, Norway and Denmark: Christmas dinner and presents all happen on December 24.
• The Philippines: families share the Noche Buena feast after midnight Mass.
• Spain and Latin America: Nochebuena means a late family dinner, often followed by midnight Mass, the Misa del Gallo.
• The United States and the United Kingdom: stockings go up, cookies and milk (or mince pies) are left out, and Santa arrives overnight.

Christmas Eve countdown ideas

• Follow Santa’s journey with the NORAD Santa Tracker, which runs every December 24.
• Open a “Christmas Eve box” with new pyjamas, a book and hot chocolate.
• Read a favourite Christmas story aloud before bed.
• Ask friends to hang a last-minute message on your tree before midnight.