When is Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve is always December 24. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, December 24, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Friday, December 24, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 73 days to go, which is about 10 weeks and 3 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 24 | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 24 | Friday |
A little history
In many countries, especially in Europe and Latin America, Christmas Eve is the main celebration, with the big family dinner and gift opening on the night of the 24th. In Germany, Poland and Scandinavia it's the most important night of the season.
How people celebrate
Midnight Mass or candlelight services, the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Italian-American homes, tamales in Mexican families and kids leaving cookies and milk for Santa. NORAD has tracked Santa every Christmas Eve since 1955, which my kids still check every year.
Closures and practical notes
It isn't an official federal holiday, though in some years the president gives federal workers the day off. Many stores close early, and the stock market usually closes early too.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas Eve 2026?
Thursday, December 24, 2026.
What day of the week is Christmas Eve in 2027?
It's a Friday (December 24, 2027).
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No, but federal employees sometimes get the day off by executive order, and many businesses close early.