About Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve falls on December 24, and for much of the world it is the main event: Germany, Scandinavia, Poland, and most of Latin America exchange gifts and share the feast on the 24th, not the 25th. The countdown above ticks toward the most magical night of the year.
Traditions stack thick on this night: Midnight Mass, carols by candlelight, the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Italian homes, milk and cookies left out for Santa — and NORAD's beloved Santa Tracker following the sleigh around the globe. For children everywhere, it is the longest night of waiting in the whole year.
Christmas Eve always lands on December 24, the day before Christmas, so the day of the week shifts each year — falling on a Thursday in 2026 and a Friday in 2027. Because the date never moves, you can count down to it with confidence; the moment December 24 passes, this page rolls over to the following year. Add the Christmas Eve countdown to your own page or share it with family to count the sleeps together.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Thursday, December 24, 2026next |
| 2027 | Friday, December 24, 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, December 24, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, December 24, 2029 |
| 2030 | Tuesday, December 24, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Christmas Eve?
December 24 — the night before Christmas Day. In 2026 it falls on a Thursday.
Why is Christmas Eve celebrated?
It is the vigil of Christmas, and in much of Europe and Latin America the main gift-giving and festive meal happen on the evening of the 24th rather than on Christmas Day.
Which countries celebrate on Christmas Eve?
Germany, Austria, the Nordics, Poland, Czechia and most of Latin America open gifts and hold the main feast on the 24th.
What is the NORAD Santa Tracker?
Since 1955, NORAD "tracks" Santa's journey on December 24 — a tradition that began with a misprinted phone number and now delights millions online.