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.
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.
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.