Christmas Eve

What is Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is the day and evening of the 24th of December, the day before Christmas. In Christian tradition the celebration of Christmas begins on the evening before, and many churches hold a service in the evening or a midnight mass. In many European countries, Christmas Eve is the main moment of the festival, when presents are opened.

In Germany, Scandinavia and much of Central Europe, families exchange gifts on the evening of the 24th of December, and in Poland the Wigilia supper is the highlight of the festival. In the English-speaking world, the presents traditionally wait until Christmas morning.

The date never changes; only the day of the week does.

In 2026 it falls on Thursday 24 December.

Christmas Eve in the UK

Christmas Eve is not a bank holiday, although many people take the day off or finish work early. Shops are often busy with last-minute shopping and close earlier than usual, and public transport may run a reduced service in the evening.

Children hang up a stocking and leave out a mince pie, a glass of sherry or milk and a carrot for the reindeer, in the hope that Father Christmas will come. Many families go to a carol service or midnight mass, and some open one present on Christmas Eve.