When is Christmas?
Christmas is on December 25, 2026. Here's what it means and how to observe it.
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December 25, 2026
What it is
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. December 25 has been the fixed date in the Western church since the 4th century.
Origin
The date was set in the 4th century to align with the Roman winter solstice and the feast of Sol Invictus, reframing it as Christ's birth.
How to observe
Attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass. Exchange gifts, share meals, sing carols. In many traditions, the Twelve Days of Christmas run through January 5.
Christmas dates 2025–2030
- 2025December 25, 2025
- 2026December 25, 2026
- 2027December 25, 2027
Popular questions about Christmas
When is Christmas 2026?
Christmas 2026 is on December 25, 2026.
Why does the date of Christmas change every year?
The date was set in the 4th century to align with the Roman winter solstice and the feast of Sol Invictus, reframing it as Christ's birth.
How do people observe Christmas?
Attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Mass. Exchange gifts, share meals, sing carols. In many traditions, the Twelve Days of Christmas run through January 5.
Is Christmas a public holiday?
Christmas is a major Christian observance. Whether it is a public holiday depends on your country — in the US it is not federally recognized as a day off.