When is Christmas Day?
Christmas Day is observed every year on December 25th. Below is the complete ten-year schedule of dates and days of the week for Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and Boxing Day from 2026 through 2035, plus the history of why December 25 became the date we celebrate.
Christmas 2026 is on Friday, December 25, 2026
A perfect long-weekend holiday! Christmas Eve falls on Thursday, December 24, and Boxing Day on Saturday, December 26 — giving families a rare three-day Christmas stretch.
📅Upcoming Christmas Dates (2026 – 2035)
| Year | Christmas Day | Day of Week | Christmas Eve | Boxing Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026Next | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Dec 24 (Thursday) | Dec 26 (Saturday) |
| 2027 | December 25, 2027 | Saturday | Dec 24 (Friday) | Dec 26 (Sunday) |
| 2028 | December 25, 2028 | Monday | Dec 24 (Sunday) | Dec 26 (Tuesday) |
| 2029 | December 25, 2029 | Tuesday | Dec 24 (Monday) | Dec 26 (Wednesday) |
| 2030 | December 25, 2030 | Wednesday | Dec 24 (Tuesday) | Dec 26 (Thursday) |
| 2031 | December 25, 2031 | Thursday | Dec 24 (Wednesday) | Dec 26 (Friday) |
| 2032 | December 25, 2032 | Saturday | Dec 24 (Friday) | Dec 26 (Sunday) |
| 2033 | December 25, 2033 | Sunday | Dec 24 (Saturday) | Dec 26 (Monday) |
| 2034 | December 25, 2034 | Monday | Dec 24 (Sunday) | Dec 26 (Tuesday) |
| 2035 | December 25, 2035 | Tuesday | Dec 24 (Monday) | Dec 26 (Wednesday) |
Why is Christmas on December 25?
The date of December 25 was officially designated by Church leaders in Rome in the 4th century AD during the reign of Emperor Constantine. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on this date appears in the Roman Calendar of 354 AD. The date most likely aligned with the ancient Roman winter-solstice festivals of Saturnalia and the Feast of Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun), both celebrated near the solstice — symbolically tying the birth of Christ to the return of light after the longest, darkest night of the year.
When does the Christmas season start and end?
Culturally, the holiday season begins immediately after Thanksgiving in the United States or on December 1 globally with the start of the Advent calendar. Ecclesiastically, the season of Christmastide begins on Christmas Eve evening and lasts through Epiphany on January 6 — the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas. Many Orthodox churches following the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7, extending the global season even further.
What is Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve — December 24 — is the day before Christmas Day and is the focal point of celebration in many countries. In Germany, Scandinavia, and parts of Eastern Europe, the main feast and gift exchange happen on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day. The tradition echoes the Jewish practice of beginning a holy day at sundown the evening before. Many families attend a midnight Mass or service, and children traditionally leave out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day, December 26, is a public holiday observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations. Its name is traditionally said to come from the practice of giving "Christmas boxes" — gifts or money — to servants, tradespeople, and the poor the day after Christmas. Today it is both a day of rest and family visits and a major shopping day, comparable to Black Friday in the United States.
❓ When Is Christmas — Frequently Asked Questions
When is Christmas 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 is on Friday, December 25, 2026. Christmas Eve is on Thursday, December 24, 2026, and Boxing Day is on Saturday, December 26, 2026 — making it a perfect long-weekend holiday.
When is Christmas 2027?
Christmas Day 2027 is on Saturday, December 25, 2027, with Christmas Eve on Friday, December 24 and Boxing Day on Sunday, December 26.
Is Christmas always on December 25th?
Yes. In the Western Christian tradition (Gregorian calendar), Christmas Day is always observed on December 25. Many Orthodox churches following the Julian calendar — including those in Ethiopia, Russia, and Serbia — celebrate Christmas on January 7 instead.
Why is Christmas on December 25?
December 25 was designated as the official date of Christmas by Church leaders in Rome during the 4th century AD, under Emperor Constantine. The first recorded celebration of Christmas on this date appears in the Roman Calendar of 354 AD. The date likely aligned with existing Roman winter-solstice festivals like Saturnalia and the Feast of Sol Invictus, symbolizing the return of light after the longest night.
What are the twelve days of Christmas?
The twelve days of Christmas (Christmastide) begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and end on Epiphany, January 6 — the traditional day celebrating the arrival of the Magi. The famous song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' commemorates this period. In some cultures, gifts are exchanged on Epiphany rather than Christmas Day itself.
What is Boxing Day and when is it?
Boxing Day is observed on December 26 in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries. Its name is traditionally said to come from the practice of giving 'Christmas boxes' of gifts or money to servants and tradespeople the day after Christmas. It is a public holiday and a major shopping day.