What Day Is It?Christmas Eve 2026 falls on Thursday, December 24, 2026, the day before Christmas. In many countries it is the main night of the holiday.
Is Christmas Eve a holiday?
Not by itself in the United States. It is not one of the regular federal holidays, though many employers close early and some give the day off. Stores tend to shut sooner than usual, so leave your last errands for the morning.
The Santa tracker began with a wrong number
In 1955, a Sears ad in Colorado printed a “call Santa” number with a mistake. Children ended up reaching a US air defense command center. The officer on duty, Col. Harry Shoup, played along and had his staff give out Santa’s position. The tradition continues today as NORAD Tracks Santa, run by volunteers every December 24.
Traditions around the world
- Italian American homes: the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
- Germany and much of Central Europe: gifts are opened on the evening of December 24.
- Poland: a meatless supper called Wigilia begins when the first star appears.
- Iceland: people give books and spend the night reading, a custom known as the Christmas book flood.
- Many churches: candlelight services and midnight Mass.
A poem that shaped the night
“A Visit from St. Nicholas,” better known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” was first published in 1823. It gave American Santa his sleigh, his reindeer and his route down the chimney.
Christmas Eve dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 24 | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 24 | Friday |
| 2028 | December 24 | Sunday |
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No, not as a regular one. A president can close federal offices for a single year, but it is not on the standing list.
What time do stores close on Christmas Eve?
It varies by chain, and many close earlier than usual. Check your store’s hours that morning.