Christmas Eve
This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.
Overview
Christmas Eve, observed on December 24, is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day. It is a day of anticipation and celebration, often marked by special church services, family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals, symbolizing the start of the Christmas season.
Observed each year on December 24, Christmas Eve invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.
Origin and story
Christmas Eve is traditionally when families decorate their Christmas trees and prepare for Christmas Day.
Many cultures celebrate Christmas Eve with a main festive meal, sometimes called the 'Réveillon' in French-speaking countries or 'Nochebuena' in Spanish-speaking regions.
Quick facts
- DateDecember 24
- TypeCultural / community observance
- Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams
Also on this date
Ways to Celebrate Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is traditionally a time of anticipation, reflection, and togetherness. Celebrated in many cultures around the world, the evening is often quieter and more meaningful than the day that follows.
Enjoy traditional Christmas Eve activities
- Attend a candlelight or midnight church service
- Share a special Christmas Eve dinner
- Light candles or display holiday lights
- Open one gift or exchange small tokens
- Read classic holiday stories together
Learn about Christmas Eve traditions
Christmas Eve customs vary widely by country and culture:
- Christmas Eve Traditions Around the World (History.com) — explores how different cultures observe the night before Christmas.
- Christmas Eve Traditions & Customs (Britannica) — historical and cultural context behind Christmas celebrations.
Prepare for Christmas Day
- Leave out cookies and milk
- Wrap last-minute gifts
- Set out stockings
- Prepare food for Christmas Day meals
- Reflect on the past year and set intentions for the next
Celebrate in a simple, personal way
- Take a quiet evening walk
- Watch the lights or snowfall
- Listen to soft holiday music
- Spend time unplugged with loved ones
Did you know?
In many European countries, including Germany and Scandinavia, Christmas Eve — not Christmas Day — is the main day of celebration and gift-giving.
External links may lead to third-party websites.
Fun facts
- Christmas Eve is traditionally when families decorate their Christmas trees and prepare for Christmas Day.
- Many cultures celebrate Christmas Eve with a main festive meal, sometimes called the 'Réveillon' in French-speaking countries or 'Nochebuena' in Spanish-speaking regions.
- The tradition of 'Midnight Mass' on Christmas Eve dates back to the 4th century.
- In some European countries, especially Germany, gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day morning.
- Santa Claus is believed to begin his journey to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.
Sources and attribution
Source not provided.
Continue to
FAQ
- When is Christmas Eve?
- It is observed on December 24 each year.
- What is Christmas Eve?
- Christmas Eve, observed on December 24, is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day. It is a day of anticipation and celebration, often marked by special church services, family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive meals, symbolizing the start of the Christmas season.
- How do people celebrate Christmas Eve?
- Enjoy traditional Christmas Eve activities like a candlelight service, a shared dinner, or opening one small gift together.
Get the app
Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.