TodayTools

Donate

About Christmas Eve

00 days

About Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, on 24 December, is the evening before Christmas Day. For many families it is the most magical night of the season, full of waiting and light.

Churches hold carol services and midnight Mass, remembering the night of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. In Spain and Latin America it is Nochebuena, the good night; in Germany Heiligabend, the holy evening, when many families open gifts.

Homes light candles, put the last gifts under the tree and share a special dinner. Children hang stockings and leave a snack for Santa Claus before bed.

  • 24 December
  • Midnight Mass and carols
  • Ends the season of Advent

Where it began

In the old church way of counting, a feast day began at sunset the evening before, so Christmas begins on the night of 24 December. The Gospel of Luke tells of shepherds keeping watch by night when angels brought news of the birth.

A Mass at midnight was being held in Rome by the early medieval period. The carol Silent Night was first sung on Christmas Eve in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria.

A Christmas tree lights up a city square on Christmas EveBerlin, Germany

How it grew over time

  1. Early medieval period

    A night Mass for Christmas is held in Rome.

  2. Medieval Europe

    Families keep a vigil and many eat a meatless meal before the feast.

  3. 1818

    Silent Night is first sung on Christmas Eve in Austria.

  4. Today

    Christmas Eve is a time of carols, candlelit services and family dinners worldwide.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Poland and Eastern Europe

    Families wait for the first star before a twelve dish meatless supper called Wigilia.

  • Italy

    The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a much loved family dinner.

  • Kerala and Goa

    Carol groups visit homes, and churches fill for midnight Mass.

  • Nordic countries

    Christmas Eve is the main day, with family dinner and gifts in the evening.

Christmas Eve moments

A candlelit Christmas Eve service
Candles are passed hand to hand as carols are sung
Lanterns and lights line a path on Christmas Eve
A Christmas Eve candle among evergreen and berries

Christmas Eve today

Homes glow with lights, children hang stockings, and families share a festive meal. Many end the evening at a candlelit carol service or midnight Mass.

How people celebrate Christmas Eve

  • Midnight Mass and carol services
  • Christmas Eve dinner
  • Wrapping the last gifts
  • Hanging stockings
  • Candles in the window
  • Opening gifts in some countries

How to wish well

  • Send Christmas Eve wishes in the afternoon or evening of 24 December, before the Christmas Day rush.
  • A short, cosy message suits the night: candles, carols, a quiet home.
  • For friends who go to midnight Mass, a line wishing them a peaceful service is thoughtful.

Questions about Christmas Eve

When is Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve is on 24 December every year, the evening before Christmas Day.

What do you say on Christmas Eve?

Happy Christmas Eve, or Merry Christmas Eve. Many people simply say Merry Christmas from the evening of the 24th.

What is Nochebuena?

Nochebuena, the good night, is the Spanish name for Christmas Eve, a big family dinner in Spain and Latin America.

Do people open gifts on Christmas Eve?

In Germany, much of central Europe and Latin America, many families open gifts on Christmas Eve. In the UK, the US and India, gifts are usually opened on Christmas morning.

What is midnight Mass?

A church service held late on Christmas Eve, often starting at midnight, to welcome Christmas Day with carols and prayer.

Keep exploring

Related

Coming up next

    All festival wishes

    Donate