Christmas Eve traditions
In much of Europe, Christmas Eve is the main event: Germany, Poland and Scandinavia open gifts on the evening of the 24th. Elsewhere, it is the night of carols, last-minute wrapping and leaving a snack out for Santa.
Read more in Christmas traditions around the world.
How many days until Christmas Eve?
The number above shows how many days until Christmas Eve 2026, which is Thursday 24 December. It is always one day fewer than the count to Christmas Day. The ticker shows the exact days, hours, minutes and seconds to midnight at the start of Christmas Eve.
For many people, Christmas Eve is the real highlight: the build-up, the carols, the last-minute wrapping, the feeling that it is finally here. In some countries it is the main day of celebration.
Christmas Eve traditions around the world
- Poland: Wigilia, a meatless supper that starts when the first star appears, with an extra place set for an unexpected guest.
- Germany and Austria: Heiligabend, when the tree is often revealed and gifts are opened in the evening.
- Italian-American homes: the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
- Spain, Mexico and Latin America: Nochebuena, a late family dinner, often followed by midnight Mass.
- Iceland: Jólabókaflóð, the "Christmas book flood": books are given on Christmas Eve and read in bed with chocolate.
- Philippines: Noche Buena after the last of the dawn Masses of Simbang Gabi.
- US, UK and beyond: stockings hung, a treat for Santa, and children tracking his sleigh online.
Read more in Christmas traditions around the world.
A Christmas Eve plan
- Morning: collect fresh food and any click-and-collect orders.
- Afternoon: prepare vegetables, set the table and wrap the last gifts.
- Early evening: carols, a Christmas Eve box, or a film from classic Christmas movies.
- Bedtime: stockings out, treats for Santa and the reindeer.
- Midnight: watch the seconds until Christmas reach zero.
The day before Christmas Eve
In some places, 23 December has its own name. In Norway and Denmark it is "Little Christmas Eve", when families decorate the tree and eat rice pudding. In the US, some people mark "Festivus" on 23 December, a joke holiday from a 1990s TV comedy. Either way, it is the last calm day before the big two.
What to eat on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve dinners are often lighter than Christmas Day, or built around fish. Poland's Wigilia includes beetroot soup, pierogi and carp. Italian-American families serve fried fish, clams and calamari. In Portugal, salt cod with potatoes and greens is traditional. Many families simply have something easy, like soup and bread or a takeaway, saving the effort for the next day. Ideas are in Christmas recipes.
Questions people ask
Quick answers about this countdown.
How many days until Christmas Eve 2026?
The live number at the top counts down to Thursday 24 December 2026.
What day is Christmas Eve 2026?
Thursday 24 December 2026.
Do people open presents on Christmas Eve?
Yes, in many countries, including Germany, Poland, Sweden and much of Latin America.
How many sleeps on Christmas Eve?
One. After it, it is Christmas morning.
Keep exploring
More countdowns, tools and Christmas reading on Christmas Days Left.