The evening before Christmas — the start of Christmas celebrations in many traditions.
Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas Day, marks the start of Christmas celebrations across most Western Christian traditions. Many families attend midnight Mass, exchange gifts, or share a special meal together. In Latin America, Spain, and parts of Europe, Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is the principal celebration rather than Christmas Day itself.
Computed for America (Europe/Amsterdam) using local sunrise, sunset and astronomical positions.
Other observances and vrats falling in December 2026, with dates computed for America.
See every observance, vrat and ekadashi computed precisely for America — or pick a different city.
A more detailed account of Christmas Eve in America — its mythology, regional variations, and rituals — is being prepared.