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 New York City (America/New_York) using local sunrise, sunset and astronomical positions.
Other observances and vrats falling in December 2026, with dates computed for New York City.
See every observance, vrat and ekadashi computed precisely for New York City — or pick a different city.
A more detailed account of Christmas Eve in New York City — its mythology, regional variations, and rituals — is being prepared.