Major holidays · in 194 days
When is Christmas Day?
Christmas Day 2026 is on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and is one of the most widely observed holidays worldwide, religious and secular alike.
In 2026, it falls in ISO week 52. Need the full year's calendar? See all 2026 weeks, or browse every other date.
At a glance
The history of Christmas Day
The December 25 date was first set by the Roman church in the 4th century, likely to align with the existing Roman winter festivals like Sol Invictus. The Christmas tree custom comes from 16th-century Germany; St. Nicholas became Santa Claus through Dutch settlers in New York, helped along by Clement Moore's 1823 poem and Coca-Cola's 1930s advertising. Christmas became a US federal holiday in 1870. Charles Dickens's 1843 novella "A Christmas Carol" did more than almost any single text to shape the modern Anglo idea of Christmas.
How Christmas Day is celebrated
Gift-giving, decorated trees, lights, family meals, carols and Christmas Eve services anchor the day. In many countries gifts arrive overnight from Santa Claus or Father Christmas; in Spain and parts of Latin America the Magi bring them on January 6 instead. Roast turkey, ham, goose or fish features in the meal depending on country.
Did you know?
Eastern Orthodox churches following the Julian calendar celebrate Christmas on January 7.
Christmas was banned in Puritan Massachusetts from 1659 to 1681 as too pagan.
The first commercial Christmas card was printed in London in 1843.
Christmas Day in upcoming years
How the date is set
Always December 25 in the Western (Gregorian) tradition.
Christmas Day around the world
Orthodox Christians using the Julian calendar (including the Russian and Serbian Orthodox churches) celebrate Christmas on January 7.
Sources & further reading
For more detail on Christmas Day, see these references.
Related dates
Christmas Day: questions and answers
When is Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25, 2026.
What day of the week is Christmas Day this year?
In 2026, Christmas Day is a Friday, December 25.
How is the date of Christmas Day determined?
Always December 25 in the Western (Gregorian) tradition.