The morning before Christmas is commonly referred to as Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day and falls on December 24th of each year. It is a widely celebrated holiday and marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
When does Christmas Eve start?
There is no definitive or official start time for Christmas Eve. It is generally considered to start in the morning or afternoon of December 24th. Many people take December 24th off work or have a half day, allowing Christmas celebrations to begin in the afternoon or evening. Others may consider it starting at midnight between December 23rd and 24th.
Common times Christmas Eve is considered to start
- Midnight on December 24th
- When you wake up on December 24th
- After lunch on December 24th
- After work on December 24th
- Sunset on December 24th
So in summary, while there is no official start time, Christmas Eve is generally considered to encompass the full day of December 24th leading up to the arrival of Christmas at midnight.
What are some Christmas Eve traditions?
There are many beloved traditions and activities associated with Christmas Eve:
Christmas Eve church services
Many churches hold special services on Christmas Eve, including candlelight services, choir concerts and midnight masses. These bring in the holiday with reverent celebrations.
Gathering with friends and family
It’s traditional to gather with loved ones on Christmas Eve. Some families get together for a festive party or dinner.
Christmas Eve dinner
Having a special dinner on Christmas Eve is customary in many cultures. Traditional dishes include roasted ham, turkey or goose. Seafood like smoked salmon is also popular.
Leaving out treats for Santa
Cookies and milk are left for Santa on Christmas Eve along with carrots for his reindeer. Kids enjoy preparing and leaving the treats out before bed.
Opening one gift
Some families allow the opening of one gift on Christmas Eve as a preview before the full celebrations on Christmas morning.
Christmas Eve boxes
Christmas Eve boxes full of small gifts, baked goods and festive pajamas are gifted to be opened before bed.
Attending Christmas Eve church services
Many churches hold candlelight vigils, midnight masses and other services to usher in Christmas. Attending these is a significant tradition for many families.
Decorating the Christmas tree
Some save decorating the tree until Christmas Eve to keep it fresh through the full season. The whole family may participate.
Driving or walking to see Christmas lights
It’s a popular tradition to drive or walk around neighborhoods on Christmas Eve to see the beautiful light displays on homes.
What are typical Christmas Eve meals?
The Christmas Eve meal is a big part of the day’s celebrations. Here are some of the most popular options:
| Christmas Eve Meal | Details |
|---|---|
| Roast ham | Baked glazed ham is a staple at many Christmas Eve dinners. |
| Turkey | Roast turkey with stuffing is common, much like Thanksgiving. |
| Goose | Roast goose is traditional in some European countries like Germany. |
| Lamb | Roasted leg of lamb can be found at Christmas Eve dinners. |
| Seafood | Coastal regions often serve baked or smoked fish like salmon. |
| Raclett | This Swiss dish has melted cheese, potatoes and pickled onions. |
| Tourtiere | French Canadian meat pie with ground pork and spices. |
The meal often concludes with a festive dessert like Christmas pudding, fruit cake, or yule log cake.
What are traditional Christmas Eve desserts?
The Christmas Eve meal typically ends with a decadent dessert. Here are some of the most popular sweet treats enjoyed on this night:
Yule Log
Also called a bûche de Noël, this log-shaped chocolate sponge cake resembles a Yule log.
Fruitcake
Dense cakes loaded with dried fruits and nuts are a classic Christmas dessert.
Gingerbread
Spicy molasses gingerbread cookies or houses are a festive Christmas Eve treat.
Sugar Cookies
Rolling out and decorating sugar cookies together is a fun family activity on Christmas Eve.
Eggnog
This rich, creamy drink often spiced with nutmeg is a holiday staple.
Pfeffernüsse
These spicy German cookies flavored with pepper, cinnamon and cardamom are delicious on Christmas Eve.
Stollen
Fruit bread loaded with citrus peel, raisins, nuts and marzipan is a Christmas Eve tradition.
Panettone
This sweet Italian bread studded with citrus and raisins is enjoyed on Christmas and Christmas Eve.
What are some Christmas Eve activities for families?
Christmas Eve is filled with exciting holiday activities and traditions to bring families together. Here are some popular ways to spend time together on this special night:
Decorating the Christmas Tree
Many save decorating the tree for Christmas Eve. Stringing lights and hanging ornaments is a lovely group activity.
Leaving Treats for Santa
Kids love leaving out Santa’s plate of cookies and milk along with carrots for his reindeer before bedtime.
Christmas Eve Church Service
Attending a Christmas Eve church service together is an important tradition for many religious families.
Opening Christmas Eve Boxes
Giving children a small box of gifts to open on Christmas Eve builds excitement for Christmas morning.
Christmas Movie Marathon
Curling up to watch favorite Christmas classics is a great way to spend quality time together.
Reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Reading the classic Christmas Eve poem together makes the holiday feel magical.
Driving to See Christmas Lights
Piling in the car and cruising around to look at neighborhood Christmas lights displays is always entertaining.
Christmas Caroling
Going door-to-door singing festive carols together spreads holiday cheer.
Preparing for Santa’s Arrival
Younger kids enjoy getting ready for Santa by setting out treats and sprinkling reindeer food outside.
Attending Midnight Mass
For religious families, attending midnight mass to greet Christmas day is an important tradition.
How do other cultures celebrate Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve traditions vary across different countries and cultures. Here are some interesting ways it is celebrated worldwide:
Sweden
A Christmas smörgåsbord of ham, seafood, meatballs, cheeses, breads and more is served on Christmas Eve in Sweden.
Ukraine
Twelve meatless dishes are served at the traditional Christmas Eve supper representing Jesus’ twelve apostles.
Italy
The Feast of Seven Fishes is an Italian-American tradition with seven seafood dishes served on Christmas Eve.
Philippines
Countries with large Catholic populations like the Philippines attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve called Misa de Gallo.
Ireland
Irish families decorate a candle in their window on Christmas Eve to welcome Mary and Joseph.
Germany
Germans hide a pickle ornament deep in the branches of the Christmas tree and reward the child who finds it first on Christmas Eve.
Greece
Greek children go door to door on Christmas Eve singing carols while playing triangles and drums.
Japan
Christmas Eve is romantic in Japan with couples enjoying special dinners and exchanging gifts.
Iceland
Iceland has 13 Santa Clauses, each leaving a gift for children after the family enjoys Christmas dinner.
What are good Christmas Eve gifts?
Christmas Eve is also a time for gift-giving. Great Christmas Eve gift ideas include:
| Gift | Description |
|---|---|
| Christmas Pajamas | New family pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve/Christmas morning. |
| Christmas Books | Holiday books and stories to read together before bed. |
| Christmas Movie | A new Christmas DVD for the family to watch together. |
| Christmas Eve Box | Fill with small gifts, treats and activities just for Christmas Eve. |
| Ornament | A new ornament to hang on the tree on Christmas Eve. |
| Hot Cocoa Kit | Package of mugs, cocoa, marshmallows, candy canes |
| Slippers | Cozy slippers to stay warm on Christmas Eve. |
Other fun ideas are baking kits, candy, Christmas candles, festive holiday games, Christmas albums and snowman decor.
Do other holidays have a Christmas Eve equivalent?
Many major holidays have an “eve” celebration the day or night before the main event. Here are some holiday equivalents to Christmas Eve:
Halloween (All Hallows Eve)
All Hallows Eve on October 31st is the celebration before All Saints Day on November 1st.
Thanksgiving Eve
The night before Thanksgiving on the last Wednesday in November.
New Year’s Eve
December 31st is the eve of the New Year celebrated at midnight on January 1st.
Diwali (Day before Diwali)
Diwali Eve comes before the Hindu festival of lights which spans 5 days.
Passover (Erev Pesach)
Passover Eve or Erev Pesach arrives before the start of the 8 day Jewish holiday.
Ramadan (Chaand Raat)
Chaand Raat refers to the Islamic holiday eve before the month-long fasting of Ramadan.
Chinese New Year (Nian Ye Fan)
Families gather for a reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve.
Conclusion
Christmas Eve serves as a beloved precursor holiday to Christmas Day. It overflows with cherished traditions like gathering with family and friends, enjoying festive meals and treats, attending religious services, doing activities with loved ones and exchanging thoughtful gifts. These provide holiday magic leading up to Christmas morning. Cultures worldwide celebrate in diverse and meaningful ways united by holiday spirit.