What Day Is Christmas 2026? The Simple Answer

9 min read

Last updated November 7, 2026

Christmas 2026 falls on Friday, December 25. Because it lands on a Friday, many people get a three-day weekend from Friday through Sunday, December 27.

Christmas Day is a federal holiday in the United States. Banks, post offices and most government offices will be closed that day.

Key Takeaways

Christmas Day 2026 is on Friday, December 25.
Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24, and is not a federal holiday.
Most workers with weekends off get a three-day weekend.
The U.S. Postal Service suggests sending most ground packages by December 17.
New Year’s Day 2027 is also on a Friday.

On This Page

Christmas 2026 at a Glance
Is Christmas a Federal Holiday?
What About Christmas Eve?
Key Holiday Dates for 2026
When Does Advent Start in 2026?
Christmas Shipping Deadlines
What Is Open and Closed on Christmas Day?
The 12 Days of Christmas
Orthodox Christmas in 2027
How to Plan Your Christmas Week

Christmas 2026 at a Glance

Christmas is always on December 25, but the day of the week changes every year. In 2026, it falls on a Friday.

Day	Date
Christmas Eve	Thursday, December 24
Christmas Day	Friday, December 25
Boxing Day	Saturday, December 26
New Year’s Eve	Thursday, December 31
New Year’s Day 2027	Friday, January 1

A Friday Christmas is good news for many families. It creates a natural long weekend for travel and gatherings.

FridayChristmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25, per the federal courts holiday schedule.

Is Christmas a Federal Holiday?

Yes. Christmas Day is one of the legal public holidays listed in federal law, under 5 U.S. Code section 6103.

Federal courts list Christmas Day 2026 on Friday, December 25, in their 2026 holiday schedule. Since it falls on a weekday, there is no shifted observance day this year.

When a federal holiday lands on a Saturday, most federal workers get the Friday before off instead. That rule does not apply in 2026, because Christmas is already on a Friday.

Quick tip. Book time off for Christmas Eve early. A Thursday off gives you a four-day holiday break.

What About Christmas Eve?

Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, is not a federal holiday. For most workers, it is a regular workday unless their employer gives them time off.

In some past years, presidents have given federal employees an extra day off near Christmas by executive order. As of early November 2026, no such order had been announced for Christmas Eve this year.

Many private employers give a half day or a full day off on Christmas Eve. Check your company’s holiday calendar to be sure.

Key Holiday Dates for 2026

The holiday season is packed with special days. Here are the dates to know.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Many people start decorating for Christmas that weekend.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah also falls in December this year. Our guide to Hanukkah 2026 dates explains when it starts and how to celebrate.

Winter Solstice

The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, is on Monday, December 21, 2026.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is Saturday, December 26. It is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada and several other countries.

New Year’s

New Year’s Eve is Thursday, December 31. New Year’s Day 2027 falls on Friday, January 1, creating another long weekend.

How will you spend Christmas 2026?

At home with family
Traveling to see loved ones
Hosting friends
Not sure

When Does Advent Start in 2026?

Advent is the season of waiting and preparing for Christmas in many Christian churches. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

In 2026, the first Sunday of Advent is November 29. The four Advent Sundays fall on November 29 and December 6, 13 and 20.

Many families mark the season with an Advent calendar or by lighting candles on an Advent wreath each Sunday.

Good to know. Advent calendars often start on December 1, even though the church season of Advent starts on November 29 this year.

Christmas Shipping Deadlines

If you plan to mail gifts, do not wait until the last minute. Carriers get very busy in December.

The Postal Service set Thursday, December 17, as the send-by date for Ground Advantage and First-Class Mail. This applies within the lower 48 states. That date comes from its 2026 holiday shipping page.

Faster services, like Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express, have later cutoff dates. Check the Postal Service page for the exact dates, especially for Alaska, Hawaii and military mail.

Shipping early also gives you time to fix problems, like a wrong address or a delayed package.

Gift list finished
Ground packages mailed by December 17
Time off requested
Travel plans booked
Holiday menu planned
Store hours checked

What Is Open and Closed on Christmas Day?

Christmas is one of the quietest days of the year for businesses. Plan your errands ahead.

Usually Closed

Post offices, banks, government offices, schools and the stock market close on Christmas Day. Most malls and big-box stores close, too.

Often Open

Some convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies and restaurants stay open, often with shorter hours. Movie theaters are usually open, and Christmas Day is a popular day to see a film.

Offers can change and many vary by location. Confirm before you go.

Mail Delivery

The Postal Service does not deliver regular mail on Christmas Day. Normal service resumes on Saturday, December 26.

What day of the week is Christmas 2026?

Thursday
Friday
Saturday

December 25, 2026, falls on a Friday.

The 12 Days of Christmas

Many people think the 12 days of Christmas lead up to December 25. In church tradition, they actually start on Christmas Day.

The 12 days run from December 25 to January 5. They end the evening before Epiphany, which falls on January 6.

In 2027, Epiphany lands on a Wednesday. Some families keep their decorations up until then.

Orthodox Christmas in 2027

Some Orthodox Christian churches follow the older Julian calendar. Their Christmas falls on January 7 on the modern calendar.

That means many Orthodox Christians in countries like Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and Ethiopia celebrate on Thursday, January 7, 2027. Some Orthodox churches, however, celebrate on December 25.

When do the 12 days of Christmas begin?

December 13
December 1
December 25

In church tradition, the 12 days start on Christmas Day and end on January 5.

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How to Plan Your Christmas Week

A Friday Christmas makes planning a little easier. Here is a simple way to spread out the work.

Weekend Before

Finish gift shopping and wrapping. Buy nonperishable food and drinks for the holiday.

Monday and Tuesday

Clean the house and plan your menu. Pick up any last orders or gift cards.

Wednesday

Shop for fresh food. Stores get crowded on Christmas Eve, so going earlier saves time.

Thursday, Christmas Eve

Prep side dishes and desserts. Leave time for family traditions, like a candlelight service or movie night.

Friday, Christmas Day

Relax, open gifts and enjoy the meal. The long weekend gives you two more days to rest.

When to Put Up Christmas Decorations

There is no single right day to decorate, but many families follow a few popular traditions.

Many people decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving, which is November 28 and 29 in 2026. That also lines up with the first Sunday of Advent.

Others wait until early December, when Christmas tree lots are fully stocked.

Keep a real tree away from heaters and fireplaces, and check the water every day. Turn off tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Gift Card and Return Tips

Gift cards make easy last-minute presents. Read the terms before buying, especially for small or local stores.

Keep gift receipts in one envelope or take photos of them on your phone. Many stores extend return windows during the holidays, but rules vary by store.

Offers can change and many vary by location. Confirm before you go.

Travel Tips for Christmas 2026

The days around Christmas are among the busiest for travel. Roads and airports fill up quickly.

Wednesday, December 23, and the following Sunday, December 27, will likely be heavy travel days. Leaving early in the morning can help you avoid traffic.

Check the weather before you leave and pack a winter car kit. Our winter car emergency kit guide lists the essentials.

If you fly, arrive at the airport early. Keep gifts unwrapped in your bags, since security may need to inspect them.

Christmas Budget Tips

The holidays can get expensive fast. A simple plan helps you enjoy the season without stress about money.

Set a total gift budget before you shop, then divide it among the people on your list. Write it down and track what you spend.

Start shopping early to spread costs over several paychecks. Watch for sales, but only buy items already on your list.

Consider homemade gifts, like baked treats or photo albums. Many people value a thoughtful gift more than an expensive one.

For bigger families, try a gift swap. Each person buys one gift for one name drawn from a hat.

Easy Ideas for a Low-Stress Christmas Day

Christmas Day does not need to be perfect to be special. Small choices can make the day calmer.

Prep as much food as you can on Christmas Eve. A make-ahead breakfast casserole lets everyone eat while opening gifts.

Keep the main meal simple, with a few favorite dishes instead of many new ones. Ask guests to bring a side or dessert.

Plan a short walk after the meal. Fresh air helps everyone relax and gives the kitchen crew a break.

Christmas Activities for Kids

Kids often have extra energy during the holiday break. A few simple activities keep the fun going.

Bake and decorate cookies together on Christmas Eve. Let kids choose the sprinkles and shapes.

Make paper snowflakes or handmade ornaments for the tree. Older kids can write thank-you notes after the gifts are opened.

Drive or walk around the neighborhood to look at holiday lights. Bring hot cocoa in a travel mug for a cozy treat.

Christmas Around the World

Christmas traditions look different across the globe. In many European countries, families celebrate with a big meal on Christmas Eve.

In Australia, Christmas falls in summer, so beach picnics and barbecues are common. In the Philippines, the season starts as early as September.

Whatever your traditions, December 25 remains a day for family, food and giving.

Try this today. Add December 17 to your phone calendar as your gift mailing deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day of the week is Christmas 2026?

Christmas 2026 falls on Friday, December 25.

Is Christmas Eve 2026 a federal holiday?

No. Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, is not a federal holiday unless a special order is issued.

Will the post office be open on Christmas Day?

No. Post offices are closed, and regular mail is not delivered on Christmas Day.

When should I mail Christmas gifts in 2026?

The Postal Service suggests sending ground packages and First-Class Mail by December 17 for the lower 48 states.

What day is New Year’s Day 2027?

New Year’s Day 2027 falls on Friday, January 1.

Conclusion

Christmas 2026 lands on Friday, December 25, giving many people a welcome three-day weekend. Christmas Eve is a regular workday for most, unless your employer gives time off.

Mark your shipping deadlines, plan your week early and enjoy the holiday season.

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Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 7, 2026. Holiday hours, shipping deadlines and any federal time-off orders can change, so check official sources closer to the date.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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