For many families, Christmas Eve on December 24 is the most magical night of the holiday season. It's a night of candlelight services, festive dinners, last-minute wrapping, and children trying to stay awake for Santa Claus. Around the world, Christmas Eve traditions are wonderfully varied: in some countries it's the main celebration, with the big meal and gift-giving happening that evening. Whatever your customs, it's a night centered on family, food, faith and anticipation.
History of Christmas Eve
In Christian tradition, the day was once considered to begin at sunset, so the celebration of Christmas began on the evening before. Over time, Christmas Eve developed its own customs, including vigils and midnight Mass, which marks the beginning of Christmas Day.
Traditions vary widely across cultures. In Poland, families share the Wigilia supper, which traditionally begins when the first star appears. In Latin America and Spain, Nochebuena, or 'the good night', is often the main family celebration, with a large dinner. Many Italian-American families celebrate with the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a seafood dinner reflecting the Catholic tradition of avoiding meat on the eve of feast days. In Germany, Scandinavia and other parts of Europe, gifts are often exchanged on Christmas Eve.
In the United States, one well-loved modern tradition began in 1955, when a newspaper advertisement misprinted a phone number intended for Santa, and children reached a military command center in Colorado. The staff played along, and the tradition of tracking Santa's journey on Christmas Eve continues to this day.
Why Christmas Eve Matters
Christmas Eve is a time to slow down, gather with loved ones and enjoy traditions that connect generations.
It's also a reminder of the diversity of holiday customs around the world, each reflecting different cultures, faiths and histories.
How to Celebrate Christmas Eve
- Attend a service: many churches hold candlelight or midnight services.
- Cook a traditional meal: try the Feast of the Seven Fishes, Wigilia or a Nochebuena dinner.
- Track Santa: follow his journey online with children.
- Read a holiday story aloud as a family.
- Open one gift: many families let everyone open a single present on Christmas Eve.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, most offices close early or have reduced hours on Christmas Eve; managers can thank staff who are working and share a small treat or early dismissal where possible. Many people work this day in healthcare, emergency services and retail, so it's a good time to show appreciation for them. In schools, which are usually on break, families can use the time to learn about Christmas Eve traditions from different countries. At home, start or keep a family ritual: matching pyjamas, a special dinner, reading a favorite story, leaving cookies and milk for Santa, or a walk to see neighborhood lights. Including relatives who live far away by video call can make the evening feel complete.
Fun Facts About Christmas Eve
- In many European and Latin American countries, the main celebration happens on Christmas Eve.
- The Polish Wigilia supper traditionally begins when the first star appears.
- Santa tracking began after a 1955 newspaper ad misprinted a phone number.
Christmas Eve FAQs
When is Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve is December 24.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No, though presidents have sometimes given federal employees the day off by executive order.
What is the Feast of the Seven Fishes?
An Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition featuring a dinner of several seafood dishes.
Why do some countries open gifts on Christmas Eve?
In many European and Latin American traditions, Christmas Eve is the main celebration.