United Kingdom calendar countdown
Christmas Eve is getting closer.
Christmas Eve is 24 December, the day before Christmas Day.
Dates for 2026 to 2028 are listed below
Christmas Eve traditions
Many families celebrate on Christmas Eve, while others use the day to prepare for Christmas Day.
About Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the final day before Christmas Day. In the UK, many families prepare food, wrap gifts, attend church services or leave out stockings. Traditions differ around the world, and in some countries the main Christmas meal and gift-giving happen on the evening of 24 December.
When is Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve is a fixed date, 24 December, in every calendar listed.
| Calendar | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Thursday 24 December 2026 | Friday 24 December 2027 | Sunday 24 December 2028 |
Planning around Christmas Eve
Check supermarket closing times, travel timetables and delivery cut-offs in advance, as services may finish early. See the <a href='christmas.html'>Christmas countdown</a> for the following day. Work out shifts and childcare cover with the free shift planner, or browse every holiday countdown.
Christmas Eve questions
How many days until Christmas Eve?
The live counter at the top of this page shows the days, hours, minutes and seconds left until the next Christmas Eve, using the time zone you choose. The dates for 2026 to 2028 are in the table above.
When is Christmas Eve in 2027?
Christmas Eve falls on Friday 24 December 2027 in the United Kingdom.
Is Christmas Eve a bank holiday in the UK?
No. Christmas Eve is not a UK bank holiday, although many workplaces and shops close early.