Countdown to Christmas
When is Christmas Day? Date, facts & history →Countdown Location
By default, holidays are counted down to midnight in your local time. You can change this below.
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as both a sacred religious holiday and a global cultural celebration. It is a public holiday in much of the world and the centerpiece of the festive season.
For many it means family gatherings, gift giving, decorated trees, and festive meals.
When is Christmas?
Christmas Day falls on December 25 every year. The countdown above shows exactly how many days, hours, and minutes remain until Santa arrives. Counting the shopping days left? Our Date Duration Calculator and Time Until Calculator can help you plan.
Traditions Around the World
Christmas customs vary widely but often include decorating an evergreen tree, hanging stockings, exchanging gifts, sending cards, and sharing a special meal. Figures such as Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, and Father Christmas appear in many cultures, and carols and nativity scenes remain central to the religious observance.
Christmas FAQ
Why is Christmas on December 25?
The early Church fixed the celebration on December 25, a date that also aligned with existing midwinter festivals in the Roman world.
How many days until Christmas?
The live timer above counts down to December 25 in real time, updating every second.
Do all countries celebrate on the same day?
Most observe December 25, but some Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas in early January because they follow the Julian calendar.