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Christian feast

Christmas Eve

ערב חג המולד

Reviewed & updated by יהב עטיה · About the team

24 December. Across much of central and northern Europe this is effectively the main evening of the holiday — the family meal and gift exchange happen now, not on the 25th. Offices and shops close by midday.

When & where

Christmas Eve by country — 2026

In most countries the date is the same: Thursday 24 December. A few move it to the nearest weekday.

Europe

South America

Caribbean

North & Central America

North Atlantic

For the traveller

How it affects a trip

From the afternoon of the 24th cities empty fast. Buy food and supplies by the morning — from midday almost everything is shut until the 26th, sometimes the 27th.

Q&A

Answers to your questions

When is Christmas Eve in 2026?
Thursday 24 December — the same date in 13 countries.
Which countries observe Christmas Eve as a public holiday?
Latvia, Iceland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Montenegro, Guatemala, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Faroe Islands and 1 more.
What's closed on Christmas Eve?
In countries where it's a public holiday: banks, government offices and most shops close, and public transport shifts to a weekend timetable. Museums and attractions vary — check each one.
Is it a good time to travel around Christmas Eve?
From the afternoon of the 24th cities empty fast. Buy food and supplies by the morning — from midday almost everything is shut until the 26th, sometimes the 27th.

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Holiday dates: date-holidays · Background: Around the World

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