Christmas Eve, December 24, is the evening before Christmas, with church services, family dinners and last-minute preparations. It is not a federal holiday, though many businesses close early.
Christmas Eve 2026 falls on Thursday, December 24.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No. Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday in the US, so government offices, banks and schools follow their normal schedule unless they choose otherwise.
Why does the date of Christmas Eve change each year?
The date stays the same; only the weekday moves. A common year has 52 weeks and one day, so a fixed date moves one weekday later each year, and two after February 29.