Christian season · Begins Sunday, November 29, 2026
Advent
Four Sundays of waiting and hope before Christmas, marked by candles, carols and the lighting of a wreath.
Say it like a neighbor
Blessed Advent
Say: AD-vent · from the Latin for “coming”
Or say: Happy Advent
There is no set greeting. “Blessed Advent” and “Happy Advent” are common among people who keep the season. Advent is a quieter time of preparation, so some friends will wait to say “Merry Christmas” until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Nov 29
Advent is a season of waiting and hope before Christmas. Tap to light the candles of the Advent wreath.
When is Advent? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Main day
Advent begins on the Sunday between November 27 and December 3, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, so it lasts between 22 and 28 days. In 2026 it runs from November 29 to December 24, and in 2027 it begins on November 28. Many Eastern churches keep a separate 40-day Nativity Fast instead.
What is Advent and what does it mean?
Advent, from the Latin for “coming,” is the Christian season of preparing for Christmas. Western churches begin it on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which is also the start of the church year, and it runs through Christmas Eve. In 2026 that means November 29 through December 24.
The season looks back to the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and forward to the Christian hope that he will come again. Its mood is quiet and hopeful rather than festive. Churches use purple or blue, many wait to decorate fully for Christmas, and some hold off on Christmas carols until Christmas Eve. The third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, brings rose and a note of joy.
Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and many other churches keep Advent. Many Eastern churches observe the Nativity Fast, a 40-day period of penance before Christmas, instead.
How is Advent observed? Customs and traditions
The Advent wreath
A circle of evergreens with four candles, one lit on each Sunday of Advent. Three are usually purple or blue and one is rose, for the third Sunday. Many churches name the candles hope, peace, joy and love, though the names vary. Some add a white Christ candle in the center to light on Christmas.
Advent calendars
Calendars with a door or pocket for each day count down to Christmas, often starting on December 1. Some hide a picture, a Bible verse, a small gift or a piece of chocolate.
Colors
Roman Catholic churches traditionally use violet in Advent, many Protestant churches use blue or purple, and rose marks the third Sunday.
Gaudete Sunday
The third Sunday takes its name from a Latin word meaning “rejoice.” A rose candle is lit, and some churches wear rose vestments, to mark the halfway point.
Lessons and Carols
Many churches hold a candlelit service of Scripture readings and carols. Christ Church Cathedral in Houston has held its Advent Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m. on the second Sunday in recent years.
Las Posadas
In Latino communities, nine evenings from December 16 to 24 re-create Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Neighbors walk from door to door in procession, singing, and are welcomed at the last stop with food.
St. Nicholas and giving
December 6 is St. Nicholas Day, when children in many European traditions receive small gifts and treats. Advent is also a common time for food drives, toy collections and other giving.
Being a good neighbor during Advent
Tap each one as you go.
Advent in Houston: how neighbors can take part
Houston churches mark Advent with candlelight, carols and Las Posadas
Churches of many traditions in Houston mark Advent. Christ Church Cathedral, an Episcopal church downtown at 1117 Texas Avenue, has held Advent wreath-making on the first Sunday and an Advent Lessons and Carols service at 5 p.m. on the second Sunday in recent years.
Prince of Peace Catholic Church has hosted a free Advent Lessons and Carols concert by the Houston Cecilia Chamber Choir, and many parishes celebrate Las Posadas, the nine-night Latino tradition, in the days before Christmas.
The 2026 Advent schedules had not all been posted when we checked, so please check with the church before you go.
Advent events in Houston
Houston churches set their own schedules. Please check with the church before you go. Visitors are welcome at most services.
Questions neighbors ask about Advent
When is Advent 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29 and runs through Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. It is also the start of the church year for many Western churches.
Is it okay to say Merry Christmas during Advent?
Some Christians wait to say “Merry Christmas” until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, because Advent is a season of preparation. “Blessed Advent” is a good greeting for friends who observe it.
What is an Advent wreath?
It is a wreath with four candles, one lit on each Sunday of Advent, often with a fifth candle for Christmas. Families and churches light them with prayers and readings as Christmas gets closer.
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