Christian holy day · Friday, December 25, 2026
Christmas
Four weeks of waiting, candles and carols that lead to the birth of Jesus.
Say it like a neighbor
Merry Christmas
Say: MEH-ree KRISS-mus · in Spanish: Feliz Navidad (feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD)
If you are not sure whether someone celebrates, “Happy holidays” is a warm, safe choice. If you know they do, “Merry Christmas” will land beautifully.
Dec 25
Tap to light the first candle.
When is Christmas? Key dates and days to know
Main day
Christmas is December 25 for most Christians. Orthodox churches that keep the older calendar celebrate on January 7. See our Orthodox Christmas toolkit.
What is Christmas and what does it mean?
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, whom Christians believe is the Son of God, born as a baby in Bethlehem. With Easter, it is one of the two most important days of the Christian year.
The season is about hope, peace, joy and love, and about God coming close to ordinary people. Many families also keep older and non-religious traditions such as trees, gifts and Santa Claus.
Good to know: Muslims also honor Jesus (Isa) as a prophet, and the Qur’an has a whole chapter named for his mother, Mary (Maryam).
How is Christmas celebrated? Customs and traditions
Advent
The four weeks before Christmas are a season of waiting. Many churches and homes light one more candle on an Advent wreath each Sunday (try it above), and children open Advent calendars.
Christmas Eve services
Candlelight services, carols and Midnight Mass are some of the most loved moments of the season. Each church sets its own times.
Nativity scenes
Many families set out a crèche, a small scene of the stable in Bethlehem with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. The wise men are often added later, at Epiphany.
Las Posadas
Nine nights of processions from December 16 to 24 that act out Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. A beloved tradition in Mexican and other Latino communities.
Carols and music
Singing carols at church, at home or door to door is a Christmas staple.
Trees, lights and gifts
Evergreen trees, string lights and gift-giving grew up alongside the religious traditions. Many families open gifts on Christmas morning or Christmas Eve.
A shared meal
Families gather for a feast. What is on the table depends on the culture: tamales in many Texas homes, turkey or ham in others.
Being a good neighbor at Christmas
Tap each one as you go.
Christmas in Houston: how neighbors can take part
16 years of Muslim-Jewish Christmas in Houston
Houston is often named among America’s most diverse big cities, and Christmas here is celebrated in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and many other languages.
On Christmas Eve, Muslims, Jews and people of other faiths gather in Houston for a shared meal and a conversation on a chosen theme at Bridges’ Muslim-Jewish Christmas. It has run in Houston for 16 years.
Every church sets its own Christmas Eve and Christmas Day schedule. Check the website of a church near you.
Christmas events in Houston
Church schedules for 2026 are set by each congregation. Please check with them directly.
Questions neighbors ask about Christmas
When is Christmas 2026?
Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026, and Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24. The season starts with Advent on November 29.
Do all Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25?
Most Western churches do. Many Orthodox churches that follow the older Julian calendar celebrate on January 7. Our Orthodox Christmas toolkit explains that tradition.
Is it okay to say Merry Christmas to a neighbor of another faith?
Many people welcome it as a friendly wish. If you aren’t sure, “Happy holidays” is a safe choice, or you can simply ask what the person celebrates.
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