When is Christmas This Year? Holiday Dates for 2024

Christmas Day occurs annually on December 25th; however, the day of the week changes year to year.

Advent 2024 will start on Sunday, December 1st, and conclude on Tuesday, December 24th.

When is Christmas in 2024?

In 2024, Christmas Day will be Wednesday, December 25th. This means Christmas Eve is the day before, Tuesday, December 24th.

This year, the 12 Days of Christmas will begin on Christmas Day and end on Sunday, January 5th, 2025.

Give thanks for the Nativity of Christ with a FREE 25 Days to a Joyful Christmas Prayer Guide!

Why is Christmas on December 25th?

According to Britannica, the origins of celebrating the Nativity of Christ on December 25th go back to the 4th century:

In the 3rd century, the Roman Empire, which at the time had not adopted Christianity, celebrated the rebirth of the Unconquered Sun (Sol Invictus) on December 25th. This holiday not only marked the return of longer days after the winter solstice but also followed the popular Roman festival called the Saturnalia (during which people feasted and exchanged gifts)...The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine. As Constantine had made Christianity the effective religion of the empire, some have speculated that choosing this date had the political motive of weakening the established pagan celebrations. The date was not widely accepted in the Eastern Empire, where January 6 had been favored, for another half-century, and Christmas did not become a major Christian festival until the 9th century.

Time of Jesus' Birth in the Bible

Regarding the actual time of year for Jesus’ birth, the Bible states in Luke 2:8-9: "Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid."

According to biblical scholar Adam Clarke, it was traditional for the shepherds of that region to send their sheep to the field from the spring until the beginning of October. As the colder winter months started, the flocks would return from the pastures for refuge and warmth. Because the shepherds were still guarding their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem, it can be inferred that the angels proclaimed the message of Jesus’ birth in October at the latest. (Excerpt from Christianity.com)

Bible Readings for Christmas

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." ~ Isaiah 7:14

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6

"And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God." ~ Luke 1:35

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2:11

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." ~ John 1:14

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." ~ Luke 2:20

"And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" ~ Luke 1:46-47

Photo credit: Getty/Iuliia Bondar

This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!

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The History and Origin of Santa Claus
Christmas Prayers and Blessings

The Beautiful Meaning and Purpose of Advent
Advent Prayers
Advent Wreath & Candles Meaning
The History and Meaning of the Advent Calendar