How the Christmas countdown works
The countdown runs to midnight at the start of December 25 in your time zone. The big number counts calendar days, so on Christmas Eve it shows 1.
The tiles show the exact time left, down to the second. Press Full screen to put the countdown on a TV or a classroom screen.
Counting sleeps
A sleep is one night. “Six more sleeps” is a cozy way to picture the wait, and the number matches the days left.
Many advent calendars start on December 1 with 24 doors, one for each day until Christmas Eve. Opening the countdown each evening works the same way.
A simple Christmas planning timeline
- Early November: write the gift list and set a budget.
- Late November: order gifts that need shipping and book any travel.
- Early December: send cards and parcels to family far away.
- Mid December: plan the Christmas meal and buy food that keeps.
- Christmas Eve: wrap the last gifts and set out what you need for the morning.
Christmas around the world
Most countries celebrate on December 25, and in parts of Europe, such as Germany and Poland, the main celebration is on Christmas Eve. Many Orthodox churches follow the Julian calendar and celebrate on January 7.
Questions and answers
How many days until Christmas?
There are 64 days until Christmas 2026, which falls on Friday, December 25, 2026. The countdown on this page updates every second in your time zone.
What day of the week is Christmas 2026?
Christmas 2026 falls on Friday, December 25, 2026. The table on this page lists the day of the week for the next five years.
How do I count sleeps until Christmas?
Count the nights left. On Christmas Eve there is one sleep to go, and the number on this page matches the sleeps.
Is Christmas always on December 25?
In most countries, yes. Many Orthodox churches use the Julian calendar and celebrate Christmas on January 7.
When are the 12 days of Christmas?
Traditionally they start on Christmas Day, December 25, and end on January 5, the evening before Epiphany on January 6.
Can I show the countdown on a TV?
Yes. Press Full screen on the countdown card, then cast or mirror the browser tab to the TV.