Christmas Countdown 2026
How many days until Christmas? The live answer, ticking down by the second:
until Christmas Day — 25 December 2026
How many days until Christmas?
There are 42 days until Christmas Day — that is 6 full weeks and 0 more days, or 42 sleeps to go. Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, 25 December 2026, and the countdown above counts down to the very start of that day, midnight local time.
Key dates for the festive season
Christmas is more than one day. Here are the dates everyone asks about, so you can plan the food, the travels and the time off:
Christmas Eve — the night Santa sets off. Stockings up, carrots out for the reindeer.
Christmas Day — the big day itself. Presents, feasting and the people you love most.
Boxing Day — leftovers, long walks, sales and a slower pace across the UK, Canada, Australia and beyond.
New Year's Day — one week after Christmas, the festive season rolls straight into a brand new year.
Countdown questions, answered
When is Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 is Friday, 25 December 2026 — the countdown on this page runs to the very start of that day, midnight local time.
How many days are there until Christmas?
There are 42 days until Christmas Day (Friday, 25 December 2026). The live timer at the top of this page counts the exact days, hours, minutes and seconds in real time.
How many sleeps are there until Christmas?
42 sleeps. Children count the nights rather than the days, and each sleep is one night closer to Christmas morning.
When are Christmas Eve and Boxing Day 2026?
Christmas Eve is Thursday, 24 December 2026 and Boxing Day is Saturday, 26 December 2026. New Year's Day follows one week after Christmas, on Friday, 1 January 2027.
Make the wait more fun
Counting down is only half the fun. While the clock ticks, why not make a Christmas card for someone who would love to hear from you, find the perfect words in our Christmas wishes library, or discover your elf name and challenge the whole family to find theirs? The days fly by faster when you are spreading joy.