Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas observed by many Christian churches. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. In 2026, Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, and lasts 26 days. In 2027, it begins on Sunday, November 28. The word comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival".
Advent dates
| Sunday | 2026 | 2027 | Wreath candle (common tradition) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Sunday of Advent | November 29 | November 28 | Hope (purple) |
| 2nd Sunday of Advent | December 6 | December 5 | Peace (purple) |
| 3rd Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) | December 13 | December 12 | Joy (pink or rose) |
| 4th Sunday of Advent | December 20 | December 19 | Love (purple) |
| Christmas Eve (Advent ends) | Thursday, December 24 | Friday, December 24 | — |
Because the start date depends on which weekday Christmas falls on, Advent always begins between November 27 and December 3, and lasts from 22 to 28 days. Count down with days until Advent.
What Advent is about
In Western churches, including the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Methodist traditions, Advent marks the start of the church year. It looks in two directions: back to the birth of Jesus, and forward to his promised return. Traditionally it was a quieter, reflective time with fasting, which is why purple, the color of penitence, is used. The mood lightens on the third Sunday, Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday, marked by a rose-colored candle.
Eastern Orthodox churches observe a longer period called the Nativity Fast, which usually begins on November 15 and lasts 40 days. In churches that follow the Julian calendar for feast days, that's November 28 on the Gregorian calendar, leading up to Christmas on January 7.
Advent traditions
The Advent wreath
An evergreen circle holding four candles, one lit on each Sunday, often with a white "Christ candle" in the center lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The modern wreath is usually traced to Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Lutheran pastor in Hamburg, who in the 1830s made a large wooden ring with candles to help children count the days to Christmas. Colors and meanings vary by church; some use blue instead of purple.
The Advent calendar
German families in the 1800s counted down to Christmas by chalking marks on doors or lighting a candle each day. The first printed Advent calendars appeared in Germany in the early 1900s, and the publisher Gerhard Lang is often credited with popularizing them, including versions with little doors to open. Chocolate calendars became widespread in the 1950s and 1960s.
Most Advent calendars run from December 1 to December 24, regardless of when Advent actually begins, so they're a 24-day countdown. Today you can find calendars filled with toys, tea, beauty products, puzzles and even socks.
St. Nicholas Day
On December 6, children in Germany, the Netherlands and many other countries, and in some US communities, put out shoes or stockings that are filled with small gifts overnight in honor of St. Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop behind the Santa Claus legend.
Other customs
- Jesse tree: an ornament for each day that tells a story from the Bible's lineage leading to Jesus.
- Las Posadas: in Mexico and many Hispanic communities in the US, nine nights of processions from December 16 to 24 reenact Mary and Joseph's search for lodging.
- Lessons and Carols: services of readings and music, especially in Anglican churches.
- Advent of kindness: a modern tradition of one good deed or donation for each day of December.
Advent vs Christmas season
In stores, the "Christmas season" starts after Thanksgiving, roughly when Advent begins. Liturgically, though, Christmas only starts on December 25 and continues for twelve days until Epiphany on January 6. That's where the "Twelve Days of Christmas" come from. See days until Epiphany and our article on why Christmas is on December 25.
Make your own countdown: kids love sleeps until Christmas, and the custom countdown lets you create a shareable timer for any December date.
Frequently asked questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Sunday, November 29, 2026.
How long is Advent in 2026?
26 days, from November 29 through December 24.
Why are Advent candles purple and pink?
Purple traditionally signifies preparation and penitence. The pink or rose candle marks the third Sunday, a day of joy.
Do Advent calendars start on the first Sunday of Advent?
Most commercial calendars start on December 1, but some church calendars begin on the first Sunday of Advent.