How Many Days Until Christmas 2026? Live Countdown, Gift and Food Ideas
Live Christmas countdown · Friday, December 25, 2026
There are 66 days until Christmas. Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, December 25, and this clock counts down every second to midnight on Christmas morning in your own time zone.
The first door opens on Tuesday, December 1.
Last updated: October 26, 2026. Dates and deadlines on this page were checked against the official sources listed at the end. The countdown runs in your own time zone. How we check facts
On this page
- Sleeps until Christmas
- Weeks and weekdays
- Key dates 2026
- A Friday Christmas
- Day-of-week history
- Christmas plan
- Gift ideas
- Christmas dinner mains
- Side dishes
- Desserts
- Cookies and baking
- Party snacks
- Christmas breakfast
- Classic American menu
- Vegetarian ideas
- Christmas drinks
- Food make-ahead plan
- Food on a budget
- Leftovers
- Fun countdown ideas
- Around the world
- Make your own
- FAQ
How Many Sleeps Until Christmas?
Children rarely ask how many days are left. They ask how many sleeps. A sleep is one night in bed, so the number of sleeps until Christmas is the number of nights between tonight and Christmas morning. Right now there are 66 sleeps until Christmas.
Our sleep count works the simple way most families use: if you go to bed tonight, that is one sleep, and the last sleep is Christmas Eve. When the countdown reaches one sleep, Santa is on his way.
Days left until Christmas vs. sleeps
The days until Christmas figure on the clock counts full 24-hour days to midnight on December 25. The sleeps number rounds up to whole nights. During the day they usually match. After midnight the days figure drops first, and you lose a sleep when you wake up.
Christmas Countdown in Weeks, Weekdays and Weekends
Days are not the only way to count. If you work, study or shop on a schedule, it helps to know how many weeks until Christmas, and how many of those days are weekdays or weekends.
Weekdays remaining before Christmas
Weekdays are Monday to Friday, counted from tomorrow up to Christmas Eve. This is a useful figure for working days until Christmas, but it does not take out public holidays such as Thanksgiving, so your own number of working days may be a little lower.
Shopping days left until Christmas
Shopping days count today through Christmas Eve, since most stores close or cut their hours on December 25. Online orders need extra time for delivery, so your real deadline for buying gifts online is earlier. See the shipping notes below.
Christmas 2026 Key Dates
Here are the dates that matter most in the run-up to Christmas Day 2026, with the day of the week for each one.
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| October 31, 2026 | Saturday | Halloween |
| November 26, 2026 | Thursday | Thanksgiving (US) |
| November 27, 2026 | Friday | Black Friday |
| November 29, 2026 | Sunday | First Sunday of Advent |
| November 30, 2026 | Monday | Cyber Monday |
| December 1, 2026 | Tuesday | First door of the advent calendar |
| December 6, 2026 | Sunday | St. Nicholas Day |
| December 21, 2026 | Monday | Winter solstice, shortest day (Northern Hemisphere) |
| December 24, 2026 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| December 25, 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Kwanzaa begins; after-Christmas sales |
| December 31, 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Eve |
| January 6, 2027 | Wednesday | Epiphany / Three Kings' Day |
| January 7, 2027 | Thursday | Orthodox Christmas |
USPS Christmas shipping deadlines 2026
These are the recommended "send by" dates the US Postal Service published for delivery by December 25, 2026, checked on the official USPS page on October 26, 2026.
| Service | Send by |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | Thursday, December 17 |
| First-Class Mail | Thursday, December 17 |
| Priority Mail | Friday, December 18 |
| Priority Mail Express | Saturday, December 19 |
| International mail and Priority Mail International | Wednesday, December 9 |
| Priority Mail Express International | Wednesday, December 16 |
| Military APO/FPO/DPO (Ground Advantage) | Wednesday, November 4 |
Source: USPS holiday shipping dates. Actual delivery depends on where you send from and to, so post a day or two early to be safe.
UPS, FedEx and Amazon
UPS, FedEx and Amazon publish their own holiday shipping deadlines each fall. As a rule, ground shipping needs about a week before Christmas, while 2-day and overnight services let you order a little later for an extra fee. Always check the carrier's official page before you order.
What a Friday Christmas Means for Your Plans
Christmas Day 2026 lands on a Friday, which gives many people a natural three-day weekend from Friday, December 25 to Sunday, December 27. Christmas is a federal holiday, so banks, post offices and most offices are closed on Friday, and many schools are already on winter break.
Christmas Eve is a Thursday, so many offices close early that afternoon. New Year's Day 2027 is also a Friday, which creates a second long weekend a week later. Taking the four working days between them (December 28 to 31) off gives you a ten-day break. Expect travel, flights and hotels around those dates to book up early.
Christmas Day-of-Week History (2024–2030)
Christmas moves one weekday later each year, and two after a February 29. That is why 2028 jumps from Saturday straight to Monday.
| Year | Christmas Day falls on |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | Thursday |
| 2026 | Friday |
| 2027 | Saturday |
| 2028 | Monday (leap year) |
| 2029 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | Wednesday |
Turn the Countdown into a Christmas Plan
A countdown is most useful when it tells you what to do next. Here is a simple timeline built around the days left until Christmas.
Christmas gift planning ideas
- 8 weeks out: write your gift list and set a budget for each person.
- Black Friday weekend: buy the big-ticket gifts while sales are on.
- 3 weeks out: post cards and international parcels.
- 10 days out: place your last standard-delivery online orders.
- Final week: wrap gifts, pick up anything local, and keep the evenings free.
Holiday budget tracker
Split your Christmas budget into four parts: gifts, food, decorations and travel. Write down each purchase as you go. Most overspending happens in the last ten days, when shopping is rushed, so having a number to check against helps.
Christmas recipe ideas
Many dishes can be made ahead. Pie crusts and cookie dough can be made weeks early and frozen, and so can gravy. Plan the Christmas dinner menu about two weeks before, and order your turkey or ham early, since popular sizes sell out. For full menus, desserts and a make-ahead plan, see the Christmas food ideas below.
Christmas Gift Ideas for 2026
Not sure what to buy? These Christmas gift ideas are grouped by who you are shopping for, with options at every budget. Start early: with 66 shopping days left, you have time to compare prices and catch the Black Friday sales.
Gifts kids will play with
- LEGO or building sets
- Art and craft kits
- Board games for family nights
- Picture books and first chapter books
- Outdoor toys such as a scooter or kite
Christmas gifts for her
- Cozy pajamas or a soft throw blanket
- Skincare or a scented candle set
- Personalized jewelry with initials
- A spa day or cooking class gift card
Christmas gifts for him
- Wireless earbuds or a smart watch strap
- A quality wallet or leather belt
- Grooming kit
- Tickets to an NFL or NBA game, or a concert
Gifts for mom and dad
- A printed photo book of the year
- A digital photo frame loaded with family pictures
- Gourmet food or coffee gift basket
- A day out together
Cheap Christmas gift ideas
- Christmas mugs with hot chocolate
- Novelty socks
- Mini plants or succulents
- Homemade cookies in a jar
Gifts for coworkers
- Desk plant or notebook set
- Coffee or tea sampler
- Phone stand or cable organizer
- Funny desk calendar for 2027
DIY and last-minute Christmas gifts
Missed the delivery deadline? Experience gifts and gift cards can be bought up to Christmas Eve and sent by email. Handmade gifts such as baked treats, a framed photo or a handwritten letter cost little and are often the ones people remember most.
How to choose the right Christmas present
- Think about what the person uses every day, then buy a better version of it.
- Set a budget per person before you shop, and keep it in your holiday budget tracker.
- Keep gift receipts in case something needs to be exchanged after Christmas.
Christmas food ideas
Christmas Dinner Main Course Ideas
The main dish sets the tone for the whole meal. Pick one that suits the size of your group, your oven and how much time you have on the day.
Roast turkey
Rub with butter, garlic and herbs, and baste every 45 minutes. Rest it for at least 30 minutes before carving so it stays juicy.
Whole roast chicken
Cheaper and quicker than turkey. Stuff with lemon and garlic, or roast two chickens for a bigger table.
Honey-glazed ham
Glaze with honey, mustard and orange juice. Great hot on the day and cold in sandwiches for days after.
Prime rib roast
Season with salt, pepper, garlic and rosemary. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes, then at 325°F until the center reaches 120°F for medium rare.
Baked salmon
A whole side of salmon with dill, lemon and butter is fast, festive and easy to serve.
Chicken pot pie
Make the filling a week early and freeze it. Add the pastry lid and bake on the day.
Christmas Side Dishes
Sides are what make a Christmas dinner feel generous. Choose four or five and make at least two of them ahead.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: with butter, milk and a little sour cream.
- Green bean casserole: green beans in mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.
- Brussels sprouts: pan-fry with garlic and butter, or roast until the edges crisp.
- Stuffing: bread cubes, celery, onion, sage and butter, baked in a dish so it gets a crunchy top.
- Sweet potato casserole: mashed sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows or pecans.
- Cranberry sauce: simmer cranberries with sugar and orange juice for 10 minutes. It keeps for a week.
- Gravy: made from the roasting juices, or a stock-based version made the day before.
- Baked mac and cheese and warm dinner rolls for a comforting extra.
Christmas Dessert Ideas
Pecan pie
A buttery crust filled with pecans and a sweet, gooey filling. Bake it a day ahead.
Yule log
A chocolate sponge rolled with cream and covered in chocolate icing made to look like bark.
Trifle
Layers of cake, pudding, whipped cream and berries. No baking and kids love it.
Pumpkin pie
A holiday classic with cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve with whipped cream.
Pavlova wreath
A ring of meringue topped with cream, berries and pomegranate seeds.
Chocolate mousse cups
Ready in 20 minutes and set in the fridge overnight. Top with crushed candy canes.
Christmas Cookies and Baking
Holiday baking is a lovely way to count down the days with children, and a tin of homemade cookies makes a great gift.
- Gingerbread men: cut out shapes and decorate with frosting and candy.
- Sugar cookies: stars, trees and bells with colored frosting.
- Peanut butter blossoms: soft peanut butter cookies with a chocolate kiss on top.
- Snowball cookies: nutty butter cookies rolled in powdered sugar.
- Chocolate crinkle cookies: soft, fudgy and cracked white on top.
- Cinnamon rolls: perfect for Christmas morning. Shape the night before and bake fresh.
Baking tip
Most cookie doughs freeze well for up to three months. Roll the dough into logs, wrap and freeze, then slice and bake whenever guests arrive.
Christmas Party Snacks and Finger Food
- Christmas tree shaped pizza or pull-apart garlic bread
- Cheese board with crackers, grapes, salami and fig jam
- Pigs in a blanket and deviled eggs
- Slow-cooker meatballs or buffalo chicken dip
- Spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips
- Caprese skewers with tomato, mozzarella and basil (red, white and green)
- Popcorn with cinnamon sugar or caramel
- Fruit platter shaped like a Christmas tree
Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas
Keep breakfast simple so presents can come first. These can mostly be prepared the night before.
- Overnight French toast bake with cinnamon and maple syrup
- Pancakes cut into star and tree shapes
- Egg and cheese muffins baked in a muffin tray
- Breakfast casserole with eggs, sausage, cheese and hash browns
- Yogurt parfait with granola, berries and pomegranate
Vegetarian and Vegan Christmas Ideas
- Mushroom and spinach Wellington: wrapped in puff pastry, a real centerpiece.
- Nut roast: lentils, nuts and herbs baked in a loaf tin.
- Stuffed butternut squash with rice, cranberries and feta.
- Baked mac and cheese or a vegetable lasagna for a crowd.
- Vegan gravy: use vegetable stock, onions and soy sauce.
Christmas Drinks
- Hot chocolate bar: cocoa with marshmallows, whipped cream and candy canes.
- Mulled apple juice: warm apple juice with cinnamon, cloves and orange slices.
- Cranberry sparkler: cranberry juice, soda water and fresh mint.
- Eggnog: a creamy, spiced milk drink, served chilled.
- Hot apple cider: warm cider with cinnamon sticks, perfect on a cold evening.
Christmas Food Make-Ahead Plan
Spread the cooking over a few weeks so Christmas Day is calm. With 66 days left, you have plenty of time.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks before | Make and freeze pie crusts |
| 4 weeks before | Plan the menu and order your turkey or meat |
| 2–3 weeks before | Make and freeze cookie dough and casseroles |
| 1 week before | Make cranberry sauce; buy dry goods and drinks |
| 2 days before | Thaw a frozen turkey in the fridge; make gravy and desserts |
| Christmas Eve | Peel vegetables, make stuffing, set the table |
| Christmas Day | Roast the main, cook sides, reheat gravy, enjoy |
Christmas Food on a Budget
- Choose chicken instead of turkey, or one large dish like lasagna or a baked ziti that feeds many people.
- Make it a potluck and ask guests to bring a dish each, so the cost and work are shared.
- Buy dry goods (flour, sugar, nuts, spices) early when they are on offer.
- Make desserts and cookies at home instead of buying them.
- Write a shopping list from your menu and stick to it.
What to Do with Christmas Leftovers
- Turkey or chicken sandwiches with cranberry sauce
- Turkey pot pie: leftover meat and vegetables under a pie crust
- Mashed potato pancakes: fry leftover mash until golden and crispy
- Soup: boil the carcass for stock, then add vegetables and noodles
- Trifle from leftover cake
Cool leftovers within two hours, keep them in the fridge, and eat them within three days.
Fun Ways to Count Down the Days
- Advent calendar: open one door a day from December 1 to 24. Our strip above opens doors for you as the days pass.
- Paper chain: make one link for every sleep left and tear one off each night.
- Christmas book countdown: wrap 24 books and read one each evening in December.
- Kindness calendar: do one small good deed a day, like baking for a neighbour or donating a toy.
- Movie countdown: watch one Christmas film every weekend from late November.
- Milestones: celebrate 100 days to Christmas, 50 days, and the final 12 days of Christmas.
Christmas Customs and Dates Around the World
Most of the world celebrates Christmas on December 25, but the date and the traditions vary.
- Orthodox Christmas: churches that follow the Julian calendar, including in Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia and Egypt, celebrate on January 7.
- Germany and much of Europe: families open presents on Christmas Eve, December 24.
- The Philippines: the season starts in September, one of the longest Christmas countdowns anywhere.
- Iceland: the 13 Yule Lads arrive one by one on the 13 nights before Christmas.
- Australia: Christmas falls in summer, so lunch at the beach is common.
- United States: many families put up the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving, and the Rockefeller Center tree lighting in New York kicks off the season in early December.
Make Your Own Christmas Countdown
Add a name to make a personalized Christmas countdown, then copy the message to send to family and friends.
Emma, only 66 days until Christmas!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days until Christmas?
There are 66 days until Christmas 2026. The clock at the top of this page counts the exact days, hours, minutes and seconds to midnight on December 25 in your time zone.
How many sleeps until Christmas?
There are 66 sleeps until Christmas. Each night you go to bed counts as one sleep, and Christmas Eve is the last one.
What day is Christmas 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 is on Friday, December 25. Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24, and New Year's Eve is Thursday, December 31.
How many weeks until Christmas?
There are 9 weeks 3 days until Christmas.
How many weekdays and working days are left until Christmas?
There are 47 weekdays (Monday to Friday) left before Christmas Eve. Subtract any public holidays where you live to get your working days.
What are good Christmas gift ideas for 2026?
Popular choices include LEGO and board games for kids, personalized jewelry and cozy pajamas for her, earbuds and grooming kits for him, and photo books for parents. See the Christmas gift ideas section above for more by budget.
When does the Christmas countdown start?
You can count down any time, but many Americans start the day after Thanksgiving. Popular milestones are 100 days to Christmas (mid-September) and the first day of Advent, which is Sunday, November 29 in 2026.
Why does Christmas fall on a different weekday each year?
A normal year has 365 days, which is 52 weeks plus one day, so Christmas moves forward one weekday each year. In a leap year it moves forward two days.
What is a traditional Christmas dinner?
Usually a roast turkey or glazed ham with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, gravy and cranberry sauce, followed by pumpkin pie, pecan pie or Christmas cookies.
What Christmas food can I make ahead?
Pie crusts, cookie dough, casseroles, gravy and cranberry sauce can all be made days or weeks ahead. Potatoes can be peeled the day before.
What can vegetarians eat for Christmas dinner?
A nut roast, a mushroom Wellington, stuffed squash or baked mac and cheese all work well. Most sides are vegetarian if you use vegetable stock.
How much turkey do I need per person?
Allow about 1 to 1.5 pounds of whole turkey per person, a little more if you want leftovers.
What are easy Christmas party snacks?
Pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs, spinach artichoke dip, meatballs, a Christmas tree pizza and a cheese board are all quick and popular.
Sources
We checked the dates on this page against these official sources on October 26, 2026. Carriers can change their deadlines, so please confirm on the official page before you ship.
- USPS: 2026 Holiday Shipping Deadlines: domestic, international and military send-by dates for delivery by December 25
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Federal Holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day dates
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