Christmas 2026 · Friday, Dec 25
Have yourself a
merry little Christmas.
Your American Christmas guide — gift ideas, cookie recipes, tree care, light displays in every state, carols and the stories behind the season.
Start here
Plan your Christmas
Mark your calendar
Christmas countdown
Days until Christmas, the day of the week for the next 8 years and key December dates
See the countdown →
For the kids
Write a letter to Santa
Fill in the blanks, pick a design and print it — free
Start a letter →Fun & free tools
Plan, play & print
Holiday road trip
Christmas lights in all 50 states
Drive-through light shows, zoo and garden lights, Christmas markets and holiday towns — find the best displays near you.
Explore the light map →Advertisement
Christmas planning timeline
Your holiday to-do list
- NovSet a gift budget and listPlan how much to spend per person — gift budget planner
- 🦃Thanksgiving weekend: get the treeMeasure first and choose a fresh one — tree & lights calculator
- DecDraw names and ship earlyRun your gift exchange — Secret Santa generator; check carrier holiday deadlines
- MidBake, decorate and see the lightsCookie recipes and light displays near you
- 24Christmas EveCookies for Santa and tracking his sleigh
Shop the season
Popular gifts on Amazon
Top picks across beauty, tech, home and fashion — see today’s prices on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read, bake, watch
More from the Christmas library
History
Nativity to Main Street
Santa Claus
Bishop to North Pole
Traditions
Why we hang stockings
Around the World
Twelve ways to celebrate
Decorating
Deck the halls safely
Dinner
Feast without the stress
Movies
Holiday films worth rewatching
Carols
Lyrics and the stories behind
NORAD Santa Tracker
Following Santa’s sleigh
Advent
Counting down, day by day
Family Activities
Fun for every age
Gift Guide
Thoughtful gifts, sane budget
Christmas Eve
The most magical night
Christmas FAQ
What day is Christmas 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25.
Is Christmas a federal holiday in the U.S.?
Yes. Christmas Day has been a federal holiday since 1870. When December 25 falls on a weekend, federal employees usually get the nearest weekday off.
When should I put up my Christmas tree?
Many American families decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving. A fresh-cut tree that is watered daily usually stays fresh for about four to five weeks.
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