Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve: when in 2026, as celebrated in Russia

Christmas Eve, or the Eve of the Nativity of Christ, is the culmination of a 40—day fast, a day of strict abstinence and prayer, followed by Christmas on January 7, one of the twelve great holidays celebrating the incarnation of God on earth. In 2026, when the holiday falls on Tuesday, Russians traditionally combine ancient rituals with family dinners, carols and Christmas tree decorations, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity. For more information about dates, history, and unique traditions, see the Izvestia article.

Dates of celebration in 2026: from Christmas Eve to Christmas

In 2026, Christmas Eve will fall on Monday, January 6, and Christmas Eve will fall on Tuesday, January 7. These dates are fixed according to the Julian calendar, which is used by the Orthodox Church. The pre—feast begins on January 4 (Saturday), and the post-feast lasts 11 days until January 17, when the Circumcision of the Lord and the memory of St. Basil the Great are celebrated.

The Christmas fast, which precedes these days, starts on November 28, 2025 and ends exactly on Christmas Eve in the evening. In 2026, January 7 will be a day off according to Russian labor law, which will allow many families to dedicate it to church services and family traditions.

The history of the Christmas holiday

Christmas is one of the most ancient and significant holidays in the Christian world, rooted in the events described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. According to the holy text, in the small town of Bethlehem, in the squalid manger of a cave, where Mary and Joseph came because of the population census announced by the Roman emperor Augustus, a Baby was born — the Son of God, incarnated for the salvation of mankind. The angels announced this to the shepherds: "Today a Savior has been born to you in the city of David, who is Christ the Lord" (Lk 2:11), and the magi came from the East, led by an extraordinary star, and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, recognizing in the newborn the King, God, and Sacrifice.

The first Christians did not celebrate Christ's birthday separately: Easter, the Day of Resurrection, was more important to them. However, already in the II–III centuries, the memory of the event of the incarnation of God appeared in the Eastern Church. In the East, the holiday was first combined with the Epiphany of the Lord and was called by the common name Epiphany (January 6 according to the Julian calendar). The final separation of Christmas and Epiphany occurred in the fourth century: the Roman Church finally approved December 25, and the Eastern Church approved January 6-7, according to the old style.

The main traditions of Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is famous for a special fast until the first star, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. At this time, families gather at a festive table, where 12 lenten dishes are traditionally served, symbolizing the 12 apostles. In the evening, everyone goes to the church for the Christmas Service, where troparia and canons are sung, glorifying the birth of Christ.

Christmas services and rituals

On the night of January 6-7, the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated in Russian churches, one of the most solemn services of the year. During the service, passes and troparia are read, reminding of the significance of the event and spiritual renewal. After the Liturgy, many believers receive Holy Communion and are sprinkled with holy water.