The Christian year

When is Advent?

Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and the season runs to Christmas Eve. In 2027, Advent begins on Sunday, November 28, 2027.

Advent dates, 2026 to 2035

The four Sundays of Advent in 2026

The four Sundays of Advent in 2027

Why does Advent start on a different date each year?

Advent always has four Sundays, and the fourth is the last Sunday before Christmas Day. Because December 25 falls on a different day of the week each year, the first Sunday of Advent moves too: it is never earlier than November 27 and never later than December 3. In 2026 Christmas Day is a Friday, so Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026; in 2027 Christmas Day is a Saturday, so Advent begins on Sunday, November 28, 2027. The first Sunday of Advent is also the first day of the Christian year, so the Church begins every year by waiting for Christ.

How long is Advent?

Advent is four Sundays long, but the number of days changes: from twenty two to twenty eight, depending on how close the fourth Sunday falls to Christmas. Many households light one candle on an Advent wreath for each Sunday, so the light grows as Christmas draws near.

The whole year: the 2026 calendar · the 2027 calendar · When is Christmas? · Christ the King Sunday

What is Advent?

Advent is the beginning of the Christian year, the four weeks before Christmas spent waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ, both his birth in Bethlehem and his promised return. It is a season of hope kept in the dark, lighting one candle at a time as the light draws near.

In the Word

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

How it is observed

It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, often marked with an Advent wreath and a candle each week.

Advent Sunday is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day; the date shown is that first Sunday.

Questions people ask

When does Advent start in 2026?

Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026, the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

When is Advent in 2027?

In 2027, Advent falls on Sunday, November 28, 2027.

What is Advent?

Advent is the beginning of the Christian year, the four weeks before Christmas spent waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ, both his birth in Bethlehem and his promised return.

Why does Advent start on a different date each year?

Advent always has four Sundays and the fourth is the last Sunday before Christmas Day, so the first Sunday of Advent moves with the weekday of December 25, between November 27 and December 3.

Related: Christmas · Epiphany · The 2026 calendar