When Does Advent Start in 2026? Dates and Calendar Types Explained
Advent 2026 starts on Sunday 29 November 2026, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and runs to Christmas Eve. Most shop-bought advent calendars ignore that date and run from 1 to 24 December, because the church start date moves each year between 27 November and 3 December.
Key facts
- First Sunday of Advent: 29 November 2026
- Most calendars: 1–24 December (some have 25 doors)
- 12 Days of Christmas: 25 December to 5 January
- Orthodox Nativity Fast often starts 15 November
Last updated 1 Nov 2026
Advent 2026
In the Western church calendar, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. In 2026 that is Sunday 29 November 2026, and it runs to Christmas Eve. Lighting candles on a wreath? See our Advent wreath 2026 guide for all four Sunday dates and the order to light them.
Why most calendars start on 1 December
Because the liturgical start date moves each year (between 27 November and 3 December), commercial advent calendars use a fixed 1-24 December run. Some have 25 doors to include Christmas Day.
Other countdowns
- 12 Days of Christmas: traditionally from 25 December to 5 January, ending on Twelfth Night before Epiphany (6 January). Many people now use "12 days" countdowns that end on Christmas.
- Orthodox churches: many observe a 40-day Nativity Fast starting 15 November (or 28 November for churches using the Julian calendar).
When to buy or make a calendar
Popular calendars can sell out in November, sometimes earlier. See when to buy advent calendars in 2026 for a full timeline. If you are making one, start collecting fillers in early November and assemble it the last weekend of the month. Counting the days with children? Our printable Christmas countdown chart shows the sleeps left from every key date.