Advent 2026 starts on Sunday, November 29, 2026. It runs for four Sundays until Christmas Eve.
Days and sleeps left
Advent dates
Year
Advent 1
Advent 2
Advent 3
Advent 4
Christmas Day
2026
November 29
December 6
December 13
December 20
Friday
2027
November 28
December 5
December 12
December 19
Saturday
2028
December 3
December 10
December 17
December 24
Monday
2029
December 2
December 9
December 16
December 23
Tuesday
2030
December 1
December 8
December 15
December 22
Wednesday
How the date works
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day (the Sunday closest to November 30, St Andrew’s Day). That puts the first Sunday of Advent between November 27 and December 3.
Western churches count four Sundays of Advent. The length of Advent changes from 22 to 28 days depending on which weekday Christmas Day falls on.
Advent calendars with 24 doors usually start on December 1 and end on Christmas Eve, whatever the weekday. Only the church season follows the Sundays. In 2026 the first Sunday of Advent (November 29) comes two days before December 1.
Orthodox churches use a separate Nativity fast that starts on November 15 and runs to Christmas on January 7 (Julian calendar dates).
FAQ
When does Advent start in 2026?
Sunday, November 29, 2026.
When does Advent start in 2027?
Sunday, November 28, 2027.
When does Advent start in 2028?
Sunday, December 3, 2028.
How many Sundays are in Advent?
Four. Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.
When should I open the first Advent calendar door?
Most 24-door calendars start on December 1 and end on Christmas Eve, December 24.