How many days until Christmas?
There are -- days left until Christmas Day 2026, which falls on a Friday. The countdown above updates every second and runs on your device's local time zone, so it reaches zero at midnight on December 25 wherever you are in the world.
How many sleeps until Christmas?
"Sleeps" counts the nights left before Christmas morning, which is how many children like to count down. Tonight counts as one sleep, so on Christmas Eve there is just one sleep to go. Put this page in full-screen mode on a TV or tablet and let the kids watch the number go down each day.
Ways to use this countdown
- Classrooms: project it on the board during the last weeks of term.
- Offices and parties: show it on a spare screen to build the festive mood.
- Family planning: keep it open while you plan gifts, travel and meals.
- Shopping deadlines: check your carrier's last shipping dates and work backwards from the days remaining.
A simple Christmas planning timeline
- 6 weeks out: set your budget and write your gift list.
- 4 weeks out: order online gifts and book any travel.
- 2 weeks out: send cards, plan the menu and buy decorations.
- 1 week out: wrap presents and shop for fresh food.
- Christmas Eve: relax, you made it.
Counting down with kids and classes
Young children find "days" hard to picture, so lean on the sleeps number. Make checking it part of the bedtime routine: one sleep gone, one link torn off a paper chain. In a classroom, let a different child read the number aloud each morning and work out how many school days are left before the holidays. Older pupils can convert the countdown into hours or minutes for quick maths practice.
Advent-style ideas for each day
If you don't have an advent calendar, pair each remaining day with a small activity instead:
- Make a card for a neighbour or grandparent.
- Bake and decorate biscuits together.
- Walk or drive around to look at the lights.
- Pick a toy or book to donate.
- Read a winter story by torchlight.
- Write a thank-you note to a teacher or delivery driver.
Last 48 hours checklist
- Batteries for new toys and gadgets, plus a charged phone for photos.
- Defrosting and cooking times for the main dish, worked out backwards from when you want to eat.
- Shop opening hours for Christmas Eve, which are often shorter.
- Sticky tape, labels, gift receipts and a spare present or two for unexpected guests.
- Any dietary needs for visitors, confirmed before the final shop.
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas 2026?
Christmas Day is December 25, 2026, a Friday. Christmas Eve is the day before, December 24.
Which time zone does the countdown use?
Your own device's time zone. If you're in New York, it counts to midnight in New York; in London, to midnight in London.
What happens on Christmas Day?
The page shows a Merry Christmas message for the whole day. On December 26 it automatically starts counting down to next Christmas.
Can I show the countdown full screen?
Yes. Tap the Full screen button. Some phone browsers don't support full-screen mode; if the button doesn't appear, turn your phone sideways for a bigger view.