When is Advent?
Advent is the season of expectation and preparation spanning the four Sundays before Christmas; in the Western church calendar it marks the start of the new year. Its first Sunday falls between 27 November and 3 December.
Advent — Catholic · Protestant (Western): the next date is November 29, 2026.
Greek Orthodox: not observed in this tradition.
Armenian Apostolic: not observed in this tradition.
Syriac Orthodox: not observed in this tradition.
Advent is specific to the Western (Catholic-Protestant) tradition. In the Eastern churches the corresponding preparation is the Nativity Fast, which begins on different dates (e.g. 15 November in the Byzantine tradition).
Dates year by year — Western tradition
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | — Sunday |
| 2027 | — Sunday |
| 2028 | — Sunday |
| 2029 | — Sunday |
Catholic · Protestant (Western)
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 |
Meaning and history
Advent takes its name from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming", and refers to the season spanning the four Sundays before Christmas. In the Western church calendar the year opens with this season: the first Sunday of Advent is the fourth Sunday before Christmas and falls between 27 November and 3 December, and the season ends on the evening of 24 December. Advent holds a double expectation together: preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, and remembrance of the second coming awaited in Christian belief. The readings of the season highlight the Old Testament's texts of hope and promise — especially Isaiah's words about the expected deliverer — and the announcement to Mary. Over the centuries widespread customs have grown around Advent: the Advent wreath with four candles (one lit each Sunday), calendars counting the days, and in many traditions weeks symbolising hope, peace, joy and love. In some church traditions Advent is also kept as a season of repentance and simplicity. In Eastern churches the corresponding Nativity Fast is longer and reckoned by different dates. Within the rhythm of the church year, Advent is the doorway that opens onto Christmas.