View source for Christmas Eve

{{Short description|Evening or day before Christmas Day}}
{{Hatnote group|
{{Redirect|Christmas night|the album|Christmas Night{{!}}''Christmas Night''}}
{{Other uses|Noche Buena (disambiguation)|Christmas Eve (disambiguation)}}
}}
{{pp-move}}
{{pp-pc|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name    = Christmas Eve
| image           = ChristmasEve1878.jpg
| imagesize       = 300px
| caption         = ''Christmas Eve'', an 1878 painting by J. Hoover & Son
| nickname        = Vigil of the Nativity<br />Christmas Evening<br />Christmas Vigil<br />Day before Christmas<br />Night before Christmas
| observedby      = Christians<br />Many non-Christians<ref name="nonXians">[http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/entertainment/scripts/multifaith_christmas.pdf Christmas as a Multi-faith Festival]—BBC News. Retrieved 24 November 2011.</ref>
| date={{blist|24 December ([[Western Churches]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches that use the Revised Julian Calendar)|
5 January ([[Armenian Apostolic Church]])|
6 January ([[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches that follow the Old Julian Calendar and most [[Oriental Orthodox]] Churches)|
18 January ([[Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem]])<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.jpost.com/Christian-News/Christmas-is-here-yet-again-386813| title=Christmas is here- yet again!The Holy Land is unique in celebrating Christmas three times; on December 25th, January 6th and January 19th| date=6 January 2015| work=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/coptic_calendar/nativitydate.html |title=The Glorious Feast of Nativity:? 29 Kiahk? 25 December? |publisher=Coptic Orthodox Church Network |first=John |last=Ramzy |access-date=17 January 2011}}</ref>
}}
| duration       = 1 day
| frequency      = Annual
| observances    = Gift shopping, gift giving, [[Holiday greetings|goodwill greetings]], Midnight [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]], other [[church service]]s, meals, preparations for the arrival of [[Christmas gift-bringer]]s, preparing for [[Christmas]]
| type           = [[Christianity|Christian]], cultural
| significance   = Day or evening preceding the traditional birthday of [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus]]
| relatedto      = [[Christmas]], [[Christmastide]], [[New Year's Eve]], [[New Year's Day]]
}}

'''Christmas Eve''' is the evening or entire day before [[Christmas]], the festival commemorating [[nativity of Jesus|the birth]] of [[Jesus in Christianity|Jesus]].<ref name="Christmas Eve">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ytOHbLdtSY4C&pg=PA314 |title=Living Religions: an encyclopedia of the world's faiths |access-date=29 December 2010 |publisher=[[I.B.Tauris]] |year=1997 |author=Mary Pat Fisher |quote=Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth on earth. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029083212/https://books.google.com/books?id=ytOHbLdtSY4C |archive-date=29 October 2013 |isbn=9781860641480 }}</ref> Christmas Day is [[observance of Christmas by country|observed around the world]], and Christmas Eve is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day. Together, both days are considered one of the most culturally significant celebrations in [[Christendom]] and [[Western world|Western society]].

Christmas celebrations in the [[Christian denomination|denominations]] of [[Western Christianity]] have long begun on Christmas Eve, due in part to the Christian liturgical day starting at sunset,<ref name="Jerusalem Center">{{cite web|url=http://www.jcjcr.org/kyn_article_view.php?aid=50|title=Christian Calendar|access-date=29 December 2010|publisher=Jerusalem Center for Jewish-Christian Relations|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723101307/http://www.jcjcr.org/kyn_article_view.php?aid=50|archive-date=23 July 2011}}</ref> a practice inherited from Jewish tradition,<ref name="Dictionary">{{cite book | title=A dictionary of Jewish-Christian relations| last=Kessler| first=Edward|author2=Neil Wenborn| year=2005| page=274| publisher=Cambridge university Press| location=Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom}}</ref> and based on the [[Genesis creation narrative|story of Creation]] in the [[Book of Genesis]]: "And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day."<ref name="Genesis">{{cite book | title=Bible - NIV| url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1&version=TNIV| year=2005}}</ref> Many churches still ring their [[church bell]]s and hold [[Christian prayer|prayers]] in the evening; for example, the Nordic [[Lutheran]] churches.<ref name="NE">{{cite web|url=http://www.ne.se/helgm%C3%A5lsringning|title=Helgmålsringning|access-date=29 December 2010|publisher=Natinalencyclopedin}}</ref> Since tradition holds that [[Jesus]] was born at night (based in Luke 2:6-8), [[Midnight Mass]] is celebrated on Christmas Eve, traditionally at midnight, in commemoration of his birth.<ref name="Vatican Today">{{cite web|url=http://thecatholicspirit.com/news/from-the-vatican/vatican-today-december-28-2010/|title=Vatican Today|access-date=29 December 2010|archive-date=1 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101141338/http://thecatholicspirit.com/news/from-the-vatican/vatican-today-december-28-2010/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The idea of Jesus being born at night is reflected in the fact that Christmas Eve is referred to as ''Heilige Nacht'' (Holy Night) in German, ''Nochebuena'' (the Good Night) in Spanish and similarly in other expressions of Christmas spirituality, such as the song [[Silent Night|"Silent Night, Holy Night"]].

Many other varying cultural [[Tradition|traditions]] and experiences are also associated with Christmas Eve around the world, including the gathering of family and friends, the singing of [[Christmas carol]]s, the illumination and enjoyment of [[Christmas light]]s, trees, and other decorations, the wrapping, exchange and opening of gifts, and general preparation for Christmas Day. Legendary Christmas gift-bearing figures including [[Santa Claus]], [[Father Christmas]], [[Christkind]], and [[Saint Nicholas]] are also often said to depart for their annual journey to deliver presents to children around the world on Christmas Eve, although until the [[Protestantism|Protestant]] introduction of Christkind in 16th-century Europe,<ref>Forbes, Bruce David, ''Christmas: a candid history'', University of California Press, 2007, {{ISBN|0-520-25104-0}}, pp.&nbsp;68–79.</ref> such figures were said to instead deliver presents on the eve of [[Saint Nicholas Day|Saint Nicholas' feast day]] (6 December).

== Religious traditions ==

=== Western churches ===
[[File:Midnight Mass 2010 - 66 (5292245955).jpg|thumb|left|[[Midnight Mass]] is held in many churches toward the end of Christmas Eve, often with dim lighting and traditional decorative accents such as greenery.]]
Western churches have traditionally observed Christmas Eve (properly the Vigil of the Nativity) as a liturgical observance distinct from the masses of Christmas Day, with the proper Gospel at the Mass for the Vigil of the Nativity being that of the Annunciation to Joseph in [[Matthew 1]]. The Vigil of the Nativity is not so much the first day of Christmas as it is the last day of [[Advent]], and so it traditionally retains the [[liturgical colours|liturgical color]] of violet. In traditional western liturgical practice, when the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve occur on the same day, the Sunday mass is of Christmas Eve and the Fourth Sunday of Advent is only commemorated.

The festivities of Christmas Day have, however, extended farther and farther back into Christmas Eve. While [[Roman Catholic]]s, [[Lutherans]], and some [[Anglican]]s traditionally celebrate [[Midnight Mass]], the first mass of Christmas, either at or near [[midnight]] on Christmas Eve, some churches have in recent decades scheduled their "Midnight" Mass as early as 7&nbsp;pm in an effort to better accommodate young children, whose choral singing has become a popular feature in some traditions.

Midnight Mass is held in churches throughout the world and celebrates the birth of Christ, which is believed to have occurred at night. Midnight Mass is popular in Poland ([[pasterka]]) and Lithuania (piemenėlių mišios). In [[Latin America]] and the [[Iberian Peninsula]], the Midnight Mass is also referred to as "Rooster's Mass" (''[[Misa de Gallo]]'' in Spanish, ''Missa do Galo'' in Portuguese and ''Missa del Gall'' in Catalan). In the [[Philippines]], the custom has expanded into the nine-day ''[[Simbang Gabi]]'', when Filipinos attend dawn Masses (traditionally beginning around 04:00 to 05:00 [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]]) from 16 December, continuing daily until Christmas Eve. In 2009 [[Holy See|Vatican]] officials scheduled the Midnight Mass to start at 10&nbsp;pm so that the 82-year-old [[Pope Benedict XVI]] would not have too late a night.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8430118.stm |title=Woman knocks Pope down at Christmas Mass|date=25 December 2009|publisher=British Broadcasting Company}}</ref>

A [[nativity scene]] may be erected indoors or outdoors, and is composed of figurines depicting the infant Jesus resting in a manger, Mary, and Joseph.<ref>Vermes, Geza. ''The Nativity: History and Legend''. Penguin, 2006</ref> Other figures in the scene may include [[angel]]s, [[shepherd]]s, and various animals. The figures may be made of any material,<ref name="Dues">Dues, Greg.''Catholic Customs and Traditions: A Popular Guide'' Twenty-Third Publications, 2000.</ref> and arranged in a stable or grotto. The [[Magi]] may also appear, and are sometimes not placed in the scene until the week following Christmas to account for their travel time to [[Bethlehem]].  While most home nativity scenes are packed away at Christmas or shortly thereafter, nativity scenes in churches usually remain on display until the feast of the [[Baptism of the Lord]].<ref name="Dues" />

Throughout congregations of the various denominations of Christianity, on Christmas Eve, the Christ Candle in the center of the [[Advent wreath]] is traditionally lit in many [[church service]]s. In candlelight services, while singing ''[[Silent Night]]'', each member of the congregation receives a candle and passes along their flame which is first received from the Christ Candle.

[[File:Advent2007candlelight.JPG|thumb|Advent wreath, lighting the candle]]

[[Lutheran]]s traditionally practice Christmas Eve [[Eucharist]]ic traditions typical of Germany and Scandinavia. "Krippenspiele" ([[Nativity play]]s), special festive music for organ, vocal and brass [[choir]]s and candlelight services make Christmas Eve one of the most beloved days in the Lutheran Church calendar. Christmas [[Vespers]] is popular in the early evening, and [[Midnight Mass]]es are also widespread in regions which are predominantly Lutheran. The old Lutheran tradition of a Christmas Vigil in the early morning hours of [[Christmas Day]] (Christmette) can still be found in some regions. In eastern and [[Central Germany (geography)|middle Germany]], congregations still continue the tradition of "[[Quempas]] singing": separate groups dispersed in various parts of the church sing verses of the song "He whom shepherds once came Praising" (''Quem pastores laudavere'') responsively.
[[File:Presepe naples rome2.jpg|thumb|left|Typical [[Neapolitan nativity scene]], or {{lang|it|presepe}} or {{lang|it|presepio}}, in [[Rome]].]]
With respect to [[Presbyterianism]], the [[Church of Scotland]] has a service beginning just before midnight, in which [[Christmas carol|carols]] are sung. These services are very popular.

[[Methodism|Methodists]] celebrate the evening in different ways. Some, in the early evening, come to their church to celebrate [[Eucharist|Holy Communion]] with their families. The mood is very solemn, and the only visible light is the [[Advent Wreath]], and the candles upon the [[Lord's Table]]. Others celebrate the evening with services of light, which include singing the song ''Silent Night'' as a variety of candles (including personal candles) are lit. Other churches have late evening services perhaps at 11&nbsp;pm, so that the church can celebrate Christmas Day together with the ringing of bells at midnight. Others offer Christmas Day services as well.

The annual "[[Nine Lessons and Carols]]", broadcast from [[King's College, Cambridge]] on Christmas Eve, has established itself a Christmas custom in the United Kingdom, where Anglican Christianity is the traditional faith.<ref name=nine>{{citation|author=Alex Webb|title=Choir that sings to the world|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/1703517.stm|work=BBC News|date=24 December 2001}}</ref> It is broadcast outside the UK via the [[BBC World Service]], and is also bought by broadcasters around the world.<ref name=nine/>

=== Eastern churches ===
[[File:2013-12-24--Artoklasia during Christmas Eve service.JPG|thumbnail|Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Toronto, Ontario, Canada]]

In the [[Byzantine Rite]], Christmas Eve is referred to as '''Paramony''' ("preparation").  It is the concluding day of the [[Nativity Fast]] and is observed as a day of strict [[fasting]] by those devout Byzantine Christians who are physically capable of doing so. In some traditions, nothing is eaten until the first star appears in the evening sky, in commemoration of the [[Star of Bethlehem]]. The [[Christian liturgy|liturgical]] celebration begins earlier in the day with the celebration of the [[Royal Hours]], followed by the [[Divine Liturgy]] combined with the celebration of [[Vespers]], during which a large number of passages from the [[Old Testament]] are chanted, recounting the history of salvation. After the [[dismissal (liturgy)|dismissal]] at the end of the service, a new candle is brought out into the center of the church and lit, and all gather round and sing the [[Troparion]] and [[Kontakion]] of the Feast.

In the evening, the [[All-Night Vigil]] for the Feast of the Nativity is composed of [[Great Compline]], [[Matins]] and the [[First Hour]]. The Byzantine services of Christmas Eve are intentionally parallel to those of [[Good Friday]], illustrating the [[Eastern Orthodox theology|theological]] point that the purpose of the [[Incarnation of Christ|Incarnation]] was to make possible the [[Crucifixion of Jesus|Crucifixion]] and [[Resurrection of Jesus|Resurrection]]. This is illustrated in Eastern [[icon]]s of the Nativity, on which the [[Christ Child]] is wrapped in [[swaddling clothes]] reminiscent of his [[burial shroud|burial wrappings]]. The child is also shown lying on a stone, representing the [[Holy Sepulchre|Tomb of Christ]], rather than a [[manger]]. The [[Church of the Nativity|Cave of the Nativity]] is also a reminder of the cave in which Jesus was buried.

The services of Christmas Eve are also similar to those of the Eve of [[Epiphany (holiday)#Eastern Orthodox churches|Theophany]] (Epiphany), and the two [[Great Feasts]] are considered one celebration.

In some [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] cultures, after the Vesperal Liturgy the family returns home to a festive meal, but one at which [[Fasting#Eastern Orthodoxy|Orthodox fasting rules]] are still observed: no meat or dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) are consumed (see below for variations according to nationality). Then they return to the church for the All-Night Vigil.

The next morning, Christmas Day, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated again, but with special features that occur only on Great Feasts of the Lord. After the [[dismissal (liturgy)|dismissal]] of this Liturgy, the faithful customarily greet each other with the [[kiss of peace]] and the words: "Christ is Born!", to which the one being greeted responds: "Glorify Him!" (the opening words of the [[Canon (hymnography)|Canon]] of the Nativity that was chanted the night before during the Vigil). This greeting, together with many of the [[hymn]]s of the feast, continue to be used until the [[leave-taking]] of the feast on 31 December.

The first three days of the feast are particularly solemn. The second day is known as the [[Synaxis]] of the [[Theotokos]], and commemorates the role of the [[Virgin Mary]] in the [[Nativity of Jesus]]. The third day is referred to simply as "the Third Day of the Nativity". The Saturday and Sunday following 25 December have special [[Epistle]] and [[Gospel]] readings assigned to them. 29 December celebrates the [[Holy Innocents]].

Byzantine Christians observe a festal period of [[Twelve Days of Christmas|twelve days]], during which no one in the Church fasts, even on Wednesdays and Fridays, which are normal fasting days throughout the rest of the year. During this time one feast leads into another: 25–31 December is the [[afterfeast]] of the Nativity; 2–5 January is the [[forefeast]] of the [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]].

== Christmas Eve dinner ==
{{Further|List of Christmas dishes}}

=== Bulgaria ===
[[File:7 Traditional Christmas Eve dishes 2014.jpg|thumb|Seven traditional Christmas Eve dishes from Bulgaria (2014)]]

In Bulgaria, the meal consists of an [[odd number]] of lenten dishes in compliance with the rules of fasting. They are usually the traditional [[sarma (food)|sarma]], [[bob chorba]] (bean soup), fortune [[korovai|kravai]] (pastry with a fortune in it; also called ''bogovitsa'', ''vechernik'', ''kolednik''), [[stuffed peppers]], [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]], dried fruit, boiled wheat.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.discover-bulgaria.com/Travel_Results.aspx?CategoryID=450|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104151340/http://www.discover-bulgaria.com/Travel_Results.aspx?CategoryID=450|url-status=dead|title=Bulgarian Main Courses|archivedate=4 January 2009}}</ref> The meal is often accompanied with wine or Bulgaria's traditional [[alcoholic beverage]] [[rakia]], in the past ''olovina'' (a type of homemade rye beer). The meals used to be put on top of hay, directly on the floor, together with a [[ploughshare]] or a [[coulter (agriculture)|coulter]].<ref>Христо Вакарелски. Етнография на България. Наука и изкуство. София 1977. с. 500</ref>

=== Cuba ===
In Cuba, roasted pig ({{lang|es|[[lechon|lechón]]}}) is often the center of Christmas Eve ({{lang|es|Nochebuena}}).<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vanessa-garcia/good-night-noche-buena_b_4467239.html For some Latino families, Christmas comes a day early] ''Los Angeles Times''. Hector Becerra. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref> It is believed that the tradition dates back to the 15th century when Caribbean colonists hunted down pigs and roasted them with a powerful flame.<ref>[http://www.latinpost.com/articles/4672/20131211/nochebuena-celebrations-december-24th-latino-american-households.htm Nochebuena: Celebrations Start on Dec 24 in Latin-American Households] Latin Post. Nicole Akoukou. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref>

In Cuban and Cuban-American tradition, the pig is sometimes cooked in a {{lang|es|Caja China}}, a large box where an entire pig is placed below hot coals.<ref>Cordle, Ina Paiva, [http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/12/23/3835061/on-nochebuena-many-in-south-florida.html On Nochebuena, many in South Florida will be roasting a pig in a "caja china"] ''[[The Miami Herald]]'', 23 December 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2013</ref> The dinner features many side dishes and desserts, and often games of [[dominoes]] are played. The tradition is continued by Cuban families in Florida and the United States.<ref>[http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/12/24/families-gather-for-traditional-noche-buena-feast/ Families Gather For Traditional "Noche Buena"] CBS Miami. 24 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref> The dinner on the Christmas Eve is the center of the celebration.

Christmas Eve dinner is generally not served at a set time, though it is typically eaten as a family. It is expected that the entire family will be at the table to start tasting the {{lang|es|frijoles negros dormidos}} (sleeping black beans) and the {{lang|es|arroz blanco desgranado y reluciente}} (shredded white rice), the {{lang|es|yuca con mojo}} (a Cuban side dish made by marinating [[cassava]] in garlic, sour orange, and olive oil), the roasted pork or the stuffed or unfilled {{lang|es|guanajo}}, along with homemade desserts, such as Christmas fritters, and a wide range of sweets in syrup and Spanish nougat.

The visit to the archipelago of [[Pope]] [[John Paul II]], in 1998, prompted the Cuban government, in a gesture of goodwill, to declare 25 December again as a holiday, which it had not been for several decades.{{citation needed|date=December 2024}}

=== Czech Republic and Slovakia ===
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, fasting on the day of Christmas Eve (or only eating meatless food) is a medieval tradition. The belief is that if one lasted until Christmas dinner, they would see a golden pig, which is a symbol of luck. A typical Christmas breakfast is a sweet braided bread ''[[vánočka]]''. Christmas Eve dinner traditionally consists of a carp (baked or fried) and a potato salad.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Vánoční zvyky a tradice, které navodí tu pravou sváteční atmosféru|work=Novinky.cz|url=https://www.novinky.cz/vanoce/clanek/vanocni-zvyky-ktere-navodi-atmosferu-176234|access-date=21 December 2020}}</ref>

=== France ===
In French-speaking places, [[Réveillon]] is a long dinner eaten on Christmas Eve.

=== Guam and the Northern Marianas ===
In [[Guam]] and the [[Northern Marianas]], dishes include shrimp ''[[kelaguen]]''; coconut crab; and ''kadon'' octopus (octopus stewed in sweet peppers and [[coconut milk]]).{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} Beef is a rarity,{{citation needed|date=December 2022}} but a popular dish is ''[[tinaktak]]'', ground beef in coconut milk.<ref>[http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/340911/newstv/ijuander/infographic-hungry-holidays-the-filipino-noche-buena Hungry holidays: The Filipino Noche Buena] GMA News Online. Cristina Tantenco. 22 December 2013. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2022}}

=== Germany ===
{{main|Christmas in Germany}}
[[File:Thronendes Jesuskind BNM.jpg|thumb|right|[[Christkind]]]]
During the Christmas period, the [[Christmas market|Weihnachtsmarkt]] (Christmas market) becomes a feature of almost every city, town, or village in the German-speaking countries, where visitors enjoy stalls, entertainment, and savour food and ''[[Mulled wine|Glühwein]]'' (mulled wine). Traditional Christmastime treats include [[Lebkuchen]] (gingerbread), [[Stollen]] (fruit cake), [[Speculaas]] and [[marzipan]] (almond confectionery often made into sweets). Perhaps the most famed of these markets is the [[Christkindlesmarkt, Nuremberg|Christkindlesmarkt]] held in [[Nuremberg]], which attracts millions of visitors every year.

The Weihnachtsbaum ([[Christmas tree]]) is usually put up in the afternoon of 24 December. The trees can be bought at special traders' sites, but some families may still go into the forest and cut one themselves. The [[Christkind]] brings the presents on the evening of Christmas eve. 

Traditionally, on ''Heiligabend'' (Christmas Eve) in Germany, a simple meal will be prepared and served before or after the ''Bescherung'' ("time for exchanging gifts"), in contrast to the big meal on Christmas Day. Various polls repeatedly declare ([[Eintopf]]) or sausages ([[Sausage#Germany|Würstchen]]) with potato salad to be Germany's favourite meal on ''Heiligabend''. Further typical meals may include [[carp]], [[fondue]] or [[raclette]]. On Christmas Day, the most common dishes are [[roast goose]] or duck.

=== Italy ===
{{main|Christmas in Italy}}
[[File:Feast of the Seven Fishes 11 (6517353129).jpg|thumb|[[Cannoli]] served at the [[Feast of the Seven Fishes]]]]

[[Christmas in Italy]]  is one of the [[public holidays in Italy|country's major holidays]] and begins on 8 December, with the [[Feast of the Immaculate Conception]], the day on which traditionally the [[Christmas tree]] is mounted and ends on 6 January, of the following year with the [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=25 November 2013|title=The Best Christmas Traditions in Italy|url=https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/things-to-do/christmas-traditions-in-italy|access-date=26 January 2021|website=Walks of Italy|language=en-GB}}</ref> According to tradition, the Christmas Eve dinner must not contain meat. It is quite common to attend [[Midnight Mass]] on Christmas Eve and practice the old custom of abstinence from meat on the day (but not fasting, which is observed by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]).  Traditions regarding the exchanging of gifts vary from region to region, as this may take place either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. On 24 December, Christmas Eve, the Christmas night mass, also called [[Midnight Mass]], is celebrated.

While other Christian families throughout the world celebrate the Christmas Eve meal with various meats, Italians (especially Sicilians) celebrate the traditional [[Catholic]] "[[Feast of the Seven Fishes]]" which was historically served after a 24-hour fasting period. Although Christmas fasting is no longer a popular custom, some [[Italian-Americans]] still enjoy a meatless Christmas Eve feast<ref name="RachaelRay">{{cite web |url=http://www.rachaelray.com/2007/11/feast-of-seven-fishes-a-sicilian-christmas-eve-tradition |title=Feast of Seven Fishes – A Sicilian Christmas Eve Tradition |publisher=Rachael Ray Digital LLC |year=2014 |access-date=14 November 2014 |quote=Sicilians traditionally celebrate Christmas Eve with a "Feast of Seven Fishes" which was historically served after a 24-hour fasting period. Although pre-Christmas fasting is not a popular custom still practiced by Italian-Americans, many still enjoy a meatless Christmas Eve feast. |archive-date=10 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110054639/http://www.rachaelray.com/2007/11/feast-of-seven-fishes-a-sicilian-christmas-eve-tradition |url-status=dead }}</ref> and attend the Midnight Mass. In various cultures, a festive dinner is traditionally served for the family and close friends in attendance, when the first star (usually [[Sirius]]) appears in the sky.

=== Lithuania ===
{{Further|Kūčios}}
[[File:Kūčios.JPG|thumb|right|Lithuanian Christmas Eve table with ''kūčiukai'']]
Lithuanian Christmas Eve blends pagan and Christian traditions, as initially it was a celebration of the winter solstice.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kubilius |first1=Kerry |title=Lithuania Christmas Traditions |url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/lithuania-christmas-traditions-1501779 |website=tripsavvy.com |access-date=22 December 2018 |year=2017 |quote=In pagan Lithuania, the Christmas celebration as we know it today was actually the celebration of the winter solstice.}}</ref> Traditionally, Lithuanians believed that animals could talk on that night, and it was possible to predict the future with charms and various games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuania, Christmas in |url=https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Lithuania%2C+Christmas+in |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=Hundreds of little Christmas Eve formulas and charms offer Lithuanians ways in which to use the events of this evening to predict the future.}}</ref> ''[[Kūčios]]'' ("Holy Meal") is the most important event of the year and family reunion. Dead relatives are remembered with an empty plate set at the table.<ref>{{cite web |title=Magical Christmas Eve in Lithuania - Kūčios |url=https://www.itinari.com/magical-christmas-eve-in-lithuania-kucios-5ike |first=Monika |last=Grinevičiūtė|date=December 2018 |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=One more important thing - it is believed that during the Christmas Eve all family members are coming together to have dinner. It means the deceased relatives as well, so for that reason on the table one more, additional plate, is always placed.}}</ref> The feast starts after the rise of the evening star.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian customs and traditions |url=http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |website=thelithuanians.com |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=The ritual supper is not eaten until the evening star appears in the sky. Until then, the bathhouse is heated, people bathe and dress up in festive clothes. The floor was strewn with juniper by the mistress and the master placed handfuls of hay on the table, covered it with a white linen tablecloth. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214034851/http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2018}} No products made from meat, milk and alcohol are allowed during the Kūčios.<ref>{{cite web |title=2/10/2011 Lithuanian traditions: Christmas |url=http://www.lithaz.org/arts/xmas.html |website=lithaz.org |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=The meal served on Christmas Eve did not include meat, milk products or eggs.}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2018}} In all, 12 dishes are served, all of them rustic, made from grains, fish, dried fruit or mushrooms including ''[[kūčiukai]]''. Small biscuits soaked in [[poppy milk|poppy seed milk]] are served.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}} After the dinner is over the table is left uncleared overnight for the feast of ''[[wikt:vėlė|vėlės]]'' (spirits or soul).<ref>{{cite web |title=Lithuanian customs and traditions |url=http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |website=thelithuanians.com |access-date=22 December 2018 |quote=Most often the "Kūčia" table was not cleared away, for it was believed that when the family is asleep the souls of the dead come in to eat. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214034851/http://thelithuanians.com/bookanthology/christmas.html |archive-date=14 February 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2018}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vaicekauskas |first1=Arūnas |title=Ancient Lithuanian Calendar Festivals |url=https://eltalpykla.vdu.lt/bitstream/id/3713/9786094670176_2016.pdf |publisher=Vytautas Magnus University |access-date=22 December 2018 |page=31 |year=2014 |quote=The cult of the dead is well noticed in the custom when, after Christmas Eve supper the table is not cleared but left overnight. It was believed that the souls of the dead would come and serve themselves at night. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722055318/https://eltalpykla.vdu.lt/bitstream/id/3713/9786094670176_2016.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Peru ===
In [[Peru]], turkey and [[panettone]] are the stars of Christmas Eve.<ref>[http://archive.peruthisweek.com/gastronomy/features-1008 Noche Buena Traditions] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506015457/http://archive.peruthisweek.com/gastronomy/features-1008 |date=6 May 2014 }} Living in Peru. Diana P. Alano. Retrieved 5 May 2014</ref>

=== Philippines ===
{{See also|Christmas in the Philippines|Christmas dinner#Philippines}}
[[File:Traditional Filipino cuisine.jpg|thumb|Typical traditional ''noche buena'' meal in the [[Philippines]], with a [[Filipino lechon|lechón]] as the centerpiece]]
In the [[Philippines]], the [[Christmas dinner#Philippines|traditional dinner]] (known as ''noche buena'' or ''nochebuena'') is served at midnight after the family attends the late evening [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] known as ''[[Misa de Gallo]]'' (sometimes referred to as ''[[Misa de Aguinaldo]]'', "Gift Mass"). Common traditional dishes served for the main course include: [[Filipino  lechon|lechón]], various types of [[pancit]] (noodles), [[Filipino spaghetti]], ''[[hamonado]]'', ''[[Christmas ham|jamón]]'', ''[[Edam (cheese)|queso de bola]]'', ''[[Morcón (Filipino cuisine)|morcón]]'', ''[[Embutido (Filipino cuisine)|embutido]]'', [[chicken galantina]], ''[[almondigas]]'' (meatballs), ''[[paelya]]'' (''[[arroz valenciana]]'', ''[[bringhe]]'', etc.), ''[[lumpia]]'', ''[[Menudo (stew)|menudo]]'', ''[[mechado]]'', ''[[caldereta]]'', ''[[callos]]'', [[chicken pastel]], ''[[relleno|relyenong]] [[bangus|bangús]]'' (stuffed milkfish), ''[[lengua estofado]]'', ''[[Adobo (Filipino cuisine)|adobo]]'', and various types of barbecue (''[[inihaw]]''). Almost all of these dishes are eaten with white rice. Desserts and side dishes include ''[[Ube halaya|úbe halayá]]'', [[Turon (food)|turon]], [[leche flan]], [[macaroni salad]], ''[[Dulce de membrillo|membrilyo]]'', [[fruit salad]], [[buko salad]], ''[[crema de fruta]]'', ''[[ensaymada]]'', [[champorado]], [[mango float]], [[fruitcake]], ''castañas'' ([[roasted chestnuts]]), and various other ''[[kakanin]]'' (rice cakes) like ''[[puto bumbong]]'', ''[[bibingka]]'', ''[[suman (food)|suman]]'', ''[[Biko (food)|biko]]'',   and ''[[sapin-sapin]]''. Popular beverages are ''[[tsokolate]]'' as well as coffee, [[soft drinks|soda]], wine, beer, alcoholic drinks, and fruit juices.<ref name="Koppe">{{cite news |last1=Koppe |first1=Jaclyn Clemente |title=A Filipino Christmas Feast: 11 Nostalgic Food to Serve on Noche Buena |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/dining/food/nostalgic-filipino-christmas-food |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Tatler |date=23 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="Tan">{{cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Kim Shelly |title=17 Traditional Filipino Christmas Foods That Every Filipino Should've Had At Least Once |url=https://thesmartlocal.ph/filipino-christmas-foods/ |website=TheSmartLocal Philippines |date=29 September 2023 |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=10 Classic Filipino Noche Buena Food and Dishes |url=https://www.beholdphilippines.com/classic-filipino-noche-buena-food-and-dishes/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Behold Philippines |date=22 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Sarah |title=Here's What Christmas Dinner Looks Like In The Philippines |url=https://www.foodrepublic.com/1446359/what-is-filipino-christmas-food/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=Food Republic |date=19 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=12 Uniquely Filipino Christmas Dishes during Noche Buena |url=https://filipinotimes.net/feature/2018/12/24/12-uniquely-filipino-christmas-dishes-noche-buena/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=The Filipino Times |date=24 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Filipino Christmas Countdown: 12 Dishes for the Noche Buena |url=https://www.pinoykitchen.eu/recipes/the-filipino-christmas-countdown-12-dishes-for-the-noche-buena |website=Pinoy Kitchen |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref>

=== Poland ===
[[File:Wigilia potrawy 554.jpg|thumb|Traditional Polish ''[[Wigilia]]'' meal]]
A tradition similar to Italy (''[[Wigilia]]'', or 'Christmas Vigil') exists in Poland. The number of dishes is traditionally 12, but has been an odd number in the past.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kasprzyk|first1=Magdalena|title=The 12 Dishes of Polish Christmas|url=http://culture.pl/en/article/the-12-dishes-of-polish-christmas|access-date=3 August 2016|website=Culture.pl}}</ref> According to the ''[[Słownik etymologiczny języka polskiego]]'' (''Etymological Dictionary of the Polish Language'') by [[Aleksander Brückner]], the number of dishes was traditionally related to social class: the peasants' vigil consisted of 5 or 7 dishes, the gentry usually had 9, and the aristocracy, 11 dishes, but the even number 12 is also found today to remember the [[Twelve Apostles]]. It is obligatory to try a portion of all of them. Some traditions specify that the number of guests cannot be odd.<ref>{{cite web|date=19 December 2010|title=12, 11, 9? Ile dań na Wigilie? - Święta|url=http://www.polskieradio.pl/66/768/Artykul/283212,12-11-9-Ile-dan-na-Wigilie|access-date=14 February 2014|publisher=polskieradio.pl}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wigilia|url=http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/WIGILIA.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224182135/http://www.polishcenter.org/Christmas/WIGILIA.htm|archive-date=24 February 2014|access-date=14 February 2014|publisher=Polishcenter.org}}</ref>

In Poland, gifts are unwrapped on Christmas Eve, as opposed to Christmas Day. It comes from fusing the traditions of Saint Nicholas Day (6 December) and Christmas. In the past, gifts were opened on the morning of Saint Nicholas Day.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

=== Puerto Rico ===
In the [[United States|U.S.]] [[<!--U.S. state-->Territories of the United States|<!--state-->territory]] of [[Puerto Rico]], the traditional Christmas Eve dinner consists of [[arroz con gandules]] (rice with pigeon peas), ''lechón asado'' ([[pig roast]]) or [[Pernil |pernil asado]] (pork roast shoulder), ''morcilla'' (rice-filled pork [[blood sausage]]), [[pasteles]] (root vegetable-based dough, meat-filled [[tamale]]), guineitos en [[escabeche]] (marinated, sliced [[Green banana#Puerto Rico|green bananas]]), ''ensalada de papa puertorriqueña'' (Puerto Rican [[potato salad]]), and ''ensalada de coditos puertorriqueña'' (Puerto Rican [[macaroni salad]]).<ref name="Navidadcomida">{{cite web | title=Bring the taste of Navidad into your home | website=Discover Puerto Rico | url=https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/five-favorite-puerto-rican-holiday-recipes | language=en | access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref> The traditional Christmas Eve desserts are [[Rice pudding#Latin America and the Caribbean|arroz con dulce]] (coconut rice pudding), [[tembleque]] (coconut pudding), ''flan de queso o coco'' (cheese or coconut [[Crème caramel|caramel custard]]), ''tierrita'' (chocolate [[mousse]]), [[turrón]]'', galletas florecitas'' (small [[Meringue |meringue-topped]] [[biscuits]]), [[Butter cookie|Danish butter biscuits]], ''nueces surtidas'' (assorted shelled [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]]), ''bombones'' ''dulces de navidad surtidos'' (assorted Christmas [[hard candy]]).<ref name="Navidadcomida1">{{cite web | title=Puerto Rican Holidays: Traditional foods consumed in Puerto Rico during "Navidad" Christmas | website=Healthy Rican | date=15 December 2022 | url=https://healthyrican.com/puerto-rican-holidays-traditional-foods-consumed-in-puerto-rico-during-navidad-christmas/  | language=en | access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref> The traditional Christmas Eve beverages are [[coquito]] (coconut eggnog), [[Don Q]] or [[Cathedral of Rum|Bacardi]] ([[rum]]), and [[Pitorro]] ([[moonshine]] rum).<ref name="Navidadcomida2">{{cite web | title=Lift your spirits with a coquito, the traditional Puerto Rican Christmas cocktail | website=Miami Herald | url=https://www.miamiherald.com/living/food-drink/recipes/article270050557.html  | language=en | access-date= 12 December 2023}}</ref>

=== Russia ===
''Rozhdenstvenskiy sochelnik'' ({{langx|ru|Рождественский сочельник}}) was a common Eastern Orthodox tradition in the [[Russian Empire]], but during the era of the Soviet Union it was greatly discouraged as a result of the official [[atheism]] of the former regime.

In modern-day Russia, [[Russian Orthodox Church|the church]] has a [[church service|service]] on that day, but the celebration itself has not yet regained its popularity among the people. Instead of the Christmas Eve, [[New Year's Eve]] is considered to be a traditional family celebration featuring the [[New Year tree]].

=== Serbia ===
[[File:Candle lighting a plate of oranges and smarties 1.JPG|thumb|Candles on Christmas Eve 2010]]
In accordance with the [[Serbian Christmas traditions|Christmas traditions of the Serbs]], their festive meal has a copious and diverse selection of foods, although it is prepared according to the rules of fasting.

As well as a round, [[Leavening agent|unleavened]] loaf of bread and salt, which are necessary, this meal may comprise roast fish, cooked beans, [[sauerkraut]], noodles with ground walnuts, honey, and wine.

Families in some Slavic countries leave an empty place at the table for guests (alluding to [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Mary]] and [[Saint Joseph|Joseph]] looking for shelter in [[Bethlehem]]).

=== Ukraine ===
In Ukraine, ''Sviatyi Vechir'' ({{langx|uk|Святий Вечір}}, Holy Evening) is traditionally celebrated with a meatless [[twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper]], or the Holy Supper ({{langx|uk|Свята Вечеря}}, Sviata Vecheria). The main attributes of the Holy Supper in Ukraine are [[kutia]], a poppy seed, honey and wheat dish, and [[uzvar]], a drink made from reconstituted dried fruits. Other typical dishes are [[borscht]], [[varenyky]], and dishes made of [[fish]], [[phaseolus]] and [[cabbage]].

The twelve dishes symbolize the [[Twelve Apostles]]. Just as in Poland, it is obligatory to try a portion of all of the dishes. The table is spread with a white cloth symbolic of the [[swaddling clothes]] the [[Child Jesus]] was wrapped in, and a large white candle stands in the center of the table symbolizing [[Light of the World (Jesus)|Christ the Light of the World]]. Next to it is a round loaf of bread symbolizing Christ [[Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament#Bread of Life|Bread of Life]]. [[Hay]] is often displayed either on the table or as a decoration in the room, reminiscent of the [[manger]] in [[Bethlehem]].

=== Venezuela ===
In [[Venezuela]], [[hallaca]]s are normally the staple dish for Noche Buena alongside of either ham or pork leg known as "pernil", [[panettone]], [[rum]] and "Ponche Crema" (a form of alcoholic [[eggnog]]). The night is usually accompanied by traditional Christmas music known as "[[aguinaldo (music)|aguinaldos]]"; in Venezuela, the traditional music is known as [[joropo]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20141225190455/http://www.embavenez-us.org/kids.venezuela/folklore.traditions.htms]}} Venezuela Folklore and Traditions. Venezuelan Embassy to the United States. Retrieved 25 December 2014</ref>

== Gift giving ==
[[File:Gifts xmas.jpg|thumb|left|Christmas presents under the Christmas tree]]
In Christianity, the giving of gifts during Christmastide is traced to the [[Biblical Magi|Magi]] who brought gifts for the [[Christ child]] in the [[manger]]. During the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]] in 16th- and 17th-century Europe, many Protestants changed the gift bringer to the Christ Child or ''[[Christkindl]]'', and the date of giving gifts changed from 6 December to Christmas Eve.<ref>Forbes, Bruce David, ''Christmas: a candid history'', University of California Press, 2007, {{ISBN|0-520-25104-0}}, pp. 68–79.</ref> It is the night when [[Santa Claus]] makes his rounds delivering gifts to good children. 

In Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, where [[Saint Nicholas]] (sv. Mikuláš/szent Mikulás) gives gifts on 6 December, the Christmas gift-giver is the [[Christkind|Child Jesus]] ([[Ježíšek]] in [[Czech language|Czech]], Jézuska in Hungarian, Ježiško in [[Slovak language|Slovak]] and Isusek in [[Croatian language|Croatian]]).<ref>''The Christmas encyclopedia McFarland'' p.143. & Co., 2005</ref>

In Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland, presents are traditionally exchanged on the evening of 24 December. Children are commonly told that presents were brought either by the [[Christkind]] (German for Christ child),<ref>''The Christmas Almanack'' p.56. Random House Reference, 2004</ref> or by the [[Weihnachtsmann]]. Both leave the gifts, but are in most families not seen doing so. In Germany, the gifts are also brought on 6 December by "the [[Saint Nicholas|Nikolaus]]" with his helper [[Knecht Ruprecht]].

[[File:Gezin bij de kerstboom c1860.jpg|thumb|Christmas tree with presents hanging on the tree]]

In Estonia ''[[Jõuluvana]]'', Finland ''[[Joulupukki]]'', Denmark ''[[Julemanden]]'', Norway ''[[Julenissen]]'' and Sweden ''[[Jultomten]]'', personally meets children and gives presents in the evening of Christmas Eve.<ref>''Llewellyn's Sabbats Almanac: Samhain 2010 to Mabon 2011'' p.64. Llewellyn Worldwide, 2010</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=5JF_kT43LjcC&dq=Jultomten&pg=PA202 Festivals of Western Europe] p.202. Forgotten Books, 1973</ref>

In Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Colombia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Quebec (French Canada), Romania, Uruguay, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland, Christmas presents are opened mostly on the evening of the 24th—following German tradition, this is also the practice among the [[British Royal Family]] since it was introduced by [[Queen Victoria]] and [[Albert, Prince Consort]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/queen-victorias-christmas-a-chandelier-christmas-tree-and-family-gifts-go-on-display-for-the-first|title=Queen Victoria's Christmas - A 'chandelier Christmas tree' and family gifts go on display for the first time|publisher=Royal Collection Trust|date=30 November 2012|access-date=25 December 2016|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226055159/https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/queen-victorias-christmas-a-chandelier-christmas-tree-and-family-gifts-go-on-display-for-the-first|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/how-royal-family-christmas-8212591|title=How the Royal Family do Christmas|first=Brian|last=Hoey|publisher=Wales Online|date=12 December 2014|access-date=25 December 2016}}</ref>—while in Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Malta, English Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, this occurs mostly on the morning of Christmas Day.

Some countries do their gift-giving in a different date, connected to the tradition either [[Epiphany (feast)|Epiphany]] (in Spain, the morning of 6 January)<ref>Francis, Charles ''Wisdom Well Said'' p.224 Levine Mesa Press, 2009</ref> or [[Sinterklaas]] (Belgium and the Netherlands, on the evening of 5 December).<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=H_AQzpSLRNoC&dq=netherlands+-+sinterklaas+december+5&pg=PA363 Concepts of person in religion and thought] Walter de Gruyter, 1990</ref>

== Other traditions ==
[[File:Flickr - The U.S. Army - Christmas Eve Candlelight Services.jpg|thumb|right|A Christmas Eve candlelight [[Church service|service]] in [[Baghdad]], Iraq]]
Christmas Eve is celebrated in different ways around the world, varying by country and region. Elements common to many areas of the world include the attendance of special religious observances such as a midnight Mass or Vespers and the giving and receiving of presents. Along with Easter, Christmastime is one of the most important periods on the Christian calendar, and is often closely connected to other holidays at this time of year, such as Advent, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, St. Nicholas Day, St. Stephen's Day, New Year's, and the Feast of the Epiphany.

Among Christians, as well as non-Christians who celebrate Christmas, the significant amount of vacation travel, and travel back to family homes, that takes place in the lead-up to Christmas means that Christmas Eve is also frequently a time of social events and parties, worldwide.<ref name="Fodor">Eugene Fodor, ''Fodor's South 1980: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana'', 1979, at p. 87, available at [https://books.google.com/books?id=sL54AAAAMAAJ&q=christmas-eve Google Books]</ref><ref name="Discourse">Gary Sigley, ''A Chinese Christmas Story'', in Shi-xu, ed., ''Discourse as Cultural Struggle'', 2007, at p. 99, available at [https://books.google.com/books?id=PS57ocrF5dMC&dq=christmas-eve+nightclubs&pg=PA99 Google Books]</ref><ref name="Culture">Adebayo Oyebade, ''Culture and Customs of Angola'', 2007, at pp. 103, 140, available at [https://books.google.com/books?id=DeVqVy21g9sC&q=christmas-eve&pg=PA103 Google Books]</ref><ref name="Tonic">{{Cite web|url=http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/165256/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-at-Tonic|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106084454/http://www.clubzone.com/events/Vancouver/165256/Twas-the-Night-Before-Christmas-at-Tonic|url-status=dead|title=See, e.g., GetQd ''Twas the Night Before Christmas @ Tonic @ Tonic Nightclub Vancouver BC'', 2009|archivedate=6 November 2009}}</ref><ref name="Ohio">[http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4699254/OH/Akron/The-College-Night-Out/The-Interbelt See, e.g., Upcoming.org, ''The College Night Out'', 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318083547/http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/4699254/OH/Akron/The-College-Night-Out/The-Interbelt |date=18 March 2012 }}</ref>

{{further|topic=Christmas Eve traditions around the world|Christmas worldwide}}

=== In Jewish culture ===
[[Nittel Nacht]] is a name given to Christmas Eve by Jewish scholars in the 17th century.

==== In contemporary American-Jewish culture ====
With Christmas Day a [[work holiday]] throughout the United States, there is a space of unfilled free time during which much of American commerce and society is not functioning, and which can give rise to a sense of loneliness or alienation for American Jews.<ref name="Hwang">{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/events/2014/12/18/mazelpalooza-matzoball/20564363/|title=Dec. 24 is time to party at Mazelpalooza, Matzoball|website=The Arizona Republic|language=en|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="AP2006">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/23/AR2006122300971.html Jessica Gresko, "Dec. 24 Becomes Party Night for Jewish Singles", Associated Press (''Washington Post''), 24 December 2006]</ref><ref name="Tracy">{{Cite news|url=https://newrepublic.com/article/115997/christmas-jews-greatest-holiday|title=Christmas Is the Greatest Jewish Holiday|last=Tracy|first=Marc|date=19 December 2013|magazine=The New Republic|access-date=16 May 2019|issn=0028-6583}}</ref><ref name=Lewis>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejewishnews.com/archives/matzoball-detroit/article_cbf739e3-21eb-54f7-b3c1-b995894ba752.html|title=MatzoBall Detroit|first=Barbara|last=Lewis|date=18 December 2014|website=thejewishnews.com}}</ref><ref name="ChinaDaily">{{Cite web|url=http://language.chinadaily.com.cn/news/2008-12/24/content_7336873.htm|title=平安夜美国犹太单身大聚会-英语点津|website=China Daily|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref>

Jews also typically do not engage in the family gathering and religious worship activities that are central to Christmas Eve for Christians.<ref name="TimesDeciding">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/12/16/garden/deciding-to-celebrate-christmas-or-not.html|title=Deciding to Celebrate Christmas, or Not|last=Richardson|first=Brenda Lane|date=16 December 1987|work=The New York Times|access-date=16 May 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Typical contemporary activities have usually been limited to "Chinese and a movie"<ref name="Karch">{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/2012/12/happy-chinese-and-a-movie/|title=Happy Chinese and a Movie|last=Marziah|date=24 December 2012|magazine=Wired|access-date=16 May 2019|issn=1059-1028}}</ref><ref name="Wiener">{{Cite web|url=https://www.jta.org/2013/12/24/culture/the-joy-of-not-celebrating-christmas|title=The joy of not celebrating Christmas|date=24 December 2013|publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency|language=en-US|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="Vozick">{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/12/25/christmas-chinese-food-movies/|title=Chinese food and movies: A Christmas tradition|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|language=en|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref>—consuming a meal at a [[Chinese restaurant]], which tend to be open for business on the Christmas holiday, and watching a movie at the theater or at home, stereotypically a rerun of the 1946 film ''[[It's a Wonderful Life]]''.<ref name=ChinaDaily /><ref name=Heyman2010>{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204527804576043883500181362 | first=Marshall | last=Heyman | title='Tis the Season For Matzo Balls | newspaper=The Wall Street Journal | date=27 December 2010 | access-date=30 December 2018 |url-access=subscription  }}</ref><ref name="Duckett">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1995-12-18-3058216-story.html|title=Jewish Singles Mimgle Christmas Eve|last=Duckett |first=Jodi |website=The Morning Call |date=18 December 1995 |language=en-US|access-date=16 May 2019}}</ref><ref name=Gluck>{{cite news | url=https://jewishjournal.com/mobile_20111212/99376/ | first=Robert | last=Gluck | title=What young Jews do on Christmas Eve | work=Los Angeles Jewish Journal | date=20 December 2011 | access-date=30 December 2018 }}</ref>

Since the 1980s a variety of social events for young Jews have sprung up, and become popular, on Christmas Eve.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16339451|title=Christmas Eve parties now a Jewish tradition|publisher=[[NBC News]]|date=24 December 2006|access-date=25 December 2017}}</ref> These include the [[Matzo Ball]], [[The Ball (event)|The Ball]], and a number of local events organized by Jewish communities and [[local Jewish Federations]] in North America.<ref name=AP2006 />

{{further|topic=Christmas Eve social events for young Jews in North America|Matzo Ball}}

=== In Chinese culture ===
In Mandarin, Christmas Eve is called {{transliteration|zh|Píng'ān yè}} ({{lang|zh|平安夜}}, "peaceful night", etymologically from the Chinese title of the Christmas carol ''[[Silent Night]]''). People exchange apples, because the word for "apple" ({{Ruby-zh-p|苹|píng}}果) is a rhyming wordplay with "peace" ({{Ruby-zh-p|平|píng}}安).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gbtimes.com/chinas-love-christmas-apple-gifts|title=China's love for Christmas apple gifts|last=Ren|first=Yaoti|date=14 November 2017|access-date=26 December 2018|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226232506/https://gbtimes.com/chinas-love-christmas-apple-gifts|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== In Inuit culture ===
In [[Inuit]] territories, Christmas Eve is called ''[[Quviasukvik]]''. The Inuit celebrate it as their new year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/8xpb8a/sex-in-our-strange-world-why-christmas-has-always-been-about-sex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222212311/https://www.vice.com/en_in/article/8xpb8a/sex-in-our-strange-world-why-christmas-has-always-been-about-sex|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 December 2018|title=Sex in Our Strange World: Why Christmas has Always Been About Sex}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4VbgAAAAMAAJ|title=Christmas in the Big Igloo: True Tales from the Canadian Arctic|first=Kenn|last=Harper|date=24 December 1983|publisher=Outcrop|isbn=978-0-919315-07-5 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/33556958.pdf|title=Inulariuyunga; Imngirnik Quvigiyaqaqtunga!}}</ref>

=== United States ===
In [[New Mexico]] and areas of [[San Diego, CA|San Diego]], California, Christmas Eve (''nochebuena'') is celebrated by lighting [[luminaria (vigil fire)|luminarias]] and [[farolito]]s.

== Historical events ==
[[File:Khaki-chums-xmas-truce-1914-1999.redvers.jpg|right|thumb|A cross, left near [[Ypres]] in Belgium in 1999, to commemorate the site of the 1914 Christmas Truce. The text reads ''1914—The Khaki Chum's Christmas Truce—85 Years—Lest We Forget''.]]
A number of historical events have been influenced by the occurrence of Christmas Eve.

=== Christmas truce ===
{{Main|Christmas truce}}
During [[World War I]] in 1914 and 1915 there was an unofficial [[Christmas truce]], particularly between [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] and [[German Empire|German]] troops. The truce began on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1914, when [[German Army (German Empire)|German troops]] began decorating the area around their [[trench warfare|trenches]] in the region of [[Ypres]], Belgium, for Christmas. They began by placing candles on trees, then continued the celebration by singing [[Christmas carol]]s, most notably ''[[Silent Night (song)|Stille Nacht]]'' ("Silent Night"). The [[British Army|British troops]] in the trenches across from them responded by singing English carols. The two sides shouted Christmas greetings to each other. Soon there were calls for visits across the "[[No man's land]]" when small gifts were exchanged. The truce also allowed a breathing space during which recently killed soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by burial parties. Funerals took place as soldiers from both sides mourned the dead together and paid their respects. At one funeral in No Man's Land, soldiers from both sides gathered and read a passage from [[Psalm 23]]. The truce occurred in spite of opposition at higher levels of the military command. Earlier in the autumn, a call by [[Pope Benedict XV]] for an official truce between the warring governments had been ignored.
[[File:Scott 1371, Apollo 8.jpg|thumb|right|180px|[[Apollo 8]] commemorative stamp of the [[Apollo 8 Genesis reading|Christmas Eve Genesis reading]], issued in 1969, includes the ''[[Earthrise]]'' photograph by NASA astronaut [[William Anders]]]]

=== Apollo 8 reading from Genesis ===
{{Main|Apollo 8 Genesis reading}}
On 24 December 1968, in what was the most watched television broadcast to that date, the [[Apollo 8]] astronauts [[William Anders|Bill Anders]], [[Jim Lovell]] and [[Frank Borman]] surprised the world with a reading of the Creation from the [[Book of Genesis]] as they orbited the Moon.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo8_xmas.html|title=The Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast|publisher=NASA National Space Science Data Center|date=25 September 2007|access-date=12 April 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080419065805/http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo8_xmas.html| archive-date= 19 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

In 1969, the [[United States Postal Service]] issued a stamp ([[Scott number|Scott#]] 1371) commemorating the [[Apollo 8|Apollo 8 flight around the Moon]]. The stamp featured a detail of Anders' famous photograph ''[[Earthrise]]'' of the Earth "rising" over the [[Moon]] (NASA image AS8-14-2383HR), taken on Christmas Eve, and the words, "In the beginning [[God]]...".

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity}}
* [[Christmas|Christmas Day]]
* [[Nativity of Jesus]]
* [[Santa Claus]]
* [[Christmas and holiday season|Winter holiday season]]
* [[Réveillon]]

{{Clear}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{wikiquote-inline}}
{{Christmas}}
{{Public holidays in Algeria}}
{{Public holidays in Malaysia}}
{{Public holidays in the Philippines}}
{{US Holidays}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Nativity of Jesus in worship and liturgy]]
[[Category:Christmas events and celebrations]]
[[Category:December observances]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Public holidays in the Czech Republic]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Denmark]]
[[Category:Public holidays in El Salvador]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Estonia]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Finland]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Iceland]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Lithuania]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Slovakia]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Sweden]]
[[Category:Public holidays in Venezuela]]