Does Christmas Eve Mass count?

Yes. A Mass on the evening before the feast meets the obligation, so Thursday evening counts for Christmas in 2026.

What about New Year's Day?

January 1, 2027, the Solemnity of Mary, is a Friday and a holy day of obligation in most US dioceses.

Is Christmas a holy day of obligation in 2026?

Q: Is Christmas a holy day of obligation in 2026?

Yes, and Sunday still counts. Yes. Christmas is a holy day of obligation for US Catholics every year, whatever day it falls on. In 2026 that means Mass on Friday, December 25, or the evening of Thursday, December 24, and a separate Mass for Sunday, December 27, or the evening of Saturday, December 26.

Yes, and Sunday still counts

Yes. Christmas is a holy day of obligation for US Catholics every year, whatever day it falls on. In 2026 that means Mass on Friday, December 25, or the evening of Thursday, December 24, and a separate Mass for Sunday, December 27, or the evening of Saturday, December 26.

Take the quiz

Advent and the Christmas story

What do the four Advent candles mean?

How many wise men were there?

When do you put baby Jesus in the nativity?

What are the 12 days of Christmas?

What is Epiphany, and when is it?

What is a short prayer for Christmas dinner?

Does Christmas Eve Mass count?: Yes. A Mass on the evening before the feast meets the obligation, so Thursday evening counts for Christmas in 2026.
What about New Year's Day?: January 1, 2027, the Solemnity of Mary, is a Friday and a holy day of obligation in most US dioceses.

See the whole Christmas Checklist

Last checked Monday, November 9, from the Code of Canon Law and US diocesan calendars.

From our shop Tartan tumbler Church coffee needs all the help it can get. Our tartan tumbler keeps it hot through the second hymn.