Advent is a season of waiting and expectation for Christmas – the birth of Christ, the Nativity of Our Lord. We prepare our homes and hearts for four weeks before Christmas. Advent is also the beginning of a new liturgical season – it concludes a long period of Ordinary Time and leads us into the new church year with hope and patience in preparation for Christmas.
Advent is determined by the liturgical calendar and begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which can fall between November 27 and December 3. This date is calculated based on the fixed date of Christmas on December 25 and the position of the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew’s Day (November 30). The season ends on Christmas Eve, December 24, marking the conclusion of the Advent period and the beginning of the Christmas season. The liturgical color for Advent is traditionally purple or violet, symbolizing penance and preparation, though some traditions use blue or rose (especially on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent).
This season was likely first celebrated in the fifth century, originating from the tradition of fasting several times a week, beginning on St. Martin de Tours’ Feast Day (November 11) and concluding on Christmas Day. Nowadays, Advent always starts about four weeks before Christmas, on the Sunday closest to St. Andrew’s Feast Day (November 30).
When does Advent start?
Advent always starts four Sundays before Christmas. This year, in 2025, Advent starts Sunday, November 30, 2025.
When is Advent over?
Advent always ends on Christmas Eve, the day before Christmas. Advent ends Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
How are the dates for Advent decided?
Advent always begins on a Sunday and includes three other Sundays leading up to Christmas. Traditionally, this first Sunday of Advent is always the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle on November 30, whether before or after. This year, the Feast of St. Andrew is on a Wednesday, so the first Sunday of Advent precedes the apostle’s feast day.
What season is after Advent?
After Advent, the Christmas season begins with Christmas Eve vigil masses. The Christmas season ends on Monday, January 12, 2025, following Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
When are the 12 days of Christmas?
The 12 days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day, December 25, and end on January 5, the day before Epiphany.
When is Epiphany?
Epiphany is always celebrated on January 6. Traditionally, this day marks the visit of the Magi – when the three wise men visited the baby Jesus. It’s often observed on the Sunday between Jan. 2 and 8.
