Christmas Eve

Name: Christmas Eve (Finland)
Start: 2026-12-24
End: 2026-12-24
Location: Finland

Nationwide public holiday in Finland · Jouluaatto

Next Christmas Eve

Thursday, 24 December 2026

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Dates

Year	Date	Weekday	Notes
2026	24 December	Thursday	Nationwide
2027	24 December	Friday	Nationwide

Where it applies

Everywhere in Finland.

Is it a day off?

Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.

Make it longer

Thu 24 Dec – Sun 27 Dec is a 4-day weekend with no leave needed.

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Typical weather in Helsinki around 24 December: high 2°C (35°F), low -1°C (31°F), rain on 50% of days.

Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Helsinki. Past averages, not a forecast.

About Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve on 24 December is the evening before Christmas Day, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In many Christian traditions the feast begins at sunset on the eve, so the evening carries particular religious and family significance. In some countries it is a public holiday or a partial day off. Some Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar observe it on 6 January.

Traditions

In many places Christmas Eve is the main family gathering of the season, with a festive dinner that in some traditions is meatless. Churches hold evening services and midnight Masses, and carols are sung. In a number of countries presents are exchanged on this evening rather than on Christmas morning.

Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.

Coming up next in Finland

Christmas Day

Friday, 25 December 2026