Festivals and celebrationsEuropeChristian
Advent
In its own language: adventus
A four-week Christian season of waiting and preparation for Christmas and the Second Coming.
Advent is a liturgical season observed by most Western Christians as a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus at Christmas and his promised return. It begins on the fourth Sunday before December twenty-fifth and lasts until Christmas Eve. The period marks the start of the new church year in Western traditions and focuses on hope, penitence, and expectation.
When is Advent in 2026?
Advent 2026 runs from 29 November to 22 December 2026. Other years: 2027, 28 November to 21 December 2027; 2028, 3 to 26 December 2028.
Advent is a sacred season of waiting and preparation in Western Christianity. It anticipates both the nativity of Jesus and his future return. Families and congregations use this time to focus on hope and penitence. The season sets the tone for the entire church year through specific prayers, colors, and rituals that guide believers toward Christmas.
What Advent means
The word comes from Latin for coming or arrival. It translates a Greek term used in the New Testament about Christ's return. For believers, it covers three aspects: remembering the birth in Bethlehem, welcoming Christ into their hearts now, and awaiting his final return. This threefold focus shapes the mood of the weeks leading up to Christmas.
How it began
Records show a preparation period existed by the year 480. Bishop Perpetuus of Tours ordered fasting three days a week starting after Saint Martin's Day in November. This early practice was called Saint Martin's Lent. Later councils spread the custom across France. By the sixth century, the season had a clear structure with specific readings and prayers for the Sundays before Christmas.
Daily practices today
Congregations light candles on an Advent wreath each week. Many people complete daily devotional calendars or read special scriptures. Some churches hang greens or erect Chrismon trees. Families gather for social events and gift giving. The liturgy uses violet vestments to signal solemnity, though some groups prefer blue to highlight hope. On the third Sunday, rose colors appear to mark a moment of joy.
Music and songs
Special services feature carols and oratorios like Handel's Messiah. Churches sing ancient antiphons known as the Great Advent O antiphons during the last week. These texts form the basis for popular hymns such as O come O come Emmanuel. The Gloria is omitted from Mass services to build anticipation for the Christmas celebration.
How Advent is kept
Beliegers observe the season by attending church services where clergy wear violet or blue robes. They light one candle on a wreath each Sunday. Many follow daily devotional guides or calendars. Families prepare for Christmas by gathering socially and exchanging gifts. Some communities perform traditional rites like hanging greens or singing special carols. The atmosphere remains reflective and hopeful throughout the four weeks.
When and where
It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, which falls between late November and early December. It ends on Christmas Eve. In some Catholic rites, it begins six Sundays before Christmas. The dates shift yearly based on the calendar.
It is kept primarily in Western Christianity, including Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist traditions. Specific local customs exist in Sweden, Italy, France, and Germany. The season marks the beginning of the liturgical year in these regions.
What Advent means
The season symbolizes waiting and readiness. Violet represents penitence and royalty. Blue signifies hope and expectation. The candles mark the passage of time and growing light. The omission of joyful music builds tension for the Christmas announcement. It is a time to clean the heart and mind for the holy event.
Days Advent is marked
Advent dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Advent date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 November to 22 December 2026 |
| 2027 | 28 November to 21 December 2027 |
| 2028 | 3 to 26 December 2028 |
Questions people ask about Advent
When is Advent in 2026?
Advent 2026 runs from 29 November to 22 December 2026. Other years: 2027, 28 November to 21 December 2027; 2028, 3 to 26 December 2028.
What is Advent?
It is a Christian season of waiting and preparation for Christmas and the Second Coming. It begins four Sundays before December twenty-fifth and lasts until Christmas Eve. It marks the start of the church year in Western traditions.
What color is used?
Violet is the traditional color for vestments and decorations. It signals solemnity and penitence. Some Protestant groups use blue to emphasize hope. Rose may be worn on the third Sunday to mark a moment of joy.
Do people fast?
Historically, many Christians fasted during this period. Today, fasting is less common in Western churches but still practiced in some Eastern traditions. Abstinence from certain festivities was once standard. Now the focus is more on prayer and reflection.
See also
ChristmasA festival of Jesus's birth, kept on 25 December with gifts, lights and shared meals
Christmas treeA decorated evergreen or artificial tree placed indoors to mark the Christmas season.
Christmas EveThe evening before Christmas, marked by church services, family meals, and gift preparations across Christian cultures.
April Fools' DayAn annual day of lighthearted pranks, hoaxes and teasing kept on the first of AprilGood reading and sources
- Advent on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Advent", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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