Countdown to Christmas Eve
A live countdown to Christmas Eve, 24 December, in UK time.
Good to know
Christmas Eve is 24 December, the day before Christmas Day. It is not a bank holiday, but many offices, shops and services close early and public transport runs reduced timetables in the evening.
The countdown targets midnight at the start of 24 December, when the UK is on GMT.
A well-known Christmas Eve tradition is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge, which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 at 15:00 UK time. Many families time their afternoon around it, and the service is heard around the world.
Children in the UK are told that Santa travels overnight, and tracking services show his position through the night. The easiest way to follow him from overseas is to use UK time, because the night in the UK starts early in the evening on 24 December.
Dates for the next few years
- 2026: Thursday, 24 December 2026
- 2027: Friday, 24 December 2027
- 2028: Sunday, 24 December 2028
- 2029: Monday, 24 December 2029
- 2030: Tuesday, 24 December 2030
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas Eve a bank holiday in the UK?
No. It is a normal working day for many, but many businesses close early and transport services run reduced timetables.
What time is the carol service from King's College, Cambridge?
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is broadcast on Christmas Eve at 15:00 UK time on BBC Radio 4.
Clock change guides
- What Is Daylight Saving Time (DST)? A Plain-English GuideWhat daylight saving time is, how it works in the UK, Europe and the US, why it exists, its history, who uses it and the argument over scrapping it.
- Why Do the Clocks Go Back in October? The Real ReasonThe clocks go back in autumn to return the UK to GMT, so winter mornings are lighter. The history, the rule, what time it happens and what changes for you.
- When Do the Clocks Go Forward Again After Going Back?When the UK clocks go forward again after the autumn change, how long the UK stays on GMT, when evenings get lighter and how to remember to reset your clocks.