Every Sunday left before Christmas
Each remaining Sunday from today until Christmas Eve.
- Sun 1 NovIn 4 days
- Sun 8 NovIn 11 days
- Sun 15 NovIn 18 days
- Sun 22 NovIn 25 days
- Sun 29 NovIn 32 days
- Sun 6 DecIn 39 days
- Sun 13 DecIn 46 days
- Sun 20 DecIn 53 days
How many Sundays until Christmas?
The number above shows how many Sundays until Christmas 2026. From late October there are eight: 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 November, and 6, 13 and 20 December.
The last four of those are special. They are the four Sundays of Advent, the season of preparation before Christmas in the Christian calendar.
The four Sundays of Advent 2026
Advent always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. In 2026 the dates are:
- Sunday 29 November: first Sunday of Advent. Traditionally the candle of hope.
- Sunday 6 December: second Sunday of Advent, the candle of peace. It is also St Nicholas Day.
- Sunday 13 December: third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, the candle of joy. In many churches this candle is pink.
- Sunday 20 December: fourth Sunday of Advent, the candle of love.
Many homes light one more candle on an Advent wreath each Sunday, with a fifth white candle in the middle for Christmas Day. Candle names vary between churches. Read more on Christmas traditions around the world.
Stir-up Sunday: 22 November 2026
The Sunday before Advent is known in Britain as Stir-up Sunday, the traditional day to make the Christmas pudding. Everyone in the family takes a turn to stir the mixture and make a wish, and some families hide a coin inside. The pudding then matures for a month. You will find it in our Christmas recipes.
A slow Sunday plan
Sundays are for the gentle jobs: writing cards, a long walk, a roast, a film. Try a Sunday tradition, such as a new carol each week of Advent with the Jingle Bells button switched on, or a riddle at Sunday lunch from our Christmas jokes and riddles. For Saturdays, see Saturdays until Christmas.
Sunday dates at a glance
- 1 November: All Saints' Day, the day after Halloween.
- 8 November: Remembrance Sunday in the UK.
- 15 November: six weeks to go, a good day to write the gift list.
- 22 November: Stir-up Sunday.
- 29 November, 6, 13 and 20 December: the four Sundays of Advent.
Lighting an Advent wreath
An Advent wreath is a ring of evergreen with four candles, three purple or red and one pink, and sometimes a white one in the middle. On the first Sunday, light one candle; on the second, two; and so on, until all four burn on 20 December. The white candle is lit on Christmas Day. Families often say a short reading or sing a carol as each candle is lit.
Questions people ask
Quick answers about this countdown.
How many Sundays until Christmas 2026?
The live number at the top counts them. From late October there are eight.
When is the first Sunday of Advent 2026?
Sunday 29 November 2026.
When is Stir-up Sunday 2026?
Sunday 22 November 2026, the Sunday before Advent.
Is Christmas Eve 2026 a Sunday?
No. Christmas Eve 2026 is a Thursday, and the fourth Sunday of Advent is 20 December.
More day-by-day countdowns
More countdowns, tools and Christmas reading on Christmas Days Left.