December 24

Holidays & Observances

Christianfeast day:

Adela and Irmina, Paola Elisabetta Cerioli, AdamandEve, December 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A collective commemoration of several saints observed on December 24 by Christian churches.
On December 24, Christian communities celebrate the feast days of saints such as Adela and Irmina, early medieval noblewomen known for their piety and charity. Also honored is Paola Elisabetta Cerioli, a 19th-century Italian nun devoted to educating and caring for youth. Some denominations commemorate Adam and Eve, reflecting on the biblical origins of humanity. In the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, December 24 marks specific readings and prayers in preparation for the Nativity of Christ. This collection of observances highlights the diverse traditions within Christianity on the eve of Christmas.
feast day Adela and Irmina Paola Elisabetta Cerioli Adam Eve December 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Christmas Eve(Christianity) and its related observances:

Aðfangadagskvöld, the day when the 13th and the lastYule Ladarrives to towns. (Iceland), Feast of the Seven Fishes(Italian Americans), Juleaften (Denmark)/Julaften (Norway)/Julafton (Sweden), Nittel Nacht(certain Orthodox Jewish denominations), Nochebuena(Spain and Spanish-speaking countries), TheDeclaration of Christmas Peace(Old Great SquareofTurku, Finland's official Christmas City), Wigilia(Poland), Quviasukvik, the Inuit new year (Alaska,Canada,GreenlandandRussia)

The global celebration of Christmas Eve, featuring diverse cultural and religious traditions on the night before Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve on December 24 is celebrated worldwide as the culmination of Advent and the threshold of Christmas Day. In Iceland, Aðfangadagskvöld witnesses the arrival of the final Yule Lad. Italian Americans observe the Feast of the Seven Fishes, sharing a multi-course seafood meal in anticipation of midnight Mass. Scandinavians mark Juleaften or Julafton with family gatherings, festive dinners, and Christmas tree decorations. Jewish communities observing Nittel Nacht abstain from Torah study and engage in social gatherings. In Spain and Latin America, Nochebuena features large family feasts and late-night celebrations. Finland’s Old Great Square in Turku declares the Christmas Peace in a centuries-old ceremony. Polish families partake in Wigilia, a meatless meal with symbolic dishes and an empty place at the table. Inuit communities in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia celebrate Quviasukvik, a traditional New Year festival based on the lunar calendar.
Christmas Eve Aðfangadagskvöld Yule Lad Iceland Feast of the Seven Fishes Italian Americans Juleaften (Denmark) Julaften (Norway) Julafton (Sweden) Nittel Nacht Nochebuena Declaration of Christmas Peace Old Great Square Turku Wigilia Quviasukvik Alaska Canada Greenland Russia

Kūčios(Lithuania)

Kūčios is the traditional Lithuanian Christmas Eve dinner, rich in symbolism and folklore.
In Lithuania, Kūčios on December 24 is the heart of Christmas celebrations, centered around a twelve-dish meatless supper representing the twelve apostles. Each dish holds symbolic meaning, from fish symbolizing Christ to poppy seeds for prosperity. The table is set with hay beneath the cloth to honor Christ’s birth in a manger. At midnight, families attend a candlelit Christmas Eve Mass. Wafers called Kalėdaitis are shared among guests, offering blessings and unity. Straw ornamentations and straw underplacemats remind participants of the Nativity setting. After dinner, traditional singing of Christmas carols fosters a warm community spirit. Kūčios blends faith, folklore, and familial bonds in a uniquely Lithuanian observance.
Kūčios

Independence Day (Libya)

A national holiday in Libya marking the country’s independence from Italian colonial rule on December 24, 1951.
Independence Day in Libya commemorates the end of Italian colonial rule and the establishment of the United Kingdom of Libya in 1951 under King Idris. Celebrations include military parades in Tripoli and Benghazi, patriotic events, and public speeches honoring national unity. Schools and government institutions host cultural performances showcasing Libyan music, dance, and poetry. Citizens decorate streets and buildings with the national flag, green symbolizing the nation's motto of Libya, Libya, Libya. Special programs on television recount the struggles and achievements leading to sovereignty. Families gather for festive meals featuring traditional Libyan cuisine. The day fosters national pride and reflection on Libya’s journey as an independent nation.
Independence Day (Libya)

Day of Military Honour – Siege of Ismail(Russia)

A Russian military commemoration of the 1790 Siege of Ismail, celebrated as a symbol of courage and tactical victory.
Observed on December 24, Day of Military Honour in Russia pays tribute to the storming of Ismail in 1790 during the Russo-Turkish War. Under the command of General Alexander Suvorov, Russian forces overcame formidable fortress defenses through bold tactics, securing a decisive victory. The event is remembered for Suvorov’s leadership and the bravery of the troops who scaled high walls and breached the citadel. Modern commemorations include wreath-laying ceremonies at military monuments and educational exhibitions in museums. Military academies hold lectures analyzing the siege’s strategic importance in Russian history. This day honors the courage of soldiers whose valor contributed to Russia’s military heritage.
Day of Military Honour – Siege of Ismail Russia

Adela and Irmina

Feast day honoring Adela and Irmina, sisters known for founding religious communities and acts of charity in the 8th century.
Saints Adela and Irmina were Frankish noblewomen of the 8th century who founded monasteries and dedicated their lives to the service of God and the poor. Adela succeeded her aunt as abbess of Pfalzel Abbey, while Irmina led the community at Oeren. Their collaboration and pious leadership fostered spiritual growth and education in their regions. Celebrated on December 24, their feast day invites reflection on the role of women’s monasticism in early medieval Europe. Churches commemorate them with special liturgies, readings of their hagiographies, and charitable works. Their legacy endures in the enduring monastic traditions they helped establish.
Adela and Irmina

Paola Elisabetta Cerioli

Feast day of Paola Elisabetta Cerioli, an Italian nun and foundress devoted to youth education and social care.
Paola Elisabetta Cerioli (1816–1865) was an Italian religious sister who founded the Institute of Sisters of Saint Dorothy to educate and care for orphans and working youth. Born in Codogno, she dedicated her life to improving social conditions through teaching, nursing, and charitable outreach. She was beatified and later canonized by the Catholic Church in recognition of her virtue and service. Observed on December 24, her feast day encourages reflection on her compassionate work and the ongoing mission of her congregation. Churches celebrate with special liturgies and charitable events focusing on youth mentorship. Her life story continues to inspire educators and social workers to acts of kindness and service.
Paola Elisabetta Cerioli

AdamandEve

Feast day commemorating Adam and Eve, the biblical first humans, reflecting on themes of creation and redemption.
In some Christian traditions, December 24 is observed as the feast day of Adam and Eve to highlight humanity’s origins and the unfolding of divine salvation history. The commemoration often includes readings from Genesis recounting creation, followed by homilies that connect the Fall with the advent of Christ as the new Adam. Symbolic rituals may involve the blessing of fruit and bread, recalling paradise and the promise of restoration. By honoring the first human couple on the eve of Christmas, believers are reminded of the journey from original sin to redemption. Liturgical celebrations emphasize gratitude for the Incarnation, viewing Christ’s birth as the fulfillment of God’s plan to renew creation.
Adam Eve

December 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A liturgical observance in the Eastern Orthodox Church marking specific services on the day before the Nativity.
In the Eastern Orthodox calendar, December 24 holds special liturgical significance as preparations conclude for the feast of the Nativity of Christ. The Royal Hours are celebrated, featuring extended prayers, psalms, and readings that anticipate the incarnation. The Typica service follows, often combined with Vespers, creating a solemn and reflective atmosphere. Iconography during services portrays the Annunciation of the birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary. Fasting guidelines culminate, allowing the faithful to partake in the celebration on Christmas Day. Hymns such as O Zion, Be Glad echo in churches, affirming the joy of the approaching feast. This day serves as a spiritual preparation for the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth.
December 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Aðfangadagskvöld, the day when the 13th and the lastYule Ladarrives to towns. (Iceland)

An Icelandic Yule tradition on Christmas Eve when the last of the thirteen Yule Lads arrives bearing gifts.
Aðfangadagskvöld, Iceland’s Christmas Eve, features the arrival of the thirteenth and final Yule Lad, Gryla’s mischievous offspring from folklore. Families light candles early evening and place shoes on windowsills, hoping for small treats left by the Yule Lads. Traditional foods like smoked lamb stew (hangikjöt) and laufabrauð (leaf bread) are shared around the dinner table. After the meal, children eagerly check their shoes for candy or fruits. Festive hymns are sung, and stories of Yule Lads’ antics evoke laughter and wonder. The night culminates with a cozy gathering by the Christmas tree, blending ancient folklore with modern family celebrations. This unique blend of myth and tradition makes Iceland’s holiday customs truly enchanting.
Aðfangadagskvöld Yule Lad Iceland

Feast of the Seven Fishes(Italian Americans)

A cherished Italian American Christmas Eve tradition where families gather to enjoy a multi-course seafood meal.
Observed on December 24, the Feast of the Seven Fishes celebrates the Catholic Christmas Eve vigil tradition of abstaining from meat. Italian American families prepare an elaborate meal featuring seven different seafood dishes, symbolizing perfection and the seven sacraments. Common dishes include baccalà, shrimp, calamari, and clams, often paired with pasta and seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. This festive dinner brings generations together, filling homes with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of the sea. Rooted in Southern Italian customs, the feast has evolved in the United States into a beloved holiday experience. It highlights the blending of religious observance with family, culinary artistry, and cultural pride.
Feast of the Seven Fishes Italian Americans

Juleaften (Denmark)/Julaften (Norway)/Julafton (Sweden)

The Scandinavian celebration of Christmas Eve in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, marked by festive meals, carols, and family gatherings.
Juleaften in Denmark, Julaften in Norway, and Julafton in Sweden mark the culmination of Advent on December 24. Families gather around the decorated tree to share a festive meal, often featuring roast pork, pickled herring, and rich rice pudding. Traditional activities include singing carols, dancing around the Christmas tree, and attending late-night church services. In Sweden, children await the arrival of the Christmas goat or Tomte, while in Norway and Denmark, gifts are exchanged after singing 'Silent Night.' The evening blends Christian traditions with Nordic folklore and communal warmth. Brightly lit candles, paper star lanterns, and elaborate decorations illuminate homes across Scandinavia.
Juleaften (Denmark) Julaften (Norway) Julafton (Sweden)