When Does Advent Start 2024? The 2024 Key Dates

When does Advent start 2024?

Advent starts on Sunday, December 1st, 2024. 

Advent always starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The exact date varies each year because it depends on which day of the week Christmas falls.

When is Advent over 2024?

Advent ends Tuesday, December 24th, 2024. 

Advent always ends on Christmas Eve. After Advent, the Christmas season officially begins with Christmas Day on December 25th.

 

How long is the Advent season?

Advent lasts for approximately four weeks, ending on Christmas Eve (December 24). The number of days varies slightly each year, depending on which day of the week Christmas falls.

How are the dates of Advent decided?

The dates of Advent are determined by the liturgical calendar and are based on the date of Christmas. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, marking the start of the new liturgical year.

Advent Sundays in Order

When is the first Sunday of Advent?

The first Sunday of Advent is December 1st, 2024. 

The first Sunday of Advent is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent begins on this day and continues for the next three Sundays, leading up to Christmas Eve on December 24th.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle on the Advent wreath, often called the "Prophet’s Candle" or the "Candle of Hope," is lit. This candle symbolizes the hope of the people of Israel who waited for the Messiah and the hope of Christians today for Christ’s return.

When is the second Sunday of Advent?

The second Sunday of Advent is December 8th, 2024. 

On the second Sunday of Advent, the second candle on the Advent wreath, often called the "Bethlehem Candle" or the "Candle of Peace," is lit. This candle symbolizes the peace that Christ brings to the world, fulfilling the prophecy of peace found in Scripture. 

When is the third Sunday of Advent?

The third Sunday of Advent is December 15th, 2024. 

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as "Gaudete Sunday," a day of rejoicing. The word "Gaudete" means "rejoice" in Latin, reflecting the joyful anticipation of Christmas. On this day, the pink (or rose) candle on the Advent wreath is lit, symbolizing joy. You will also see that priests and deacons dress in rose-colored vestments.

When is the fourth Sunday of Advent?

The fourth Sunday of Advent is on December 22nd, 2024. 

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the fourth candle on the Advent wreath, known as the "Angel’s Candle" or the "Candle of Love," is lit. This candle symbolizes the love that God has for humanity and the love that Christians are called to share with others. This is the final Sunday of Advent, just a few days before Christmas, and it focuses on the theme of love and the preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

More Advent Content

• Catholic Prayers for Advent
• The Ultimate Guide to Advent from Fr. Mike Schmitz 
• What Is an Advent Wreath?
• Scripture Verses for Advent