Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25, and it is a holy day of obligation. Catholics can fulfill the obligation at any Christmas Mass, beginning with the Vigil Mass on the evening of Thursday, December 24. The Church actually provides four different Masses for Christmas: the Vigil Mass, the Mass during the Night (“Midnight Mass”), the Mass at Dawn and the Mass during the Day, each with its own readings.
Below you will find what each Christmas Mass is, the readings, how the obligation works in 2026, tips for going with children, and a prayer to prepare.
The four Masses of Christmas
| Mass | When | Gospel |
|---|---|---|
| Vigil Mass | Evening of December 24 | Matthew 1:1–25 (the genealogy and Joseph’s dream) |
| Mass during the Night (“Midnight Mass”) | Night of December 24–25 | Luke 2:1–14 (the birth of Jesus and the angels) |
| Mass at Dawn (“Shepherds’ Mass”) | Early morning, December 25 | Luke 2:15–20 (the shepherds visit the manger) |
| Mass during the Day | Morning or midday, December 25 | John 1:1–18 (“The Word was made flesh”) |
The Masses move like a story through the night: from the long wait of Israel (Vigil), to the birth at Bethlehem (Night), to the shepherds who hurry to see (Dawn), to the mystery of the eternal Word made flesh (Day). Since the fifth century the pope in Rome has celebrated a Mass at night at the basilica of St. Mary Major, which keeps a relic of the manger, and the custom of several Christmas Masses spread from there.
The readings for each Christmas Mass
| Mass | First reading | Psalm | Second reading | Gospel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vigil | Isaiah 62:1–5 | Psalm 89 | Acts 13:16–17, 22–25 | Matthew 1:1–25 |
| Night | Isaiah 9:1–6 | Psalm 96 | Titus 2:11–14 | Luke 2:1–14 |
| Dawn | Isaiah 62:11–12 | Psalm 97 | Titus 3:4–7 | Luke 2:15–20 |
| Day | Isaiah 52:7–10 | Psalm 98 | Hebrews 1:1–6 | John 1:1–18 |
The Gospel of Midnight Mass, in the Douay-Rheims translation:
And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled.
This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria.
And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David,
To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with child.
And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock.
And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.
And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people:
For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David.
And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying:
Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.
Christmas Eve Mass: does it count for Christmas?
Yes. A Mass celebrated on the evening of December 24 fulfills the obligation for Christmas Day, because the celebration of a Sunday or holy day begins on the evening before (Code of Canon Law, canon 1248 §1). Any of the four Christmas Masses fulfills it.
In 2026, Christmas is on a Friday, so it is not combined with a Sunday. The next Sunday, December 27, 2026, is the Feast of the Holy Family, and it carries its own Sunday obligation. One Mass cannot count for both.
You may receive Holy Communion a second time on the same day if you take part in a second Mass (canon 917). Many families go to the Vigil Mass and some return for the Mass during the Day.
What time is Midnight Mass?
The Missal calls it the Mass during the Night. Many parishes still celebrate it at midnight, often with carols beginning half an hour before. Others celebrate it at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. so that families can attend. Check your parish website or bulletin, or search a Mass-times directory, and arrive early: Christmas Masses are the most crowded of the year.
Before the Mass during the Night, many churches sing or read the Christmas Proclamation (the Kalenda), an ancient text that sets the birth of Christ in the history of the world, from creation to the Roman Empire.
Going to Christmas Mass with children
- Choose a family Mass. Many parishes hold an afternoon Vigil Mass on December 24 with a children’s choir or a Nativity pageant.
- Arrive early to find seats, and sit where children can see the crib and the altar.
- Read the Christmas story at home first (Luke 2:1–20) so children know what they will hear.
- Bring them to the Nativity scene after Mass and pray together in front of the crib.
- Keep it joyful. Restless children are welcome; Jesus came as a baby.
A prayer before Christmas Mass
Written for this page:
Lord Jesus, born in Bethlehem,
as the shepherds hurried to find you, I come to meet you in this Mass.
Quiet the rush and noise of these days,
and open my heart to receive you in your word and in the Eucharist.
Let me adore you with Mary and Joseph,
and carry your peace to everyone I meet this Christmas. Amen.
For family prayers, blessings of the crib and the Christmas tree, and prayers for Christmas Day, see our Catholic Christmas prayers.
Prayers of the Faithful for Christmas
Response after each petition: Lord, hear our prayer.
- For the Church throughout the world, that she may proclaim with joy the good news of the birth of the Savior, we pray to the Lord.
- For peace on earth, especially in the Holy Land where Jesus was born, we pray to the Lord.
- For all who are poor, homeless or far from home this Christmas, that they may find welcome and help, we pray to the Lord.
- For those who are sick or grieving, and for all who find Christmas hard, that the Child of Bethlehem may bring them comfort, we pray to the Lord.
- For our families gathered tonight, that Christ may be at the center of our celebrations, we pray to the Lord.
- For our loved ones who have died, that they may celebrate forever in the light of God’s glory, we pray to the Lord.
These petitions were written for this page. More examples: prayers of the faithful.
The Christmas season after December 25
Christmas is not one day but a season. The Octave of Christmas runs from December 25 to January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The season continues through the Epiphany (January 3, 2027, in the United States) and ends with the Baptism of the Lord (January 10, 2027).
| Date | Celebration |
|---|---|
| Thu., Dec. 24, 2026 (evening) | Christmas Vigil Mass |
| Fri., Dec. 25, 2026 | The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), holy day of obligation |
| Sat., Dec. 26, 2026 | St. Stephen, first martyr |
| Sun., Dec. 27, 2026 | The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph |
| Mon., Dec. 28, 2026 | The Holy Innocents |
| Fri., Jan. 1, 2027 | Mary, Mother of God (holy day of obligation) |
| Sun., Jan. 3, 2027 | The Epiphany of the Lord (USA) |
| Sun., Jan. 10, 2027 | The Baptism of the Lord, end of the Christmas season |
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas 2026 a holy day of obligation?
Yes. Christmas is always a holy day of obligation. In 2026 it falls on Friday, December 25. See holy days of obligation.
Does Christmas Eve Mass count for Sunday?
No, not in 2026. A Mass on the evening of December 24 counts for Christmas Day. Sunday, December 27, is a separate day of obligation.
Why is it called Midnight Mass?
Because it was traditionally celebrated at midnight, the hour when, according to an old tradition, Christ was born. Its official name is the Mass during the Night.
Do I have to go to more than one Mass at Christmas?
No. One Christmas Mass fulfills the obligation. Priests may celebrate three Masses on Christmas Day, and the faithful may attend more than one if they wish.
More Christmas pages
- Psalm 2 (You are my Son)
- Psalm 97 (The Lord is King, let the earth rejoice)
- Psalm 89 (For ever I will sing the mercies of the Lord)
- Christmas carols: lyrics and stories
- Joy to the World
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Psalm 96 (Sing to the Lord a new song)
- Psalm 98 (the Christmas Day psalm)
- O Come, All Ye Faithful
- Silent Night
- Simbang Gabi
- Las Posadas
- The Epiphany
- Catholic Christmas prayers
- Advent 2026 and Gaudete Sunday
- The O Antiphons
- The St. Andrew Christmas Novena
- Order of the Mass
Texts and sources
- Scripture: Luke 2:1–14, Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain. Reading references follow the Lectionary for Mass, the Nativity of the Lord.
- Code of Canon Law, canons 917, 1247 and 1248.
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the Roman Missal, the Nativity of the Lord (four Mass formularies).
- The prayer and the Prayers of the Faithful were written for this page.