Advent Guide 2026
Advent begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026 and runs through Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24. Here are the dates, colors, prayers, and simple ideas to help you and your family wait for Jesus with joy.
What is Advent?
The word Advent comes from the Latin ad-venire, “to come to,” and that tells us what the season is about: the coming of Christ. Advent looks in two directions at once. In the first part of the season, the Church turns our hearts toward Christ’s second coming at the end of time. Then, from December 17, it prepares us more directly to celebrate His first coming, at Christmas. The Church calls Advent “a period of devout and expectant delight” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, no. 39), and sets apart the weekdays from December 17 to 24 for more direct preparation for the Nativity (no. 42).
The Catechism explains that when the Church celebrates Advent each year, she makes present the long expectation of the Messiah that filled the Old Testament. By joining in that ancient preparation for the Savior’s first coming, we renew our own longing for His second coming (CCC 524). Advent isn’t a “little Lent”: it’s quieter and more hopeful, a season of waiting, watching, and making room for Jesus.
Liturgically, Advent begins with Evening Prayer I of the Sunday that falls on or closest to November 30 (UNLY 40), and it marks the start of a new Church year. On November 29, 2026, the Sunday readings begin Year B of the three-year cycle, in which most Sunday Gospels come from St. Mark (USCCB, Liturgical Calendar 2027).
Key dates for Advent 2026
For dioceses in the United States, from the USCCB liturgical calendar. Sunday readings are Year B.
- Nov 29SundayFirst Sunday of Advent Violet
- Nov 30MondaySt. Andrew, Apostle (Feast) Red
- Dec 3ThursdaySt. Francis Xavier, Priest (Memorial) White
- Dec 6SundaySecond Sunday of Advent Violet
- Dec 7MondaySt. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor (Memorial) White
- Dec 8TuesdayThe Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity) White Holy day of obligation
- Dec 9WednesdaySt. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin (optional memorial)
- Dec 12SaturdayOur Lady of Guadalupe (Feast in the U.S.) White
- Dec 13SundayThird Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) Rose or Violet
- Dec 14MondaySt. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor (Memorial) White
- Dec 17ThursdayThe final days of Advent begin Violet
- Dec 20SundayFourth Sunday of Advent Violet
- Dec 24ThursdayLast day of Advent Violet
- Dec 25FridayThe Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) (Solemnity) White Holy day of obligation
Other optional memorials include St. John Damascene (Dec 4), Our Lady of Loreto (Dec 10), St. Damasus I (Dec 11), St. Peter Canisius (Dec 21), and St. John of Kanty (Dec 23). Outside the U.S., or in your own diocese, some dates may differ.
Liturgical colors
Violet
The color of Advent: prayer, repentance, and hopeful preparation for the King.
Rose
May be worn on the Third Sunday, Gaudete (“Rejoice!”), because Christmas is near.
White
Used on feasts of Our Lord and Our Lady, like Dec 8 and Dec 12, and on many saints’ days.
You may also notice that during Advent the Gloria isn’t sung at Sunday Mass, and the church is decorated with more restraint than at Christmas. This isn’t sadness; it’s holding back a little so the joy of Christmas can shine all the brighter (General Instruction of the Roman Missal 53, 305, 313, 346).
The Advent wreath
A circle of evergreens with four candles, usually three violet and one rose. One more candle is lit each week as Christmas draws near, a sign that the Light of the world is coming.
The wreath is a simple household custom that has become a favorite in parishes too. The evergreen circle is often seen as a sign of God’s never-ending love and of eternal life. The violet candles recall prayer, penance, and good works offered in preparation, and the rose candle, lit on Gaudete Sunday, recalls our joy that the Lord is near (Phil 4:4–5). The growing light reminds us that we wait both for Christmas and for Christ’s return in glory (USCCB, “What is Advent?”). White candles are fine, too, and some families add a white “Christ candle” in the center for Christmas.
Many families give each week a theme, such as hope, peace, joy, and love, or the prophets, Bethlehem, the shepherds, and the angels. These are popular customs, not official names, so use whatever helps your family pray.
The wreath is traditionally blessed on the First Sunday of Advent or the evening before. At home, it is fitting for a parent or another member of the family to lead the blessing (USCCB, “Blessing of an Advent Wreath”). You can pray the USCCB’s blessing, which suggests one of these readings: Is 9:1–2, 5–6; Is 63:16–17, 19; or Is 64:2–7. Or use this short blessing, written in our own words, followed by a prayer for each week drawn from that Sunday’s Gospel.
A family blessing for the wreath (first Sunday)
Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
Lord God, You are the Light that no darkness can overcome. Bless ✝ this wreath and all of us who gather around it. As its candles are lit week by week, make our hearts ready for Your Son, Jesus. Keep us watchful in prayer, generous to those in need, and joyful in hope, until He comes. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stay awake
Mk 13:33–37
Lord Jesus, You told us to stay awake and watch for You. Wake us from spiritual sleep, and help us to be ready to welcome You. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Prepare the way
Mk 1:1–8
Lord, like John the Baptist, help us prepare a straight path for You. Show us what to clear away, and give us the grace of a good Confession. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Rejoice!
Jn 1:6–8, 19–28
Lord, Your coming is near, and our hearts rejoice. Like John, let us point others to You, the true Light, by our kindness and our joy. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Mary’s “yes”
Lk 1:26–38
Lord God, You sent Your angel to Mary, and she said yes to Your plan. With her help, may we welcome Jesus into our homes and our hearts this Christmas. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Source: Wreath meaning and blessing practice: USCCB, “What is Advent?” and “Blessing of an Advent Wreath.” The opening versicle is from Psalm 124:8. The blessing and weekly prayers were written for LearnGodsLight. Gospels are from the Year B Sunday Lectionary (USCCB).
The O Antiphons
For the last seven days before Christmas Eve, the Church sings a special antiphon with Mary’s Magnificat at Evening Prayer. Each one calls on Christ by a title from the prophets and ends with a plea: Come! They have been sung since at least the eighth century (USCCB).
| Date | Latin | English | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Dec 17 | O Sapientia | O Wisdom | Sir 24:3; Wis 8:1; Is 11:2–3 |
| Fri, Dec 18 | O Adonai | O Lord, Leader of the House of Israel | Ex 3:2; Ex 20; Is 33:22 |
| Sat, Dec 19 | O Radix Jesse | O Root of Jesse | Is 11:1, 10 |
| Sun, Dec 20 | O Clavis David | O Key of David | Is 22:22; Rv 3:7 |
| Mon, Dec 21 | O Oriens | O Radiant Dawn (Dayspring) | Mal 3:20; Lk 1:78–79 |
| Tue, Dec 22 | O Rex Gentium | O King of the Nations | Is 2:4; Eph 2:14, 20 |
| Wed, Dec 23 | O Emmanuel | O Emmanuel, God with us | Is 7:14; Mt 1:23 |
A lovely old observation: read the first letters of the Latin titles backward, from Emmanuel to Sapientia, and they spell ERO CRAS, “Tomorrow I will be there.” Pray the full antiphons each evening with the Liturgy of the Hours.
The O Antiphons in song: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Source: Dates and history: USCCB, “The O Antiphons of Advent”. Hymn: tr. John Mason Neale (1851), as revised in Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861), public domain; verses 1, 3, and 4 of that edition, with the refrain.
Advent week by week
You don’t need to do everything. Pick one or two ideas that fit your family, and let Advent be peaceful. Scripture passages are listed so you can read them in your own Bible.
Watch and wait
- Set up and bless your Advent wreath.
- Start a Jesse Tree with one Bible story a day.
- Choose one simple Advent resolution: a little more prayer, a little less screen time, or a daily act of kindness.
- Pray the Joyful Mysteries on Sunday as a family.
This Sunday (Year B): Is 63:16b–17, 19b; 64:2–7; 1 Cor 1:3–9; Mk 13:33–37. At weekday Mass: Is 11:1–10 (Tue, Dec 1).
Make room for the Lord
- Go to Confession. Many parishes hold Advent penance services. Use our Examination of Conscience to prepare.
- Go to Mass on Tuesday, Dec 8, the Immaculate Conception (a holy day of obligation).
- Honor Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec 12, with a rose or a special family Rosary.
- St. Nicholas falls on Sunday, Dec 6: children can still leave out their shoes the night before.
This Sunday (Year B): Is 40:1–5, 9–11; 2 Pt 3:8–14; Mk 1:1–8. Immaculate Conception (Dec 8): Gn 3:9–15, 20; Eph 1:3–6, 11–12; Lk 1:26–38.
Rejoice as He draws near
- Light the rose candle on Gaudete Sunday and celebrate with a special treat.
- St. Lucy falls on Sunday, Dec 13: share a candlelit breakfast and pray for those in darkness.
- Do a work of mercy together, like visiting someone lonely or donating to a food pantry.
- From Dec 17, pray the O Antiphons each evening.
- Look for a Rorate Mass near you.
This Sunday (Year B): Is 61:1–2a, 10–11; 1 Thes 5:16–24; Jn 1:6–8, 19–28. At weekday Mass: Mt 1:1–17 (Thu, Dec 17).
Say yes with Mary
- Light all four candles and pray with Mary’s “yes” (Lk 1:38).
- Set up the Nativity scene, and keep the manger empty until Christmas.
- Pray the Magnificat (Lk 1:46–55) together as a family.
- Plan your Christmas Mass; the Vigil Mass on the evening of Dec 24 counts for Christmas.
This Sunday (Year B): 2 Sm 7:1–5, 8b–12, 14a, 16; Rom 16:25–27; Lk 1:26–38. At weekday Mass: Lk 1:39–45 (Dec 21), Lk 1:46–56 (Dec 22), Lk 1:67–79 (Dec 24, morning).
Advent customs and practices
Confession
There’s no better way to prepare your heart for the Lord, as John the Baptist urged (Mk 1:2–4), than the Sacrament of Penance, where Jesus meets us with mercy (CCC 1422–1424). Check your parish for extra Advent Confession times, and see our gentle Examination of Conscience & How to Go to Confession.
The Jesse Tree
Isaiah foretold that a shoot would sprout from the stump of Jesse, King David’s father (Is 11:1). A Jesse Tree is a small tree or branch decorated, day by day, with simple symbols of the people and promises that led to Jesus: Creation, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, the prophets, Mary and Joseph. It turns Advent into a walk through salvation history. Matthew’s family tree of Jesus, read at Mass on Dec 17 (Mt 1:1–17), shows how it all fits together.
Works of mercy
Our waiting for Christ is meant to make us more like Him. The corporal works of mercy are feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and the imprisoned, and burying the dead. The spiritual works of mercy include teaching, counseling, comforting, forgiving, and patiently bearing wrongs (CCC 2447; Mt 25:31–46). Advent is a beautiful time to choose one as a family.
The Rorate Mass
In many places, a Mass in honor of Our Lady is offered in Advent before dawn, lit only by candlelight. As the Mass goes on, the sunrise slowly fills the church, a sign of Christ, the Dawn from on high. It takes its name from the opening words of its entrance chant, Rorate caeli, a plea for the heavens to rain down the Just One like dew (Is 45:8). Ask whether a parish near you offers one.
St. Nicholas (December 6)
St. Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop of Myra, in what is now Turkey, remembered for his generosity, especially in secret, to children and the poor. In 2026 his day falls on the Second Sunday of Advent, so the Sunday Mass takes priority, but family customs can still be kept: children set out their shoes on the evening of Dec 5 and find a small treat in the morning, and families give something in secret to someone in need.
St. Lucy (December 13)
St. Lucy was a young martyr of Syracuse in Sicily, who died around the year 304. Her name is linked to the Latin word for light, lux. Her day falls on Gaudete Sunday this year. In Sweden and other countries, a daughter of the family, dressed in white with a crown of candles, brings breakfast and sweet saffron buns to the family. Even a simple candlelit breakfast and a prayer for those who live in darkness can carry the spirit of the day.
The Nativity scene
St. Francis of Assisi set up a living Nativity scene at Greccio in 1223, and the custom spread around the world. Pope Francis encouraged families to keep it in his letter Admirabile Signum (2019). Many families set up the stable during Advent and wait until Christmas to place the Child Jesus in the manger.
Pray through Advent
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary are traditionally prayed on the Sundays of Advent (USCCB), and they walk us right into Christmas: the Annunciation, the Visitation, and the Nativity.
Sources: USCCB Liturgical Calendar 2027 (covering Nov 29, 2026 onward) and “What is Advent?”; Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the Calendar 39–42; General Instruction of the Roman Missal; the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). Scripture is cited by chapter and verse so you can read it in your own Bible. References follow the Lectionary’s numbering, which a few Bibles (such as the RSV-CE) number slightly differently: for example, Is 9:1–2, 5–6 is 9:2–3, 6–7; Is 64:2–7 is 64:3–8; and Mal 3:20 is 4:2.