Christmas Season
Join us as we joyfully celebrate the Christmas season from December 25 to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 12, 2025. Learn about the feasts of the Christmas season and ways to celebrate.
Merry Christmas!
Watch Archbishop Etienne's 2024 Christmas message, and continue celebrating the joy and hope of the incarnation of the Son of God all throughout the Christmas season.
Feast of the Holy Family
The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated this year on Sunday, 12/29. Watch Bishop Elizondo's video, reminding us we are all part of God's family, as we continue celebrating the fullness of the Christmas season.
A new beginning
In the final week of the Christmas season, we also celebrate a new year beginning with the Solemnity of Mary on January 1. Watch this video from Bishop Schuster reminding us of the hope of Christ as we start a new year.
Make sure to visit this page during the Christmas season for Archbishop Etienne's Christmas video, plus videos from Bishop Elizondo and Bishop Schuster.
Scroll down to learn more about each feast and solemnity.
Ways to celebrate through Jan. 12
- Keep the Nativity scene, tree and the lights up as reminders of the Christmas season.
- Play Christmas music, especially carols celebrating the birth of our Lord.
- Enjoy your favorite Christmas food and drink, giving thanks to God.
- Table topic: What is the origin of the Christmas tree? Read the article from Northwest Catholic
- Host a Twelfth Night celebration on January 5, the 12th day of Christmas.
Christmas season traditions
- Read the infancy narrative from the Gospel of Luke on Christmas Day, and pray Gracious Lord, Child of Bethlehem together.
- Bless your Nativity scene and rethink how you view it.
- Light the Christmas candle, or "Christ candle," every day (any white candle will do) during dinner.
- Support your parish outreach ministry or give to Catholic Community Services, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or Agape Service Project.
- Watch family Christmas movies. Read this list put together by Our Sunday Visitor.
What are the 12 days of Christmas?
The 12 days of Christmas are the days from Christmas Day to January 5 (or Twelfth Night), the evening before the traditional celebration of Epiphany on January 6.
Learn more about the feasts and solemnities of the Christmas season
Christmas season resources for parishes and ministries
“And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:13-14