The 12 Days of Christmas: When Do They Start and End?

When do the Twelve Days begin?

In the traditional Christian calendar, the Christmas season begins on Christmas Day, December 25. The twelve days lead toward Epiphany on January 6. Counted inclusively, the twelve days run from December 25 through January 5, with Epiphany on January 6. The Church of England describes the Christmas season as twelve days culminating in Epiphany on January 6.

Customs and the way people use the phrase “Twelfth Night” vary. Some communities celebrate the evening of January 5; others use January 6 for related observances. Local church calendars may also move a service to a nearby Sunday for pastoral reasons.

Is this the same as Advent?

No. Advent is the season of preparation before Christmas and starts on a date that changes each year. The Twelve Days begin on December 25. A December countdown calendar is a modern way to mark the days leading up to Christmas; it is not the same thing as either liturgical season.

Why do people ask “when do the 12 days start?”

The familiar song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and everyday holiday decorations sometimes make the dates seem ambiguous. A clear calendar answer is: Christmas Day is day one; January 5 is the twelfth day; Epiphany is January 6. In casual use, people may use “12 days of Christmas” more loosely for a festive period or a twelve-day activity.

Plan your own twelve-day countdown

If you want to celebrate the twelve days, keep the plan simple and personal. Choose a favorite song, recipe, story, or small activity for selected days. There is no need to buy twelve gifts or follow a particular checklist.

For source details, see the Church of England liturgical year guide. For the countdown before Christmas, visit our December calendar or live Christmas clock.