Advent is a meaningful season in the Catholic Church that invites us to slow down and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ. Many people who are new to the Church calendar have a simple and important question: When does Catholic Advent start?
The date changes every year, which can make the season feel confusing at first. Understanding the timing of Advent helps families enter these weeks with intention and clarity.
In this article, we'll explain when Advent begins, when it ends, and how the Church determines those dates. We'll also look at what comes after Advent so the full rhythm of the liturgical year is easier to understand.
What this article covers:
- When Is Advent?
- When Does Advent End?
- How Are the Dates for Advent Decided?
- What Comes After Advent?
When Is Advent?
Advent in the Catholic church begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. That Sunday is known as the First Sunday of Advent, and it also marks the beginning of the new liturgical year in the Catholic Church.
Because Christmas is always celebrated on December 25, the date of Advent changes from year to year. Advent can begin as early as November 27 or as late as December 3, depending on how the calendar falls. What never changes is that Advent always starts on a Sunday and always includes four Sundays of preparation.
For example, in some years, families begin Catholic Advent traditions before December even starts. In other years, Advent begins just days before Christmas. This shifting start date often surprises people, but it's part of the rhythm of the Church's calendar.
When Does Advent End?
Advent ends on Christmas Eve, December 24. Once the sun sets and the Church celebrates the vigil Mass of Christmas, the Advent season comes to a close, and the celebration of Christmas begins.
Because Advent always ends on the same calendar day but begins on different Sundays, the season does not have a fixed number of days. Some years feel longer and more spacious, while others move quickly. Even so, the Church ensures that we always walk through four full Sundays of Advent before Christmas arrives.
Want to know more about what to do during Advent? Read our helpful guides on Catholic ways to celebrate Advent and Catholic Advent activities for kids.
How Are the Dates for Advent Decided?
The dates for Advent are set by the Church's liturgical calendar and are tied closely to Christmas and to the feast of St. Andrew, which falls on November 30. Advent begins on the Sunday that falls closest to that feast day, ensuring there are always four Sundays of preparation before Christmas.
This structure keeps the focus on spiritual readiness rather than on a fixed number of days. The Church wants us to enter Advent intentionally, week by week, reflecting on Christ's coming in the past, His presence in our lives today, and His promised return in the future.
What Comes After Advent?
After Advent ends on Christmas Eve, the Church enters the Christmas season. Christmas is not just one day in the Catholic Church. It is a full season that begins with Christmas Eve and continues through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
During this time, the focus shifts from waiting to celebrating. Nativity scenes remain on display, Scripture readings center on the Incarnation, and families are invited to rejoice in the gift of Jesus Christ coming into the world. It's a season filled with light, gratitude, and deep joy.
Conclusion
Catholic Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and always leads us to December 24, even though the exact start date changes from year to year. Those four Sundays give families time to pause, pray, and prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth in a way that feels steady and intentional.
Knowing how the Church sets the dates for Advent helps Catholic Advent preparation feel less confusing and more meaningful, especially for those who are just learning the rhythm of the liturgical year.
Advent is a gentle invitation to focus on hope, waiting, and faith as Christmas approaches. For thoughtful Catholic Advent gifts and faith-filled reminders that support this season at home, explore our collection at The Little Rose Shop Catholic store and find pieces created to be cherished year after year.
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below: