Church Year
What Is Advent?
The four weeks before Christmas. Dates, the wreath, and how to find a carol service near you.
Quick answer
Church Near Me explains Advent — the four-week season before Christmas. Advent 2026 begins on Sunday 29 November. Churches mark it with wreaths, special readings and carol services. You do not need to be a member to attend.
Church Near Me editorial · Published 29 May 2026 · Updated 13 August 2026 Desk-researched from parish, diocesan and denominational publications. Where a time or fee is stated, the source and check date are named. Confirm with the parish before travelling.
Should you go to church in Advent if you only attend at Christmas?
Yes, for a public Advent carol service or candlelit procession. Those are built for visitors. Skip a midweek Advent course if you only want one evening of carols — those groups assume you will come back each week. Skip this page if you already know the date and only need a listing: use Christmas church services.
When does Advent start?
Advent always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day — the Sunday nearest 30 November. In 2026 that is Sunday 29 November. It is also the start of the church year in Catholic, Anglican and many Protestant calendars. The liturgical colour is purple, or blue in some Anglican parishes.
| Year | Advent starts | Christmas Eve |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday 29 November | Thursday 24 December |
| 2027 | Sunday 28 November | Friday 24 December |
| 2028 | Sunday 3 December | Sunday 24 December |
Dates are computed from the church calendar, not copied from a parish notice. Confirm service times with the church before you travel.
What does Advent mean?
From the Latin adventus, “coming”. The season looks two ways: to Christ’s birth at Christmas, and to his promised return. It is quieter than Christmas — expectation, not celebration. Christmas itself runs from 25 December to Epiphany on 6 January.
What is an Advent wreath?
A ring of evergreen with four candles around a white Christ candle. One candle is lit each Sunday. The rose candle is for the third Sunday (Gaudete — “rejoice”). You will see this in Catholic and many Anglican churches; Free Churches may use a simpler four-candle stand, or none.
| Sunday | Theme | Candle |
|---|---|---|
| First | Hope | Purple or blue |
| Second | Peace | Purple or blue |
| Third (Gaudete) | Joy | Rose |
| Fourth | Love | Purple or blue |
How do I find Advent carol services near me?
Use Churches Near Me with a postcode, then check the parish for Advent carols, Christingle and Nine Lessons and Carols. The Christmas services hub and the Christmas church services guide cover Midnight Mass and Christmas Day. Times appear on a listing only where verified.
Common questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday 29 November 2026. Advent always starts on the Sunday nearest to 30 November — the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.
How many Sundays are in Advent?
Advent always has four Sundays. Each Sunday is associated with a traditional theme: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
What is an Advent wreath?
An Advent wreath is a circular wreath of evergreen branches holding four candles — three purple (or blue) and one rose (pink) — plus a central white Christ candle lit on Christmas Day. One candle is lit each Sunday of Advent.
What is Advent Sunday?
Advent Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and marks the beginning of the liturgical new year in Catholic, Anglican and many Protestant churches.
What is the difference between Advent and Christmas?
Advent is the four-week season of preparation that precedes Christmas. Christmas begins on Christmas Day and lasts twelve days (until Epiphany on 6 January). Advent is characterised by expectation; Christmas by celebration.
How do I find Advent carol services near me?
Search Churches Near Me by postcode, or open the Christmas services page. Carol services, Advent processions and Christingle usually run on the Sundays of Advent and in the week before Christmas. Confirm times with the parish — Church Near Me only publishes times we have verified.
Can I go to church in Advent if I only attend at Christmas?
Yes. Advent services are public worship. An Advent carol service or candlelit procession is a common first visit. You do not need to be a member. Skip a midweek study group if you only want a one-off service — those are for people who want to commit to the season.