When Does Advent Start in 2026? Sunday, Nov. 29, With the Candle Color for Each Sunday
Advent 2026 begins Sunday, Nov. 29, per the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Gaudete Sunday is Dec. 13, the day of the rose candle.
Key date
- Nov 29SunFirst Sunday of AdventIn 35 days+ Google
In this article
Advent 2026 starts on Sunday, Nov. 29, the First Sunday of Advent in the Liturgical Calendar 2026 of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The season runs through Thursday, Dec. 24, and Christmas follows on Friday, Dec. 25. The start is 35 days after Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
This story covers the church season. For the countdown-style calendars that begin on Dec. 1, see our story on Advent calendar 2026 dates.
What are the Advent 2026 dates and candle colors?
The USCCB describes Advent as the four Sundays, and the weekdays, leading up to Christmas. Its Advent page says the season begins with Evening Prayer I of the Sunday that falls on or closest to Nov. 30. The table gives each Sunday for 2026, with the color from the USCCB’s wreath description.
| Sunday | Date | Candle color | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Sunday of Advent | Sun., Nov. 29, 2026 | Purple | Advent begins |
| Second Sunday of Advent | Sun., Dec. 6, 2026 | Purple | |
| Third Sunday of Advent | Sun., Dec. 13, 2026 | Rose | Gaudete Sunday |
| Fourth Sunday of Advent | Sun., Dec. 20, 2026 | Purple | |
| Last day of Advent | Thu., Dec. 24, 2026 | None | Christmas is Fri., Dec. 25 |
Weekdays are computed for 2026 and match the USCCB calendar for the first Sunday and the season’s end.
What order are the Advent wreath candles lit in?
The USCCB describes the wreath as “a circle of evergreen branches into which four candles are inserted, representing the four weeks of Advent.” Three of the candles are purple. According to the USCCB, the purple candles symbolize prayer, penance and preparation. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, which the USCCB calls “the Sunday of rejoicing.”
That puts purple on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, rose on Dec. 13 and purple again on Dec. 20. The printable tracker lists the same order, so you can tick each Sunday as you go.
When is Gaudete Sunday 2026?
Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, which is Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026. The USCCB says the liturgical color for Advent is purple, “just like Lent,” and that on Gaudete Sunday the color may be rose instead of purple.
Why does Advent last 26 days in 2026?
Advent ends on Christmas Eve, but its first day moves with the calendar, so the season is not the same length each year. The count below runs from the first Sunday through Dec. 24, both days included.
| Year | First Sunday of Advent | Days through Dec. 24 | Source for start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sun., Nov. 29 | 26 | USCCB Liturgical Calendar 2026 |
| 2027 | Sun., Nov. 28 | 27 | USCCB Liturgical Calendar 2027 |
The day counts are our computation from those dates. The USCCB 2026 calendar also shows that the Sunday cycle of readings, Year B, runs from Nov. 29, 2026, to Nov. 21, 2027.
Do other churches start Advent on the same Sunday?
Episcopal, Lutheran and many Protestant churches also mark Advent. This story reports the USCCB dates, so check your own church for its calendar and its customs.
How to plan around Advent 2026
- Mark Nov. 29 on the November 2026 printable calendar, then Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 24 on the December 2026 printable calendar.
- For the days left to Dec. 25, see our Christmas 2026 calendar and countdown.
- Earlier in the fall, our story on All Saints Day 2026 covers the Nov. 1 holy day.
Not covered in this story: Mass times, parish customs and the Advent calendars of other churches.
Free printable downloads
Every template is free, needs no sign-up and prints on US Letter paper. Choose PDF for printing or PNG for screens and documents.
Advent 2026 Wreath Candle Tracker printables
Advent 2026 Wreath Candle Tracker
One-page Advent 2026 wreath tracker with the four Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20, the candle color for each and the end of Advent on Dec. 24.
Advent 2026 Wreath Candle Tracker (ink saver)
One-page Advent 2026 wreath tracker with the four Sundays from Nov. 29 to Dec. 20, the candle color for each and the end of Advent on Dec. 24. Ink-saver version.
Frequently asked questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
On Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026, the First Sunday of Advent in the USCCB Liturgical Calendar 2026.
When does Advent end in 2026?
The USCCB lists Advent as running from Sunday, Nov. 29, to Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026. Christmas is Friday, Dec. 25.
When is Gaudete Sunday in 2026?
Gaudete Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, which is Dec. 13, 2026. The USCCB says the liturgical color may be rose instead of purple that day.
What order are the Advent wreath candles lit in?
The USCCB describes a wreath with four candles for the four weeks of Advent. Purple candles mark the first, second and fourth Sundays, and the rose candle is lit on the third.
When does Advent start in 2027?
On Sunday, Nov. 28, 2027, per the USCCB Liturgical Calendar 2027.
Do other churches use the same dates?
Other churches, including Episcopal, Lutheran and many Protestant churches, also mark Advent. This story gives the USCCB dates, so check with your own church.
Sources
- Liturgical Calendar 2026 (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
- Liturgical Calendar 2027 (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
- What is Advent? (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
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