Upgrade holiday inflatables with durable stakes for stability
Use durable stakes to keep Christmas inflatables anchored outdoors.
- The first day of winter in 2025 comes before Christmas.
- Christmas Day 2025 falls on a Thursday and is a federal holiday, while Christmas Eve is not.
- The 2026 Lunar New Year is on Feb. 17, and the first day of spring will be March 20.
Time flies ― believe it or not, Christmas is only a few weeks away now, and the first day of winter is even closer.
If it feels like the days are passing faster than normal this season, you’re not alone. With holidays, parties, family visits, shopping for Christmas presents and trees, and plenty more, the season tends to whiz by in the blink of an eye.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the speedy way days seem to be passing, take a look at our list of dates for a quick refresher on what’s yet to come this holiday season and into 2026.
When is the first day of winter? Is Dec. 21 always the first day of winter?
The winter solstice and first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere falls on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at 10:03 a.m. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice always falls on either Dec. 21 or 22.
How long is the shortest day of the year? The longest day of the year?
On the shortest day of the year in 2025, Dec. 21, in the Asheville area, the sun will shine for roughly 9 hours and 45 minutes according to timeanddate.com. This year’s summer solstice fell on June 20, when the Asheville area saw roughly 14 hours and 34 minutes of sunlight.
What day of the week is Christmas 2025?
Christmas this year falls on a Thursday, Dec. 25.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
While Christmas Day is a federal holiday, Christmas Eve (Wednesday, Dec. 24) is not, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
When is New Year’s Day 2026? New Year’s Eve 2025?
New Year’s Day 2026 falls on a Thursday (Jan. 1, 2026), making New Year’s Eve a Wednesday, Dec. 31.
When is Hanukkah 2025?
Hanukkah begins Dec. 14 and ends Dec. 22.
When is Kwanzaa 2025?
Kwanzaa begins Dec. 26, 2025, and ends Jan. 1, 2026.
When is the lunar new year?
The 2026 lunar new year falls on Feb. 17.
When is the first day of spring?
The spring equinox and first day of spring in 2026 falls on March 20 at 10:46 a.m. in the Northern Hemisphere.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
