When Is Advent 2025?

Advent is more than just the countdown to Christmas. It is the opening of a new liturgical year for the Church—a time of waiting, hope, and preparation.

So for 2025:

• The First Sunday of Advent will be Sunday, November 30, 2025.
• Advent continues through the four Sundays leading up to Christmas and formally ends before the Evening Prayer of Christmas Eve.

Why Does the Date Vary (and Why November 30)?

Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30). It always includes four Sundays before Christmas Day, so depending on the calendar, it can begin as early as November 27 or as late as December 3.

This means the date shifts each year—but the spirit of the season remains the same: preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

What This Means for Catholics

• Mark Your Calendar: November 30, 2025, is the start of Advent—an ideal time to begin a new rhythm of prayer and reflection.
• Four Weeks of Preparation: Use each week of Advent as a moment of renewal in your ministry:
  1. Week 1 (Nov 30–Dec 6): Hope — the coming of Christ.
  2. Week 2 (Dec 7–Dec 13): Preparation — “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
  3. Week 3 (Dec 14–Dec 20): Joy — Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of rejoicing.
  4. Week 4 (Dec 21–Dec 24): Love — the final waiting before Christmas.
• Advent in Mission: Encourage students and missionaries to see Advent not just as a countdown to Christmas, but as a time of interior renewal—a season to refocus on Christ’s presence and mission.
• Incorporate Traditions: Lighting the Advent wreath, hosting small-group reflections, and praying the O Antiphons are simple ways to bring this season to life on campus.

A Few Quick Facts

• Liturgical Color: Violet (or purple), symbolizing repentance and preparation.
• Gaudete Sunday: The third Sunday of Advent, marked by rose-colored vestments, symbolizes joy at the nearness of Christ.
• New Liturgical Year: Advent begins the Church’s new year—an opportunity to start fresh in faith and discipleship.

10 Advent Songs to Get You in The Spirit

FAQ – Advent 2025 for Students & Missionaries of All Ages

Q: When does Advent 2025 begin?
A: The First Sunday of Advent is November 30, 2025.

Q: When does Advent end?
A: Advent ends before Evening Prayer I of Christmas Eve (December 24). The Christmas season begins that evening.

Q: Why does Advent start near November 30?
A: Because it begins on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew, ensuring four full Sundays of preparation before Christmas.

Q: How many Sundays are in Advent?
A: There are four Sundays of Advent every year.

Q: Why is Advent an important season for FOCUS and students?
A: Advent invites us to slow down, renew our faith, and prepare to encounter Christ—both at Christmas and in daily life. It’s a chance to invite others into deeper relationship with Him.

Q: What are simple ways to live Advent well?
A:

• Light the Advent wreath and pray each Sunday.
• Spend 10 minutes in daily prayer with Scripture or a reflection on hope.
• Go to Confession and receive the Eucharist regularly.
• Commit to one act of charity each week.
• Invite a friend to join you in prayer, Mass, or service.

Additional Resources

We’ve got you covered this Advent and Christmas season! Here are some incredible resources from our blog to help you lie out this winter with faith:

What is Advent?

20 Ways to Get Into the Christmas Spirit (for Catholics)

12 Ways to Celebrate Christmas as a Catholic

New 2024 Christmas Songs to Add to Your Playlist

20 Unique Catholic Christmas Gifts