<P> The Catholic Church sets aside certain days and seasons of each year to recall and celebrate various events in the life of Christ . In its Roman Rite the liturgical year begins with Advent , the time of preparation for both the celebration of Jesus ' birth , and his expected second coming at the end of time . This season lasts until Christmas Eve on December 24 . Christmastide follows , beginning with First Vespers of Christmas on the evening of December 24 and ending with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord . Traditionally , the end of Christmastide was February 2nd , or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord , also known as Candlemas . This feast recounts the 40 days of rest Mary took before being purified and presenting her first - born son to the Temple in Jerusalem . </P>
<P> The Catholic Church sets aside certain days and seasons of each year to recall and celebrate various events in the life of Christ . In its Roman Rite the liturgical year begins with Advent , the time of preparation for both the celebration of Jesus ' birth , and his expected second coming at the end of time . This season lasts until Christmas Eve on December 24 . Christmastide follows , beginning with First Vespers of Christmas on the evening of December 24 and ending with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord . Traditionally , the end of Christmastide was February 2nd , or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord , also known as Candlemas . This feast recounts the 40 days of rest Mary took before being purified and presenting her first - born son to the Temple in Jerusalem . </P>
when does christmas start in the catholic church
when does christmas start in the catholic church
the evening of December 24
the evening of December 24