Christmas begins on December 25th, but the celebrations typically start several days before that. In New York, Christmas trees and decorations are set up in public spaces in mid-December, and many stores start playing Christmas music and selling festive merchandise even earlier. Christmas Eve is a big night for parties and gatherings, and Christmas Day is a day of feasting and exchanging gifts with family and friends. The holiday season continues through the New Year, with New Year's Eve being another big celebration.