Guide · 2026 calendar
Secret Santa timeline for Christmas 2026
Most Secret Santa trouble comes from starting too late. This timeline for 2026 leaves room for wishlists, shopping and delivery, whether you exchange at the office party or on Christmas Day.
Nº 01
The 2026 calendar
Announce it
Share the date and the budget. Ask who wants to take part.
Draw names
Draw online and send the private links. Ask for wishlists by the end of the week.
St Nicholas Day
Sunday. A gift day in much of Central and Eastern Europe, and a good early exchange date for small gifts.
Order anything shipped
If gifts travel by courier, order now so they arrive before the busiest week.
Office party
Friday, the last full working day before the holidays for many teams.
Christmas Day
Friday. Families often swap on Christmas Eve, the 24th, or on Christmas morning.
Nº 02
How early should you draw?
Draw at least two weeks before the exchange, three if gifts are shipped. That leaves time to write wishlists, ask questions and order.
Nº 03
Office or family?
At work, the exchange usually happens at the end-of-year party, before people go on leave. Families tend to keep it for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Nº 04
Tip: put the date in your calendar
After the draw, everyone can add the exchange date to their phone calendar straight from their private page.
Nº 05
FAQ
When is the best time to draw Secret Santa names?
Two to three weeks before the exchange. Earlier if gifts need to be shipped.
When is St Nicholas Day in 2026?
On Sunday 6 December 2026. In Romania and much of Central Europe, children find small gifts in their boots that morning.
Can we run two exchanges, one early and one at Christmas?
Yes. Create two separate groups with different dates. Importing the first group helps the second draw avoid repeating pairs.
Pick a date and draw names
Set the exchange date and everyone can add it to their calendar from their private page.
Organise Secret Santa