How to navigate the 2024 holiday season according to your zodiac sign

To successfully navigate the holiday season this year, we'll be required to act with grace.

Starting Dec. 6, when energetic Mars stations retrograde in dramatic Leo, exercising patience — with yourself and with others — will be key. When the planet of action and desire moves in reverse, we often find it more difficult to generate momentum and get the things we want. Do your best to work with this energy by slowing down, reducing your output and tempering your expectations. This is a brilliant opportunity to step aside and make more space in the spotlight for others. 

Neptune, the planet of dreams and illusions, will station direct in imaginative Pisces on Dec. 7, ending his five-month retrograde period and urging us to reconnect with our sense of wonder. As the blue planet travels forward in this mutable water sign, we'll be encouraged to let the spirit of the season sweep us off our feet and lean into our wildest festive fantasies. You may also find that your empathy for others expands under this influence; seek out fresh ways to give back to your community and show generosity to the ones you love. 

The final full moon of the year will take place in social Gemini on Dec. 15, which could add some extra spice to any holiday parties you're attending. Gatherings and celebrations held around this lunation are likely to be filled with charismatic people and scintillating conversations. Still, you might notice certain boundaries getting blurred as the moon goes on to square deceptive Neptune in sensitive Pisces. Try to be mindful of your words and avoid taking anything at face value. 

We'll greet the winter solstice on Dec. 21, when the spirit-driving sun makes his way into confident Capricorn. This transit reminds us that even in the darkest days, we can still fill our lives with light and laughter. So let your heart guide your actions over these next few weeks, and have faith that brighter days lie ahead. You may find it particularly useful to focus on your long-term goals and look to the upcoming year with an analytical eye. Now is the time to set your sights on the next summit you'd like to conquer.

Then, budding conflicts could reach their boiling point come Dec. 24, when expansive Jupiter in impatient Gemini squares restrictive Saturn in emotional Pisces. While getting your hands dirty might be the last thing you want to do on this day, this rare aspect will push us to face our fears and take action to find solutions. If you can summon your courage and maintain your composure, you'll be able to emerge out of any disagreements with your dignity intact.

2024 will conclude on a hopeful note, thanks in part to a new moon in hardworking Capricorn on Dec. 30. This empowering lunation invites us to switch up our strategies and engage in activities that'll help us start the new year on the right foot. Carve out time to meditate, practise mindfulness and set clear intentions so that you can enter this next chapter feeling centred. 

Here is your special holiday season horoscope for 2024.

Aries

Are you ready to hit the ground running, Aries? Starting on Dec. 15, Mercury — your routine-ruling planet — will station direct in your ninth house of travel and education, amping you up to take on even the most ambitious holiday itineraries. Take advantage of this transit's influence to mix, mingle and dive into all sorts of intellectually stimulating conversations at your various festive gatherings. Fresh adventures could be waiting on the horizon. 

Then, on Dec. 21, the sun — which oversees your pleasure and creativity — will speed into your 10th house of career and public life. Your artistic talents are sure to sparkle under this energy, allowing you to easily attract eyeballs and attain the recognition you desire. Prepare to loosen up and really enjoy your time in the spotlight — just be sure to also give some thought to the image and ideas you'd like to present before you share them with the collective. 

Taurus

Turning on the charm at work could take you far this season, Taurus. In fact, as Venus — your routine-ruling planet — moves into your 10th house of career and influence on Dec. 6, you'll be encouraged to channel your sparkling personality toward winning over colleagues and acquaintances who can help you get what you want. Just don't be afraid to also let people see your softer side — leaning into your sensitivity could open up even more doors.

Then, you may feel particularly eager to reconnect with your nearest and dearest when the sun, which oversees your domestic world, brightens your ninth house of education and beliefs on Dec. 21. If you're visiting with friends and family over the holidays, make an effort to put away your devices and rally everyone together for a trivia or game night. You'll be at your happiest when you can put your brain to use with the people you love. 

Gemini

Are you ready to move forward, Gemini? Starting on Dec. 15, when Mercury — your ruling planet — stations direct in carefree Sagittarius, you'll be called to let go of any lingering conflicts and focus on learning from your mistakes. You may also feel more diplomatic under this influence, which could help you navigate the intricacies of your family's dynamic with ease. Still, don't be afraid to recharge your emotional batteries in solitude if the holidays become hectic. 

Then, you might find yourself looking to the future with a renewed sense of hope when the moon, which oversees your finances, begins a fresh cycle in your eighth house of transformation on Dec. 30. This lunation could provide the ideal conditions for you to set powerful intentions when it comes to your cash, so be sure to carve out time to consider what kind of investments you'd like to make in the new year. 

Cancer

You could be on the brink of an exhilarating new chapter, Cancer. In fact, adventure may come calling as soon as Dec. 7, when serendipitous Neptune stations direct in your ninth house of travel, education and beliefs. The blue planet's forward motion will encourage you to adopt a more magical perspective and pursue experiences that'll bring colour to your world. Don't miss this chance to break out of your comfort zone and accept whatever invitations come your way. 

Then, you may start to feel a little more introspective as your ruling moon begins a new cycle in your seventh house of relationships on Dec. 30. If so, take advantage of this opportunity to really think about how you interact with your friends, lovers and colleagues. Single crabs may even find it useful to write down the qualities they desire most in a partner and reflect on how — or if — they exhibit those attributes themselves. 

Leo

In the mood to splurge, Leo? As Mercury — your money-minded planet — stations direct in your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Dec. 15, you'll be invited to loosen your budget a little to enjoy soaking up all your favourite holiday festivities. Just remember to still hold on to some sense of financial discipline; whether you're doing a little last-minute shopping or treating yourself to a day of pampering, keeping track of your spending will be key during this period. 

Then, as your ruling sun illuminates your sixth house of health, work and routines on Dec. 21, you may feel especially eager to look back on the events of 2024 with an investigative eye. Take this opportunity to really consider how the past year has shaped you and identify which rules for living you'd like to take into 2025. 

Virgo

Have you been craving more quality time with your loved ones, Virgo? You'll be in a prime position to reconnect with them when Mercury — your ruling planet — stations direct in your fourth house of private life and family on Dec. 15. Under this energy, you may feel particularly easygoing and hospitable, making your interactions with your favourite people practically frictionless. Use this moment to find common ground and enjoy each other's company. 

Then, when the ego-ruling sun enters your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Dec. 21, you could start to feel more romantic and spontaneous. Seize this chance to show off your sparkle and make a lasting impression on the people around you. Single Virgos could shine especially bright when they step into their power. In a relationship? Checking out festive events and markets may be a beautiful way to experience some holiday wonder together. 

Libra

In the mood to spread some extra holiday cheer this year, Libra? You'll have a chance to learn — and embody — what it truly means to be jolly when the vitality-driving sun highlights your fourth house of family and private life starting on Dec. 21. This is a perfect energy for connecting with loved ones and sprucing up your surroundings; have fun pumping up the excitement for the impending festivities for the people around you. 

Then, prepare to enter 2025 with a renewed sense of confidence and ambition. On Dec. 30, your ruling moon will begin a new cycle in your fourth house of private life and family, creating the ideal conditions for you to meditate on what you'd like to achieve in the new year. Take advantage of this moment to write down your goals for yourself and those closest to you; setting specific intentions could help you pull off even the loftiest plans.   

Scorpio

This holiday season will be all about getting cosy with your favourite people, Scorpio. But you may feel particularly motivated to fill your surroundings with love when relationship-ruling Venus enters your fourth house of family and private life on Dec. 6. This transit will give you the perfect chance to slow things down and focus on those closest to you. Enjoy snuggling up to your nearest and dearest, and transforming your home into a true winter wonderland. 

Then, you may notice the pace of your professional life starting to speed up as the sun — which governs your career — illuminates your third house of communication and neighbours on Dec. 21. Under this hurried energy, it could seem like everyone wants a piece of you; seek to protect yourself against any potential burnout by doing your best to leave work where it belongs after you clock out. 

Sagittarius

Are you ready to get back to basics, Sagittarius? Starting on Dec. 7, your domestic-ruling planet — Neptune — will station direct in your fourth house of family and private life, urging you to spend more time enjoying the comforts of home. Take advantage of this moment to embrace your favourite holiday traditions and deck out your surroundings. You may even find that this imaginative transit inspires you to look at your space with fresh eyes and discover its hidden potential.

Then, your self-confidence could begin to skyrocket as Mercury, which oversees your love life and career, stations direct in your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 15. When it comes to your professional world, this newfound sense of bravery may embolden you to pursue even your loftiest goals with gusto. Single and dating? Take advantage of this idealistic influence to really show off your vibrant personality to your prospective partners. 

Capricorn

Are you ready to be the life of the party, Capricorn? Starting Dec. 7, Neptune — your communication-ruling planet — will station direct in your third house of communication and neighbours, encouraging you to lend your sparkling wit and social skills to any situation you find yourself in this holiday season. But while everyone will likely be clamouring to chat with you, it's important to stay discerning about where you spend your time and energy. 

Then, as the courageous sun moves into your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 21, it will be a beautiful time to step into — and fully embrace — the limelight. Capricorns often have to share their birthdays with the holidays' most famous events; this year, try to carve out moments where you can celebrate your way and enjoy being the main attraction for a little while. 

Aquarius

Have you been thinking about revamping your space for a while now, Aquarius? You could get the push you've been waiting for when Venus, your domestic-ruling planet, moves into your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 6. This will be an excellent time to lean into your unique taste; go ahead and fill empty walls with art, switch out old hardware or give rooms a fresh coat of paint. You may even feel inspired to put a new spin on your holiday decor. 

Then, as your routine-ruling moon waxes full in your fifth house of pleasure and creativity on Dec. 15, don't hesitate to really explore your artistic inklings. This happy lunation will urge you to listen to your instincts and pour yourself into any projects you've been neglecting as of late. If you have children in your life, you may also find that this energy inspires you to get on their level and collaborate on a craft. 

Pisces

Listen closely to your inner voice, Pisces. When Neptune, your ruling planet, stations direct in your first house of appearances and the self on Dec. 7, you could feel encouraged to reconnect with your sensitive spirit — and start accepting the fact that not everyone will be able to appreciate your unique gifts. Meanwhile, if you have to deal with any challenging personalities, do your best to maintain your boundaries. People may attempt to drag you down to their level this holiday season, but you don't have to engage. 

Then, when the moon — which governs your creativity and romantic life — waxes full in your 11th house of friendships and goals on Dec. 30, you may feel compelled to take a hard look at how you engage with people and consider a new approach. This is a particularly good time to set an intention to nourish your platonic relationships in the new year.