A Christian watch night service is a late-night church service typically held on New Year's Eve, where people gather to reflect on the past year, pray, and prepare for the year ahead. This tradition has deep roots in the history of African American Christians, who used these services to pray for freedom and celebrate Emancipation. Services usually begin between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. and conclude after midnight, and are a time for worship, confession, and recommitment to faith.