Making Yom Tov Early

Generally there is a mitzvah to accept Shabbat and Yom Tov early. With respect as to how early one can do it, how to pray on time, and which mitzvot can be preformed before sunset see each of these respective pages.

• Regarding the mitzvah of accepting Shabbat and Yom Tov early see Making_Early_Shabbat#Mitzvah_of_Accepting_Shabbat_Early. It is a Biblical mitzvah and there are difference of opinions as to how much time is necessary and whether one needs to accept it verbally.
• Regarding the ramifications of accepting Shabbat and Yom Tov early see Making_Early_Shabbat#Effects_of_Accepting_Shabbat_Early. That article relates to
  • whether one can say Kiddush and have the Shabbat meal before sunset,
  • starting the meal close to the time for Kriyat Shema and Sefirat Haomer,
  • praying Mincha before Plag Hamincha and Arvit after Plag Hamincha or in other variations.
• Regarding the Second day of Yom Tov as to whether one can or should make it early and its particular variations see Second_Day_of_Yom_Tov#Early_Yom_Tov_Sheni.
• Regarding scheduling Mincha and Arvit see When_Is_the_Earliest_and_Latest_Time_to_Pray?#Maariv_Before_Sunset_If_One_Davened_Mincha_Early for the ideal system and When_Is_the_Earliest_and_Latest_Time_to_Pray?#Maariv_Before_Sunset_If_One_Davened_Mincha_after_Plag for another option.
• Regarding Sukkot see Eating_in_the_Sukkah#Kiddush which addresses when it is permissible to begin Sukkot.
• Regarding Shavuot see Shavuot#Beginning_Shavuot_Early which addresses when it is permissible to begin Shavuot.
• Regarding Pesach, see Kaddesh#Timing_of_Kaddesh as to when one can start Pesach. Pesach has a unique aspect with regards to this mitzvah since there is another factor in trying to accommodate the children staying up for the seder.
• Regarding Yom Kippur, see Yom_Kippur#The_mitzvah_of_accepting_Yom_Kippur_early as Yom Kippur has a unique status with regards to this mitzvah.
• Regarding Shemini Aseret see Shemini_Aseret#Nighttime_Meal.