Hilchos Purim – 15 / The Purim Feast (a)

1. It is a mitzvah to feast at a special Purim meal. Only one such meal is required, and it is to be held specifically during the day. One who ate his Purim feast at night did not fulfill his obligation (Shulchan Aruch and Mishnah Berurah 695).

2. Nevertheless, on Purim night one should also rejoice and add to their meal. It is proper to wear Shabbos garments beginning from Purim night and to have the table set and light candles at night (ibid.).