Boxing Day

Name: Boxing Day (United Kingdom)
Start: 2026-12-26
End: 2026-12-26
Location: United Kingdom

Nationwide public holiday in United Kingdom

Next Boxing Day

Saturday, 26 December 2026

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Dates

Year	Date	Weekday	Notes
2026	26 December	Saturday	Nationwide
2026	28 December	Monday	Boxing Day (observed) Observed day off for Boxing Day (Sat 26 Dec)
2027	26 December	Sunday	Nationwide
2027	28 December	Tuesday	Boxing Day (observed) Observed day off for Boxing Day (Sun 26 Dec)

Observed days are days off given instead of, or as well as, the holiday's own date, for example when it falls on a weekend or the law moves it to a Monday.

Where it applies

Everywhere in United Kingdom.

Is it a day off?

Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.

Make it longer

Fri 25 Dec – Mon 28 Dec is a 4-day weekend with no leave needed.

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Typical weather in London around 26 December: high 9°C (48°F), low 4°C (40°F), rain on 43% of days.

Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around London. Past averages, not a forecast.

About Boxing Day

Boxing Day, on 26 December, is a public holiday across the United Kingdom. The name is commonly linked to the custom of giving gifts or money, known as Christmas boxes, to servants, tradespeople and the poor in the days after Christmas.

Traditions

A full programme of football matches and horse racing is traditionally held on Boxing Day, and many people go for walks or visit relatives. Post-Christmas sales are also a familiar feature of the day.

Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.

Coming up next in United Kingdom

New Year's Day

Friday, 1 January 2027