2nd January
2nd January 2027 falls on Saturday 2 January. In 2028, 2nd January falls on Sunday 2 January.
The dates of 2nd January, this year and in the years ahead.
When is 2nd January?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, 2 January 2025 |
| 2026 | Friday, 2 January 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, 2 January 2027Day off: Monday, 4 January 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, 2 January 2028Day off: Tuesday, 4 January 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, 2 January 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, 2 January 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, 2 January 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays. More about our sources
Why is 2 January a bank holiday in Scotland?
Scotland is the only part of the UK where 2 January is a bank holiday. New Year has traditionally been a bigger celebration in Scotland than Christmas, and for a long time Christmas was not widely celebrated there at all. Hogmanay and the days after it became the main winter holiday, and a second day off after New Year's Day is part of that tradition.
The day is listed as a bank holiday for Scotland in the Banking and Financial Dealings Act, alongside the other Scottish bank holidays.
What happens when 2 January falls on a weekend?
If 2 January falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute bank holiday is given on the next available weekday. When New Year's Day also falls on the weekend, both substitute days move to the start of the following week, usually the Monday and Tuesday. The table above shows the date that applies each year.
Is 2 January a day off?
As with every bank holiday, there is no automatic right to the day off: it depends on your contract. Many offices and public services in Scotland close, while shops and hospitality usually stay open. Scottish banks close, but banks in the rest of the UK are open as normal. If you work with colleagues or customers elsewhere in the UK, bear in mind that for them it's an ordinary working day.
Frequently asked questions
When is 2nd January 2027?
In 2027, 2nd January falls on Saturday 2 January.
Is 2nd January a day off?
2nd January is only a public holiday in: Scotland.
Is 2 January a bank holiday in England?
No. 2 January is only a bank holiday in Scotland. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is a normal working day, unless it is a substitute day for New Year's Day.
Why does Scotland have two days off at New Year?
Because New Year, or Hogmanay, has traditionally been Scotland's main winter celebration. A second bank holiday on 2 January is part of that tradition.
Am I entitled to a day off on a bank holiday?
There is no statutory right to time off on a bank holiday. Whether you have the day off, and whether you are paid extra if you work, depends on your contract. Employers may include bank holidays in your statutory annual leave.