Boxing Day
Boxing Day 2026 falls on Saturday 26 December. In 2027, Boxing Day falls on Sunday 26 December.
The dates of Boxing Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Boxing Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, 26 December 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, 26 December 2026Day off: Monday, 28 December 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, 26 December 2027Day off: Tuesday, 28 December 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, 26 December 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, 26 December 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, 26 December 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, 26 December 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays. More about our sources
Why is it called Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, the 26th of December. The name most likely comes from the 'Christmas box', a gift of money or goods that employers and households traditionally gave to servants, tradespeople and the poor after Christmas. Churches also opened their alms boxes on this day to share the contents. It is also the feast of St Stephen.
Boxing Day is known mainly in Britain and in Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where it is a public holiday. In Ireland the same day is called St Stephen's Day, and in many European countries it is the second day of Christmas.
Boxing Day in the UK
Boxing Day is a bank holiday throughout the UK. If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, a substitute day is given on the next weekday; when Christmas Day also falls on the weekend, the substitute days are the following Monday and Tuesday. Unlike on Christmas Day, shops are allowed to open, and the Boxing Day sales are a long-standing tradition.
It's also a big day for sport, with a full programme of football matches and horse racing, including the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. Many people spend the day visiting family, eating leftovers or going for a long winter walk.
Frequently asked questions
When is Boxing Day 2026?
In 2026, Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December.
Is Boxing Day a day off?
Yes, Boxing Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom.
Where does the name Boxing Day come from?
Probably from the 'Christmas box', a gift of money or goods traditionally given to servants and tradespeople the day after Christmas.
Are shops open on Boxing Day?
Yes. Unlike on Christmas Day, shops can open on Boxing Day, and many start their winter sales. Opening hours may be shorter.
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.