Boxing Day 2026 in the UK: bank holiday and shop hours
Boxing Day is 26 December. When that date falls on a Saturday, UK bank-holiday rules normally move the public holiday to the following Monday. For 2026, GOV.UK lists Monday 28 December as Boxing Day (substitute day) for England and Wales.
Key points
- Calendar Boxing Day: Sat 26 Dec 2026.
- England & Wales bank holiday substitute: Mon 28 Dec 2026 (GOV.UK).
- Paid leave depends on the employment contract.
What GOV.UK shows for 2026
On the GOV.UK bank holidays page, upcoming England and Wales holidays for 2026 include Christmas Day on Friday 25 December and Boxing Day (substitute day) on Monday 28 December. That pattern matches the rule stated on the same page: if a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday (normally the following Monday) becomes the bank holiday.
| Date | Day | England & Wales (GOV.UK) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Dec 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day (bank holiday) |
| 26 Dec 2026 | Sat | Boxing Day calendar date (weekend) |
| 27 Dec 2026 | Sun | Weekend |
| 28 Dec 2026 | Mon | Boxing Day (substitute day) bank holiday |
Scotland and Northern Ireland
GOV.UK publishes separate tables. For planning travel across the UK, open the Scotland or Northern Ireland sections on the same bank-holidays page—substitute patterns can align with England and Wales at Christmas but other holidays differ (for example St Andrew’s Day in Scotland).
Shops and employers
GOV.UK notes that employers do not have to give paid leave on bank holidays—contracts matter. Large retailers often open on Boxing Day weekend for sales, with hours set by each chain. Do not assume every shop matches the bank-holiday calendar; check the store’s own notice.
Why this matters for visitors
- Trains and coaches: holiday timetables are common—check National Rail / operator sites closer to the date.
- Government services and many offices: closed on the substitute Monday.
- Tourist attractions: mixed opening on 26–28 December—verify each venue.
Dates from GOV.UK bank holidays. Last verified 2026-10-15.
FAQ
Is 26 December itself the bank holiday in 2026?
The calendar date is Saturday; GOV.UK lists the substitute bank holiday on Monday 28 December for England and Wales.
Is Christmas Day also a bank holiday?
Yes—Friday 25 December 2026 on GOV.UK.
Do shops close on the substitute Monday?
Not necessarily—retail hours are set by each business.
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About these articles
Drafts are AI-assisted and checked against official announcements. Dates, times and road rules that affect travel are sourced and dated. Rules can change—confirm on official sites before you go. Report corrections by email.