When is Boxing Day 2026?

Boxing Day is always 26 December, the day after Christmas Day, and is a bank holiday across the UK. For many people it forms part of the wider Christmas and New Year break.

If Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls at a weekend, official substitute weekdays may be used for the days off. Those substitute dates are separate from 25 and 26 December and are published by GOV.UK.

Boxing Day is also associated with post-Christmas shopping and sporting fixtures across the UK.

Boxing DayAlways 26 December · bank holiday (UK-wide)

Substitute days

This page counts down to 26 December itself. If a substitute weekday is used because Christmas Day or Boxing Day falls at a weekend, check the GOV.UK bank holiday list for the official day off.

Frequently asked questions

What date is Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is always 26 December.

Why is it called Boxing Day?

The name is traditionally linked with Christmas boxes — gifts or money given to servants, workers or tradespeople after Christmas.

Is Boxing Day a bank holiday?

Yes. Boxing Day is a bank holiday across the UK. An official substitute weekday may be used when the fixed date falls at a weekend.

Boxing Day