Workers could be set for a three-day working week in 2027 thanks to an unusually generous run of bank holidays. The festive period in 2027 is particularly appealing for those looking to maximise their time off, with Christmas Day and Boxing Day both falling at the weekend.
As a result, substitute bank holidays will be observed on Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28, giving workers two extra weekdays off after Christmas. But the good news doesn’t stop there. New Year’s Day 2028 also falls on a Saturday, meaning Monday, January 3 will become the substitute bank holiday.
Ten-Day Festive Break with Just Three Days of Leave
For those willing to use just three days of annual leave, the result is a much longer festive break. Taking annual leave on Wednesday, December 29, Thursday, December 30 and Friday, December 31, 2027 would mean being off work from Christmas Day through to Monday, January 3 - a total of 10 consecutive days away from work.
That means many workers could effectively have three working days between the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, before enjoying another long weekend. With the right annual leave strategy, Christmas 2027 could therefore offer one of the best opportunities in the calendar for turning just a few days of holiday entitlement into a lengthy festive break.
Remaining 2026 and Full 2027 Bank Holiday Dates
There are only two bank holidays remaining in 2026. This includes Christmas Day and Boxing Day. However, as the latter falls on Saturday, December 26, workers will receive a substitute bank holiday on Monday, December 28.
According to the government website: “If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday. Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays. Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid.”
What 2026 bank holiday dates are left? December 25 - Christmas Day; December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day for December 26).
What are the 2027 bank holiday dates? January 1 - New Year's Day; March 26 - Good Friday; March 29 - Easter Monday; May 3 - Early May bank holiday; May 31 - Spring bank holiday; August 30 - Summer bank holiday; December 27 - Christmas Day (substitute day); December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day); January 3 2028 - New Year's Day (substitute day).
