A change to the 2026 bank holiday schedule has been confirmed, with the Boxing Day holiday moving from its traditional date. As December 26 falls on a Saturday, the official bank holiday will be observed on Monday, December 28.
This shift follows the standard rule that when a bank holiday lands on a weekend, it is moved to the following Monday. Christmas Day, on Friday, December 25, remains unaffected, preserving the festive long weekend.
The full 2026 bank holiday list for England and Wales has been released. Easter falls earlier than in 2025, with Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6. The early May bank holiday is May 4, the spring bank holiday is May 25, and the summer bank holiday is August 31.
The government has confirmed the schedule for the next three years, allowing individuals to plan ahead effectively.
