With the final bank holidays of 2025 fast approaching, the UK government has officially set the calendar for 2026, confirming a notable shift for one of the nation's favourite festive breaks.
The Key Change for 2026
The headline adjustment for the coming year concerns Boxing Day. While in 2025 it falls neatly on Friday, December 26, the 2026 date will be different. As December 26, 2026, lands on a Saturday, the bank holiday will be observed on the following Monday, December 28, as a designated 'substitute day'.
This follows the standard rule where a bank holiday that occurs on a weekend is moved to the following weekday. Officials have confirmed there are no current plans to add extra bank holidays to the standard eight allocated for England and Wales in 2026, citing a lack of major national celebrations.
Full 2026 Bank Holiday Schedule
For residents of England and Wales, the year will begin with a bank holiday on Thursday, January 1 (New Year's Day). The spring period will then see holidays for Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6—significantly earlier than their 2025 dates.
The remainder of the year's breaks are as follows:
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, May 4
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, May 25
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, August 31
- Christmas Day: Friday, December 25
- Boxing Day (substitute day): Monday, December 28
Important Employment Rights Note
It is crucial for workers to remember that employers are not legally required to give paid leave on bank holidays, including substitute days. The government guidance on GOV.UK clearly states that entitlement depends on the terms of your employment contract. The site also notes that bank holidays can affect the payment schedules for some state benefits.
Differences Across the UK
The bank holiday tally varies across the UK's nations due to local celebrations. Scotland will enjoy nine bank holidays in 2026, with an extra day off on January 2 and for St Andrew's Day on November 30.
Northern Ireland receives ten public holidays, incorporating St Patrick's Day on March 17 and the Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) on July 13, which is also a substitute day as the 12th falls on a Sunday.
For those eager to plan further ahead, the government has already published the bank holiday schedules for 2027, with full details available on the official GOV.UK website.
