Bank holidays are always a welcome break from the usual working week, offering time to switch off or catch up with loved ones. The way the dates fall in 2027 will allow for several extended breaks.
When a bank holiday lands on a weekend, an alternative weekday is provided instead. These substitute days are generally observed on the following Monday, so workers do not miss their day off.
Remaining 2026 dates
There are still several opportunities for extra time off in 2026. The summer bank holiday falls on Monday, August 31, giving many a three-day weekend. Christmas Day is on Friday, December 25.
Boxing Day, however, falls on Saturday, December 26. Workers will therefore receive a substitute bank holiday on Monday, December 28. That means the festive period could provide a particularly welcome break.
Nine bank holidays in 2027
It is 2027 that could really deliver when it comes to long weekends. Christmas Day falls on Saturday, December 25, and Boxing Day on Sunday, December 26. As both dates land at the weekend, substitute bank holidays will be added to the following week.
The result is that many workers could have just three working days between Christmas and New Year, depending on their employer's arrangements.
New Year's Day 2028 falls on a Saturday, so the bank holiday will be moved to Monday, January 3. Rather than the festive period coming to an abrupt end, workers could enjoy another extended weekend to start the new year.
Bank holiday dates
2026 bank holiday dates:
- August 31 - Summer bank holiday
- December 25 - Christmas Day
- December 28 - Boxing Day (substitute day for December 26)
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)
Government guidance
Guidance from the government states: "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."
