Boxing Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, December 26, so the substitute bank holiday will be observed on Monday, December 28, the Government has confirmed.
England and Wales recognise eight bank holidays each year, with Scotland recognising nine and Northern Ireland ten. When Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year's Day land on a weekend, a substitute bank holiday is allocated on a weekday.
2026 and 2027 Bank Holiday Dates
In 2026, the remaining bank holidays for England and Wales are Monday, August 31 (Summer Bank Holiday), Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day) and Monday, December 28 (Boxing Day substitute).
In 2027, both Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on a weekend, so substitute bank holidays will be held on Monday, December 27 and Tuesday, December 28.
Full 2027 Bank Holiday List
The confirmed 2027 bank holidays for England and Wales are Friday, January 1 (New Year's Day), Friday, March 26 (Good Friday), Monday, March 29 (Easter Monday), Monday, May 3 (Early May Bank Holiday), Monday, May 31 (Spring Bank Holiday), Monday, August 30 (Summer Bank Holiday), Monday, December 27 (Christmas Day substitute) and Tuesday, December 28 (Boxing Day substitute).
In 2022, the UK had two extra bank holidays: June 3 for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee and September 19 for her funeral. In 2025, no extra bank holiday was granted for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
