Are pubs open on Boxing Day in England?

Some do, some don't. Best to ask about specific ones if you want to go out on Boxing Day, or check their social media/ website. Paul Daykin Smaller non-chain ones often don't as they don't have the staffing structure to be able to.

Is everything closed on Boxing Day in the UK?

In 2025, Boxing Day falls on a Friday, and it is a bank holiday in the UK. Although it's a public holiday, many shops are open to kick off the Christmas sales, so it can almost feel like a typical day in London. Most restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions will also be open on this day.

Will everything be open on Boxing Day?

Under section 8A, a conditional exemption applies to Boxing Day. All shops are allowed to trade on Boxing Day provided employees freely elect to work. Employees working on Boxing Day may be entitled to penalty rates above their ordinary wages. For more information about penalty rates refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Are places usually open on Boxing Day?

Shops and museums are open. London's transport network operates, but not national rail. Lots of places will be offering Boxing Day brunch, a lovely start to your day. Even your jaded teenagers will love the Natural History Museum, it's amazing!

Is Boxing Day a holiday in England?

The next bank holiday in England and Wales is Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day), followed by Boxing Day - Friday, December 26. This means that the first bank holiday of 2026 will be New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1.

What is Boxing Day? The Day After Christmas in the UK Explained

What do Brits do on Boxing Day?

Boxing Day is celebrated on Dec. 26 by the United Kingdom, its commonwealth countries and some former colonies. Stores run shopping deals, similar to Black Friday, and fans cheer on sporting events such as soccer, cricket, rugby, horse racing and hunting.

Do English trains run on Boxing Day?

So, when do trains actually run during the Christmas period? Train services run as usual but may end a bit earlier on Christmas Eve. No train services run on Christmas Day. No train services run on Boxing Day, except for a handful of airport transfer services.

Are UK pubs open on Boxing Day?

Yes, Xmas Day, especially in the evening, can be a problem, but Boxing Day pubs are mostly open.

Do people go clubbing on Boxing Day?

Clubs held on Christmas Day and Boxing Day generally attract a certain kind of reveller, a fearsomely committed individual for whom the thought of picking at the cold turkey, watching the Christmas Doctor Who special or cementing family relationships doesn't appeal so much as a good old-fashioned seasonal mash-up with ...

Are any supermarkets open on Boxing Day?

On Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26), supermarkets will be open from 9am to 6pm and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm. However opening hours can vary so Sainsbury's advise customers to check their store locator for the latest details in their area, which you can do here.

Is Mcdonald's open on Boxing Day?

You may have more luck on Boxing Day as most branches will reopen - however many of the 24-hour restaurants will be operate on reduced hours.

Is Boxing Day still a business day?

On unofficial holidays - especially on Boxing Day and Remembrance day - most businesses are closed with the exception of select retail stores. The chart below displays a list of national and provincial stat holidays observed in Canada.

Do you go shopping on Boxing Day?

Boxing Day shopping is a tradition in the UK. It's a day of the year where retailers offer fantastic low prices, and shoppers open up their wallets for the year's biggest savings.

What do people typically do on Boxing Day?

Traditionally, Boxing Day was a day for heading out, and you might well feel drawn to the idea of escaping the house after spending Christmas Day cooped up. If you don't fancy a traditional panto (oh yes you do!) or a football match, you could join thousands of others and have a wild swim, or simply a good long walk.

Do buses run on Boxing Day in the UK?

On Christmas Day, public transport in London, including buses, trams, London Underground and London Overground trains, does not operate. A reduced public transport service runs on Boxing Day. Some taxis are available, but fares increase on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Where to go for Boxing Day?

Does the Underground run on Boxing Day?

Tube services resume on Boxing Day, but a chunk of it will still be closed. Buses will also start running from about 5.30am (so you can hit up those Boxing Day sales).

Do you have to work on Boxing Day in the UK?

Christmas Day is always a bank holiday, unless it falls on a Saturday or a Sunday. If this is the case, the bank holiday will moved to a "substitute" weekday. This is also the case for Boxing Day, which will see its bank holiday "move" to December 28 in 2026, due to it falling on a Saturday.

Why do English teams play on Boxing Day?

The ghost of Christmas past

“Communal entertainments were clearly on the decline as the festival took greater root in the home,” says Prof Johnes. “Football shifts just to Boxing day, as Christmas day becomes more family orientated and more importantly public transport becomes more and more limited.”

What do British people eat on Boxing Day?

Pies, sausage rolls, brunches, desserts – we have all the Boxing Day recipes you'll need. Kedgeree is one of my absolute favourite dishes. With spiced rice, flaked haddock and jammy eggs, it's an ideal breakfast to feed a crowd during the festive season.

Why is 26 December called Boxing Day?

Boxing Day, on December 26, began as a tradition of giving 'Christmas boxes' to servants and the poor. Today, it's celebrated with shopping sales, sports, family time, and relaxation after Christmas. Boxing Day, on December 26, began as a tradition of giving 'Christmas boxes' to servants and the poor.

Is the UK the only country that has Boxing Day?

Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas on December 26th, is a cherished holiday for many, especially in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Is M&S open Boxing Day?

In a statement, M&S said: “Our stores, support centres and distribution centres will be closed on Boxing Day so colleagues can spend more time with loved ones, but the majority of stores will reopen on the 27 December for our seasonal Sale.”

Do you give gifts on Boxing Day?

Boxing Day, also known as Offering Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Boxing Day was once a day to donate gifts to those in need, but it has evolved to become a part of Christmas festivities.

What should you buy on Boxing Day?

When you think about Boxing Day shopping, you should focus on items where you get the biggest bang for your buck. The products that may receive the deepest discounts on Boxing Day sales are typically things such as electronics, furniture, trips, clothing, gym memberships, carpeting and flooring.