Is everything closed on the 26th of December?

Although the 26th of December is officially a bank holiday in the UK, many shops open their doors to kick off the Christmas sales. In central London it can almost feel like a normal day. Most restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions will also be open on this day.

Is December 26 a holiday in the UK?

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.

Is 26th December a working day?

Statutory bank holiday from 1871. Legislation does not name the holiday, but states that it falls on "26th December, if it be not a Sunday." Public Holiday in 2025. Only in a year in which 25 December is either on a Saturday or Sunday. This has the effect of adding an extra holiday when 25 December falls on a Sunday.

Are shops usually closed on Boxing Day?

Each year high streets and shopping centres across the UK fill up as people walk-off their Christmas dinner by checking the shops for a bargain. Practically all stores across the country are forced to close on Christmas Day, however they are allowed by law to reopen as normal on Boxing Day.

Is the 26th of December a holiday?

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.

Full Moon in Cancer December 26-27th 2023

Is 26 Boxing Day a public holiday?

Our National Public Holidays are New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Are the 25th and 26th December bank holidays?

UK bank holidays between 2024 and 2025

25 December (Wednesday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Thursday): Boxing 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.

Is it worth going shopping on Boxing Day?

Boxing Day shopping is a great way to get everything you need. With a little planning, you can make the most of the deals. Know what you need, shop early, and use tech tools to make it easier.

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.”

Is December 26, 2025 a holiday?

Christmas + New Year: Dec 24, 2025 to Jan 1, 2026

December 24 – Christmas Eve (Special non-working holiday – Wednesday) December 25 – Christmas Day (Regular holiday – Thursday) December 26 – File a leave request (Friday) December 27 – 28 (Sat – Sun)

Why is 26th called Boxing Day?

Contrary to popular belief, Boxing Day doesn't actually have anything to do with the sport of boxing. Its name is believed to come from Victorian times (the 1800s) when the rich used to box up presents to give to the poor, on the day after Christmas Day.

What if Christmas Day falls on my day off?

No automatic right to an extra day: There's no law requiring employers to “top up” holiday if a bank holiday falls on a non-working day-unless this is promised in the employee's contract. Check your contract: Many contracts will outline whether: Bank holidays are included in annual leave.

Does the UK get Boxing Day off?

Yes, Boxing Day is a public or bank holiday recognized in the U.K. and other countries. It was made an official U.K. holiday in the 1800s. If Dec. 26 falls on a weekend, it is recognized on the following Monday.

What is the black holiday on December 26?

Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːnzə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.

Is December 26 a religious holiday?

In many countries December 26 commemorates the life of St. Stephen, a Christian deacon in Jerusalem who is believed to have been the first Christian martyr (he was stoned to death in 36 ce). In Hungary August 20 is observed in honor of King Stephen, who united the country under Christianity in 1000 ce.

How many bank holidays are there in 25-26?

In 2025, there will be 8 bank holidays in England and Wales while Scotland will have 9 2025 bank holidays and Northern Ireland 10! How many bank holidays will there be in 2026? As with 2025, in 2026 there will be 8 bank holidays in England and in Wales. While Scotland have 9 and Northern Ireland have a whopping 10.

Which country has the most public holidays?

With 36 days a year, Nepal is the country with the highest number of public holidays but it observes six working days a week. India ranks second with 21 national holidays, followed by Colombia and the Philippines at 18 each. Likewise, Japan, China and Hong Kong enjoy 17 public breaks a year.

Is xmas and Boxing Day a bank holiday?

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. Most people get Christmas Day off work but it's not always the case, and your employer doesn't legally have to give you the day off.

Who gets Boxing Day off?

Federally regulated employees also get Easter Monday, Victoria Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Thanksgiving and Boxing Day off and it is common practice, however not required, for non-federal employees to get these holidays off as well.

Is Boxing Day 26th and 27th?

If 26 Dec is on a Sun, Boxing Day in the UK is moved to 27 Dec. In the UK, Boxing Day is a bank holiday. If Boxing Day is on a Sat, the following Mon is a substitute bank holiday. On occasion when Xmas Day is on a Sat, the following Mon is Boxing Day and Tue a substitute bank holiday for Xmas.

Will I get paid on New Year's day?

Thursday, January 1, is a federal banking holiday. The Federal Reserve pauses ACH payments on all federal holidays, which can delay direct deposit payments. If your payday falls on or immediately after this holiday, you may need to run payroll one business day early to avoid paying employees late.

Can I be forced to work Boxing Day?

It's up to your employer to decide whether or not you have to work on bank holidays. If your place of work is closed on bank holidays, your employer can make you take them as part of your annual leave entitlement.

Do people work on the 26th of December?

Celebrate the Day

December 26 is a day off for most workers where it's a state holiday. In places where it's not a public holiday, most families use up a vacation day, as most schools are closed. US presidents have given federal government workers either a full or half day off in some years.

Can you legally refuse to work on Christmas Day?

If an individual's employment contract obligates them to work on Christmas day, they generally cannot refuse. Doing so could lead to their employment being terminated due to a breach of contract. Instead, the employee could request the day off as annual leave or attempt to swap shifts with a colleague.