Also on Bank Holidays UK: Bank Holiday May 2026 — Both Dates Explained · St Andrew’s Day — Scottish Bank Holiday · Easter Bank Holiday 2026 — Long Weekend Dates
Boxing Day — Monday (substitute) 2026/12/28. Applies in: England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
When is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day falls on Monday (substitute), 2026/12/28 across England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
History & meaning
Origins are disputed — possibly named after the alms boxes opened in churches the day after Christmas, or the boxes of gifts given to servants and tradespeople.
Where it applies
Boxing Day is observed in: England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Pay rights on Boxing Day
UK law does not require employers to give workers paid leave on any bank holiday. Whether Boxing Day is a paid day off, a normal working day with no enhancement, or a day with extra pay depends entirely on your contract. The most common arrangements are:
- Bank holidays included in 28-day annual leave — you get the day off but it’s deducted from your overall allowance.
- Bank holidays on top of leave — common in office jobs; you get 28 days plus the 8 bank holidays.
- No automatic day off — common in retail, hospitality, NHS rotas; you may work the day on normal pay or on enhanced “premium” pay if your contract includes it.
Read more on bank holiday pay and your entitlement.
What’s open and closed on Boxing Day
- Banks: closed.
- Royal Mail: no delivery, no collection. More on Royal Mail.
- Big supermarkets: usually open with reduced hours.
- Shops on the high street: mostly open with shorter hours.
- Bins: usually delayed by one day.
- Schools: closed if it falls in term time.
- NHS GP surgeries: closed; A&E and 111 remain available.
Frequently asked
Is Boxing Day a paid day off?
Not automatically. It depends on your employment contract — see our pay guide.
What date is Boxing Day in 2026?
Monday (substitute), 2026-12-28.
Where is Boxing Day a bank holiday?
England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.