Also on Bank Holidays UK: Summer Bank Holiday 2026 — August Bank Holiday Date · St Patrick’s Day — Northern Ireland Bank Holiday · Battle of the Boyne — Northern Ireland Bank Holiday
Christmas Day — Friday 2026/12/25. Applies in: England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
When is Christmas Day?
Christmas Day falls on Friday, 2026/12/25 across England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.
History & meaning
25 December has been a public holiday in England since 1834.
Where it applies
Christmas Day is observed in: England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Pay rights on Christmas Day
UK law does not require employers to give workers paid leave on any bank holiday. Whether Christmas 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 Christmas 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 Christmas Day a paid day off?
Not automatically. It depends on your employment contract — see our pay guide.
What date is Christmas Day in 2026?
Friday, 2026-12-25.
Where is Christmas Day a bank holiday?
England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland.