Spring is here… but it’s never too early to plan ahead, especially when bank holidays get shifted. In 2026, UK households should note a key change: Boxing Day, traditionally on December 26, falls on a Saturday, so the substitute bank holiday is moved to Monday, December 28.
Keep reading for all the dates, details, and planning tips.
UK-Wide 2026 Bank Holidays (England & Wales)
Understanding the full schedule can help you organize your time off smartly—especially around the festive season.
| Date | Day | Bank Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | |
| 3 Apr 2026 | Friday | Good Friday | |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | England & Wales only |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | Early May Bank Holiday (May Day) | |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Spring Bank Holiday | |
| 31 Aug 2026 | Monday | Summer Bank Holiday | Last Monday of August |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | |
| 28 Dec 2026 | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute) | Moved from Saturday 26 Dec |
What’s Changing—and Why It Matters
In 2026, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, so the official bank holiday swaps to Monday, December 28, creating an extended weekend around Christmas. This “substitute” day shift ensures workers don’t lose out due to a weekend clash.
With that, the UK sees eight bank holidays in England and Wales, offering key opportunities for rest, travel, or combining with annual leave.
Scotland & Northern Ireland: Slightly Different Calendars
- Scotland adds 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (November 30), totaling 9 bank holidays. Boxing Day also moves to Monday, December 28.
- Northern Ireland includes extra holidays like St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and Battle of the Boyne (13 July), making up to 10 holidays. It follows the same Boxing Day shift.
Why It Matters for UK Households & Workers
- Long festive weekend: Christmas Day (Friday) + Boxing Day holiday (Monday) creates a four-day break.
- Maximise annual leave: Clamp your holidays around these days for extended downtime.
- Employer flexibility: Bank holidays may count against contractual leave or be separate—check your employment terms.
In 2026, the key change for UK households is that Boxing Day is observed on Monday, December 28, giving many a ready-made festive long weekend.
Across England and Wales, there are eight annual bank holidays, offering plenty of planning opportunities—whether for rest, travel, or time with loved ones. Employers and employees should review how these holidays fit into leave entitlements, to make the most of the calendar ahead.
FAQs
Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the bank holiday is substituted to the following Monday, December 28.
There are eight in total—spread across the year and including the moved Boxing Day.
Yes—Scotland adds days like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day, while Northern Ireland includes St Patrick’s Day and the Battle of the Boyne, totaling up to 9 or 10 holidays depending on region.
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