Boxing Day
26 December each year
Boxing Day is observed on 26 December, the day after Christmas Day. The name is believed to originate from the tradition of giving Christmas boxes — gifts to tradespeople, servants and postal workers. In modern times, Boxing Day is associated with major sporting events: Premier League and EFL football fixtures, horse racing (including the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park), and rugby union matches. It is also the start of the post-Christmas sales season. When Boxing Day falls on a weekend, a substitute bank holiday is given on the following Tuesday (if Christmas Day is already taking the Monday substitute).
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 26 December 2026 |
Monday, 28 December 2026
Mondayised Falls on a weekend — substitute bank holiday observed on a weekday |
| 2027 | Sunday, 26 December 2027 |
Tuesday, 28 December 2027
Mondayised Falls on a weekend — substitute bank holiday observed on a weekday |
| 2028 | Tuesday, 26 December 2028 | Tuesday, 26 December 2028 |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
26 December each year