Christmas Day

25 December each year

Christmas Day is observed on 25 December and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In the United Kingdom, Christmas is marked by long-standing traditions including the King's Speech broadcast at 3pm on BBC One and ITV, carol services at churches and cathedrals, Christmas crackers at the dinner table, and family gatherings. The Christmas period is the most widely observed festive season in the UK. When Christmas Day falls on a weekend, a substitute bank holiday is given on the following Monday. Boxing Day (26 December) is a separate bank holiday, giving UK workers a two-day Christmas break.

Upcoming Dates

Year Actual Date Observed
2026 Friday, 25 December 2026 Friday, 25 December 2026
2027 Saturday, 25 December 2027 Monday, 27 December 2027
Mondayised
Falls on a weekend — substitute bank holiday observed on a weekday
2028 Monday, 25 December 2028 Monday, 25 December 2028

When is it observed?

25 December each year

← National Bank Holidays 2026