Boxing Day 2025 UK – History & Bank Holiday Guide
When is Boxing Day 2025?
Boxing Day 2025 falls on Friday, 26 December, the day after Christmas Day 2025.
It’s a nationwide UK bank holiday, giving many workers an extended long weekend and marking the official end of the festive season.
Learn about other upcoming holidays on our UK Bank Holiday Guide.
What Boxing Day Means
Despite its name, Boxing Day has nothing to do with sports matches or fighting though it has become synonymous with football and shopping sales.
Traditionally, the “box” referred to boxes of gifts or money given to servants, tradespeople, and the poor as a thank you after Christmas.
Today, Boxing Day is a blend of generosity, family time, sport, and bargain-hunting, firmly entrenched in British culture.
Boxing Day as a Bank Holiday
Boxing Day became an official bank holiday under the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, alongside Christmas Day.
In 2025, Friday 26 December is a public holiday across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Because Christmas and Boxing Day fall on a Thursday and Friday, many people will enjoy a four-day weekend by taking Monday off as annual leave — a perfect way to extend the festive break.
See also our guide to UK Bank Holidays Left in 2025 for planning ahead.
Modern Boxing Day Traditions in the UK
1. Shopping & Sales
Boxing Day is famous for its massive retail sales, often seen as the UK equivalent of Black Friday.
Stores open early, and online retailers launch 24-hour discounts, making it a key day for shoppers and businesses alike.
2. Sporting Events
It’s a beloved day for football fixtures, horse racing, and other sports — a tradition dating back to the 19th century.
3. Family & Leftovers
After the big Christmas feast, Boxing Day is for relaxing, visiting friends, and enjoying leftovers like cold turkey sandwiches and Christmas pudding.
4. Giving Back
The day retains its spirit of charity and gratitude — many people donate to charities or volunteer locally.
A Short History of Boxing Day
The exact origin is unclear, but the custom dates back to Victorian England.
Wealthy families would give boxes of money or gifts to their staff and local tradesmen as a token of thanks.
This practice spread through churches and communities, and by the late 1800s, Boxing Day was recognized as a national holiday.
You can read more about the legal background in our History of UK Bank Holidays.
How to Make the Most of Boxing Day 2025
- Plan ahead – Book any travel or hotel stays early if you’re visiting family.
- Shop smart – Look for early online Boxing Day deals to avoid crowds.
- Enjoy the sports – Catch the Premier League fixtures or boxing matches on TV.
- Unplug and relax – Take a digital detox day after the holiday rush.
- Be generous – Continue the season of giving by donating unused gifts or food.
Key Holiday Dates Around Boxing Day 2025
| Date | Day | Event | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Dec 2025 | Thursday | Christmas Day (Bank Holiday) | UK-wide |
| 26 Dec 2025 | Friday | Boxing Day (Bank Holiday) | UK-wide |
| 29 Dec 2025 | Monday | Suggested annual leave for a 4-day weekend | — |
Final Thoughts
Boxing Day 2025 continues a cherished British tradition — a day of rest, gratitude, and giving back after the joy of Christmas Day.
Whether you spend it shopping, watching sports, or simply relaxing with family, it marks a perfect close to the UK’s festive season and the year’s final bank holidays of 2025.
