Easter Monday Bank Holiday in the UK: What It Is, Why, and When
Easter Monday is an important bank holiday in the UK (for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) that follows Easter Sunday, marking the continuation of the Easter weekend. It is part of the Christian tradition of commemorating Jesus Christ’s resurrection and is enshrined in British public holiday practice.
When is the next UK bank holiday?
Note: Easter Monday is not a bank holiday in Scotland — in Scotland, Easter Monday is usually treated as a normal working day.
This article explains how Easter Monday works as a holiday, who observes it, how its date is set, and includes upcoming dates from 2024 to 2028.
Why Easter Monday Is a Bank Holiday
- Easter Monday is part of the Easter tradition in Christianity. It is a day of rest, reflection, and often family gatherings following Easter Sunday.
- In the UK, it was established as a statutory bank holiday through historic legislation (Bank Holidays Acts, and later laws). Easter Monday is among the traditional “movable” public holidays tied to religious observance.
- It helps extend the Easter weekend, giving people time to travel, rest, or engage in community and family events.
Who Observes Easter Monday?
- In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Easter Monday is a bank holiday, meaning many businesses, government offices, schools, and banks close or have reduced hours.
- In Scotland, Easter Monday is generally not a bank holiday – people usually work (or attend school) as normal on that day.
- Some businesses in Scotland might choose to close or provide limited service during the Easter weekend, but legally they are not required to treat Easter Monday as a public holiday.
Easter Monday Dates: 2024–2028
Because Easter is a moveable feast (based on lunar cycles), the date of Easter Monday shifts each year. Below is a table of the Easter Monday dates for 2024 through 2028 (for regions that observe it):
| Year | Easter Monday Date | Day of Week | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Monday, 1 April 2024 | Monday | Standard observance |
| 2025 | Monday, 21 April 2025 | Monday | — |
| 2026 | Monday, 6 April 2026 | Monday | — |
| 2027 | Monday, 29 March 2027 | Monday | — |
| 2028 | Monday, 17 April 2028 | Monday | — |
These dates apply to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Easter Monday is typically a working day.
How the Date of Easter Monday Is Determined
- Easter Sunday (and thus Easter Monday) is determined by the ecclesiastical rules: it falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon following the March equinox.
- Because of this, Easter can fall anytime between 22 March and 25 April.
- Easter Monday is simply the day after Easter Sunday, so it moves accordingly each year.
Differences Across the UK
| Region | Is Easter Monday a Bank Holiday? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| England | Yes | Fully observed. |
| Wales | Yes | Fully observed. |
| Northern Ireland | Yes | Fully observed. |
| Scotland | No (in law) | Generally, normal working day. |
Key Things to Know & Impacts
- Public services and schools in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland typically close or run reduced hours on Easter Monday.
- Retail and businesses may vary — many shops open, though smaller ones may adjust their hours.
- Transportation often runs on holiday or Sunday schedules, with limited services in some areas.
- For Scotland, Easter Monday is not guaranteed as a day off legally, so expectations differ.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in the UK?
Yes — Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
Why is Easter Monday a holiday?
It’s part of the Christian tradition celebrating the resurrection (Easter). It extends the Easter weekend and gives people a day for rest, worship, or family time.
When is Easter Monday 2025?
Easter Monday in 2025 falls on Monday, 21 April 2025.
How is Easter Monday’s date determined?
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday, which is set as the first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon following the March equinox.
Do schools close on Easter Monday?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, yes — schools typically close for that bank holiday. In Scotland, schools usually remain open (since Easter Monday is not a legal holiday there).
Will shops and banks open on Easter Monday?
Many banks and public offices close or reduce services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Shops often stay open but may have adjusted hours. In Scotland, operations are more likely to be normal.
Is Easter Monday always on a Monday?
Yes — by definition, Easter Monday is always the Monday immediately following Easter Sunday.
Final Words
If you’re planning a spring break or simply want to know your public holiday entitlements, remembering that Easter Monday is observed in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (but not Scotland) is crucial. The shifting date means the holiday changes year to year, but the pattern is consistent.
Use the table above to plan ahead, and incorporate these into your UK holidays calendar — with region-specific clarity so your readers aren’t misled.