Is Boxing Day a Public Holiday in the UK?
Boxing Day, celebrated annually on 26 December, is officially a public holiday in the UK. Across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, workers receive a statutory day off, and banks, government offices, and most businesses close.
If Boxing Day falls on a weekend, a substitute bank holiday is provided on the next weekday, ensuring employees don’t lose their entitlement.
This page explains everything you need to know about Boxing Day, including public holiday rules, supermarket opening times, and international observations.
What Is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day originated in the UK as a day for giving gifts to service workers and supporting charitable causes. Over time, it became a statutory public holiday, celebrated with family gatherings, shopping, and sporting events.
Today, Boxing Day is widely recognised across Commonwealth countries including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Is Boxing Day a Bank Holiday in the UK?
Yes. Boxing Day is legally recognised as a bank holiday, meaning:
- Government offices, banks, and schools are generally closed.
- Employees are entitled to paid leave, unless otherwise stated in their contract.
- If Boxing Day falls on Saturday or Sunday, a substitute bank holiday is observed on the following Monday (or Tuesday in some cases).
Regional Notes
- England & Wales: Substitute holidays apply automatically.
- Scotland: Same rules, sometimes with additional local holidays.
- Northern Ireland: Follows UK rules with extra regional observances.
What Happens If Boxing Day Falls on a Weekend?
This ensures workers don’t lose their statutory entitlement, and many people enjoy extended festive breaks.
Are Supermarkets and Stores Open on Boxing Day?
Most major UK supermarkets operate on reduced hours, while banks and government offices remain closed.
| Supermarket | Boxing Day Hours (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Tesco | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Asda | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Aldi | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Lidl | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Sainsbury’s | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Morrisons | 9:00 – 18:00 |
| Waitrose | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Local convenience stores may open, but Christmas Day and Boxing Day are generally non-trading days for major retailers.
Is Boxing Day a Public Holiday Outside the UK?
- USA: Boxing Day is not a public holiday. Businesses and schools operate as normal.
- Canada & Australia: Boxing Day is recognised as a public holiday, with closures similar to the UK.
- Other countries: Observance varies, and it is not globally recognised.
FAQs
Is Boxing Day an official public holiday?
Yes. Boxing Day is a statutory bank holiday in the UK, observed on 26 December or the next weekday if it falls on a weekend.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in the USA?
No. In the United States, Boxing Day is not a recognised public holiday.
Is Boxing Day just a British thing?
Boxing Day originated in the UK but is also observed in Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Is boxing day a working day
Boxing Day (26 December) is a public/bank holiday in the UK, so most offices and banks are closed. Retail stores may open with reduced hours, but it’s generally not a regular working day.
Social and Economic Impact
- Work: Most employees enjoy a day off; some sectors like healthcare may operate as normal.
- Retail: Boxing Day sales are major, though many stores open late or reduced hours.
- Travel: Peak travel and family gatherings occur, especially around substitute holidays.
Summary
Boxing Day is a public holiday in the UK, giving workers time off, closing banks and government offices, and allowing families to celebrate. If it falls on a weekend, substitute bank holidays ensure no loss of entitlement. While widely observed in the UK and Commonwealth countries, it is not a public holiday in the USA.
For full details on future Boxing Day dates, substitute bank holidays, and regional variations, visit banksholidays.uk.
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