A significant change to the bank holiday schedule in England has been confirmed for 2026, with Boxing Day moving to a new date and an additional substitute day being introduced. While most bank holidays remain consistent with 2025, this adjustment marks a notable shift for the end-of-year period.
Boxing Day 2026: A Substitute Day
In 2025 and the majority of years, Boxing Day falls on December 26. However, in 2026, December 26 is a Saturday, so the bank holiday will be moved to Monday, December 28, as a substitute day. This means the holiday will be observed on the following Monday instead of the actual date.
The Labour Party government website clarifies: "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a 'substitute' weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday." It also notes that employers are not obliged to provide paid leave on bank holidays, so workers are advised to check their contracts in advance.
Full List of 2026 Bank Holidays for England and Wales
- August 31, Monday – Summer bank holiday
- December 25, Friday – Christmas Day
- December 28, Monday – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Scotland Bank Holidays for the Rest of 2026
- June 12, Friday – World Cup bank holiday
- August 3, Monday – Summer bank holiday
- November 30, Monday – St Andrew’s Day
- December 25, Friday – Christmas Day
- December 28, Monday – Boxing Day (substitute day)
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays for the Rest of 2026
- July 13, Monday – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
- August 31, Monday – Summer bank holiday
- December 25, Friday – Christmas Day
- December 28, Monday – Boxing Day (substitute day)
After the late May bank holiday, attention now turns to the August bank holiday. Following that, there will be a three-month gap before the next set of holidays. The Boxing Day change ensures that the holiday is still observed even when it falls on a weekend, aligning with standard government policy.
