The Boxing Day bank holiday will move away from its usual December 26 date in 2027 because of a weekend clash. The change is part of the standard substitute bank holiday system used when public holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays.
Boxing Day Bank Holiday Moves Due to Weekend Dates
In 2027, Christmas Day will fall on a Saturday, while Boxing Day will take place on a Sunday. As a result, the UK will not have bank holidays on December 25 and December 26. Instead, substitute bank holidays will be introduced on: Monday, December 27, 2027. Tuesday, December 28, 2027.
The change means many workers will benefit from a longer festive break, depending on their employer’s holiday arrangements. The UK Government explains that when a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday normally becomes the official bank holiday.
No Additional UK-Wide Bank Holidays Planned
There are currently no plans to introduce extra UK-wide bank holidays in 2027. England and Wales are expected to continue with their usual total of eight bank holidays during the year.
The next bank holidays for England and Wales in 2026 are: Monday, August 31 — Summer Bank Holiday. Friday, December 25 — Christmas Day. Monday, December 28 — Boxing Day substitute day.
New Year Bank Holiday Also Changes
The festive period will also affect the start of 2028. New Year’s Day 2028 will fall on a Saturday, meaning the substitute bank holiday will take place on Monday, January 3, 2028. This will give many workers another extended weekend at the beginning of the year.
Workers can use bank holiday dates to plan annual leave and create longer breaks by combining holiday days with weekends. The impact of bank holidays can vary depending on employment contracts, as employers are not legally required to provide paid leave specifically on bank holidays.
The Government also notes that bank holidays may affect the timing of some benefit payments.
Easter and Other 2027 Dates Remain Unchanged
Other bank holidays in 2027 will follow the normal calendar pattern. The Easter bank holidays will take place around the weekend, as usual, providing another opportunity for extended breaks for many workers.
The changes to Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are caused by calendar dates rather than a change in UK bank holiday policy. The substitute system ensures that workers continue to receive the same number of public holidays when key dates fall on weekends.
