Christmas Day in the United Kingdom
View the global Christmas Day guide
Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on 25 December.
The holiday is 25 December; a substitute weekday applies when necessary.
Christmas Day
Holiday
United Kingdom
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Friday
Day
Dec
25
December 25, 2026
Christmas Day Date in United Kingdom
Date
December 25, 2026
Day
Friday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
Yes
Date Confirmed
Yes
Christmas Day Dates in United Kingdom
Christmas Day 2026
- Confirmed Official England & Wales Christmas Day bank holiday; GOV.UK.
Christmas Day 2027
- Confirmed Official England & Wales Christmas Day substitute bank holiday; GOV.UK.
Christmas Day 2028
- Confirmed 2028 England & Wales bank holiday derived from statutory calendar rule; verify against GOV.UK when the 2028 calendar is published.
About Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the most widely observed holidays around the world. Traditions and public holiday arrangements vary by country.
History of Christmas Day
Christmas combines Christian worship with family meals, gifts and seasonal customs.
Importance of Christmas Day
Bank holidays differ among England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. A bank holiday also does not automatically create a legal right to paid leave; entitlement depends on the employment contract and statutory annual leave rules.
How Christmas Day Is Celebrated in United Kingdom
Christmas combines Christian worship with family meals, gifts and seasonal customs.
Office Impact
Many public offices close, but essential services continue. Check the relevant UK nation and organisation because the bank-holiday calendars are not identical.
Bank Impact
Bank branches generally close and payment processing may shift. Online services remain available, subject to settlement timetables.
School Impact
School terms are set locally and vary across the UK. Check the relevant council, school or education authority rather than treating the bank-holiday list as a complete school calendar.
Travel Information
Christmas Day has extremely limited public transport. Check 25 December separately from any substitute bank holiday and book available services early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Christmas Day in the United Kingdom a bank holiday everywhere in the UK?
Check the relevant nation. Easter Monday, for example, is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland.
Does everyone receive paid leave?
No. Employers may count bank holidays within statutory annual leave.
Where are official dates published?
GOV.UK publishes separate lists for England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Regional variations
This holiday has region-specific dates or observance.