### Major Changes to UK Bank Holidays: What to Expect in 2026 and 2027
As workers and families across the United Kingdom plan ahead for their holidays, it’s important to be aware of upcoming changes to the nation’s bank holiday calendar. Notably, the traditional pattern of bank holidays will see a shake-up in 2026 and 2027, particularly affecting the Christmas and Boxing Day breaks.
In 2025, there are eight standard bank holidays scheduled, maintaining the regular arrangement that many have come to expect. These days provide critical rest periods for millions, enshrined in UK law for over a century. However, the next two years are poised to look a little different, and planning ahead may be necessary for those aiming to make the most of their time off.
This year, the spring and summer bank holidays fall on Monday, 5 May; Monday, 26 May; and Monday, 25 August, respectively. The festive winter holidays are set for Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day), and Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day). These fixed dates allow individuals and businesses to arrange their schedules well in advance.
Moving into 2026, while the majority of bank holiday dates remain familiar, there’s a specific change concerning Boxing Day. As 26 December falls on a Saturday that year, the customary day off will not apply to the Saturday itself. Instead, a ‘substitute day’ is set for Monday, 28 December, granting workers a day off that would otherwise be lost, recognising the importance of these celebrations.
The list for 2026, therefore, includes New Year’s Day (1 January), Good Friday (3 April), Easter Monday (6 April), early May bank holiday (4 May), spring bank holiday (25 May), summer bank holiday (31 August), Christmas Day (25 December, Friday), and the substitute Boxing Day holiday on 28 December. This ensures the total remains at eight UK-wide days off, but with a notable adjustment for the festive period.
Turning to 2027, the adjustments are even more marked. Both Christmas Day (25 December) and Boxing Day (26 December) fall on the weekend—Saturday and Sunday, respectively. As a result, the nation will observe these bank holidays as substitute days on Monday, 27 December (for Christmas Day) and Tuesday, 28 December (for Boxing Day). This welcome extension creates an unusually long festive break for many people, affecting everything from business operations to family holiday plans.
The roots of bank holidays trace back to the Bank Holidays Act of 1871, spearheaded by Sir John Lubbock. Before legislation formalised these breaks, only a handful of religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, were nationally recognised. Lubbock’s reforms introduced additional days off, much to the delight of workers in England, Wales, and Ireland at the time.
Bank holidays are now established through a combination of traditional conventions, statute, and Royal proclamations. They offer a pause from the regular working week, providing vital time for relaxation, celebration, and personal pursuits. Occasionally, one-off holidays are announced to mark extraordinary national events, such as royal jubilees or significant anniversaries.
For many businesses and employees, staying informed about these changes is essential. The shift in 2026 and 2027 could affect travel plans, retail operations, and workplace calendars, underscoring the importance of forward planning. While the full list of substitute days and affected dates has been made public, it is always advisable to consult official government sources for any further adjustments.
As the UK bank holiday calendar adapts to the quirks of the modern year, Britons can continue to enjoy their treasured tradition of national days off—whether they fall on a Monday, Friday, or, as will soon be the case, even a Tuesday.