What's open on Boxing Day 2026?
Saturday, 26 December 2026
Stores and services
About Boxing Day 2026
Boxing Day falls on Saturday 26 December 2026, so the bank holiday across the UK is the substitute day, Monday 28 December.
No law makes shops close on Boxing Day, so each retailer decides. Aldi says all of its UK stores will close on 26 December 2026 and reopen on Sunday 27 December. Royal Mail's 2026 list shows no collections or deliveries on Boxing Day or on Monday 28 December.
Sources: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays (England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) · Aldi UK Press Office: Aldi to give store colleagues Boxing Day off this Christmas (2 September 2026) · Royal Mail: Service update, public and local holidays 2026
Rules by region
| Region | Bank holiday? | Large shops must close? |
|---|---|---|
| England and Wales | Yes Substitute day: Monday 28 December | No: shops may open |
| Scotland | Yes Substitute day: Monday 28 December | No: shops may open |
| Northern Ireland | Yes Substitute day: Monday 28 December | No: shops may open |
Sources
- GOV.UK: UK bank holidays (England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) · checked 16 October 2026
Questions
When is Boxing Day 2026?
Boxing Day 2026 is on Saturday, 26 December 2026. Because it falls at the weekend, the bank holiday is the substitute day, Monday 28 December.
Is Boxing Day 2026 a bank holiday?
Yes, in England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland. GOV.UK notes that employers don't have to give paid leave on bank holidays.
Are shops closed on Boxing Day 2026?
No law makes shops close on Boxing Day, so each store sets its own hours.
Is there post on Boxing Day 2026?
No. Royal Mail's 2026 holiday list for England and Wales shows no collections or deliveries on Boxing Day, Saturday 26 December. There's no service on the substitute bank holiday, Monday 28 December, either.