One key change is happening in 2026 as full calendar confirmed
Many people will be starting to plan family days together now 2026 has arrived – here’s the rundown of dates(Image: Getty Images)
As 2026 gets underway, families are starting to think about planning well-deserved time together for the upcoming year. It’s worth noting that these public holidays don’t always land on the same dates each year, as they’re largely influenced by movable events like Easter and the occurrence of weekends.
Brits are being alerted to a significant change in the 2026 calendar – Boxing Day is shifting. In 2025, Boxing Day fell on December 26, but in 2026 it will be observed on December 28 as a ‘substitute day’ because the 26th lands on a Saturday.
Unfortunately, there are currently no plans to introduce any additional bank holidays to the eight already slated for England and Wales in 2026, due to a lack of notable national celebrations on the horizon. However, many will be chuffed to hear that the first one of 2026 kicks off on January 1, which isn’t too far away.
Following this, the next holidays will fall on April 3 for Good Friday, then April 6 for Easter Monday. These dates are a departure from the 2025 schedule, with Good Friday having been on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21.
The remaining five bank holidays in England and Wales will then unfold in May, August and December of 2026. A detailed list of their exact dates is outlined below:, reports the Liverpool Echo.
England and Wales bank holidays for 2026:
- January 1, Thursday, New Year’s Day
- April 3, Friday, Good Friday
- April 6, Monday, Easter Monday
- May 4, Monday, Early May bank holiday
- May 25, Monday, Spring bank holiday
- August 31, Monday, Summer bank holiday
- December 25, Friday, Christmas Day
- December 28, Monday, Boxing Day (substitute day)
Meanwhile, the remaining bank holidays in 2025 are:
- December 25, Thursday, Christmas Day
- December 26, Friday, Boxing Day
The Boxing Day bank holiday in 2026 is marked as a ‘substitute day’ since the actual holiday lands on a weekend.
It’s worth noting that your boss isn’t required to grant you paid time off on these substitute days or bank holidays, so it’s wise to check beforehand.
Further guidance on GOV.UK explains: “If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday. Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays. Bank holidays might affect how and when your benefits are paid.”
Scottish residents will get to enjoy nine bank holidays in 2026, while those living in Northern Ireland will benefit from 10.
This difference stems from additional celebrations and commemorative events, such as St Patrick’s Day and St Andrew’s Day.
In Scotland, bank holidays for 2026 include:
- January 1, Thursday, New Year’s Day
- January 2, Friday, 2nd January
- April 3, Friday, Good Friday
- May 4, Monday, Early May bank holiday
- May 25, Monday, Spring 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)
For Northern Ireland, bank holidays in 2026 are:
- January 1, Thursday, New Year’s Day
- March 17, Tuesday, St Patrick’s Day
- April 3, Friday, Good Friday
- April 6, Monday, Easter Monday
- May 4, Monday, Early May bank holiday
- May 25, Monday, Spring bank holiday
- 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)
Those who also like to plan ahead can even start considering their 2027 bank holidays now, as the Government has already unveiled its upcoming schedule. For further information, you can visit the Government’s website.
