How Many Bank Holidays Are Left in 2019? Plan Your Year-End Breaks Now!

Hey there, holiday lovers! It’s your go-to public holiday helper, Holiday Little Assistant, back with another useful update. I know a lot of you are trying to squeeze in those last-minute vacation days or just want to know how many long weekends you have left to enjoy in 2019. So, let’s break it down – how many bank holidays are still coming up this year?

UK Bank Holidays Left in 2019

If you’re in the UK, you’re in luck because there are still a few bank holidays left to take advantage of before we ring in 2020. Here’s the full list:

– **Christmas Day** – Wednesday, December 25
– **Boxing Day** – Thursday, December 26

Yep, that’s it! Only two official bank holidays remain in 2019. Since Christmas and Boxing Day fall mid-week, you won’t get an automatic long weekend unless you use some of your annual leave days. But hey, two free days off are still two free days off, right?

How to Make the Most of the Last Holidays in 2019

Even though there are just two bank holidays left, you can still maximize your time off with a little strategy:

– **Bridge the Gap**: Take just three days off (Dec 23, 24, and 27 or 30) to get a **10-day break** from Dec 21 to Jan 1!
– **Plan a Mini Getaway**: Use Christmas and Boxing Day as part of a short trip—cities like Edinburgh and London have amazing holiday festivities.
– **Rest & Recharge**: If you’re burnt out, these holidays are perfect for cozying up at home and enjoying some well-earned downtime.

What If You’re Outside the UK?

Different countries have different remaining holidays in 2019. For example:
– **USA**: Only Thanksgiving (Nov 28) and Christmas (Dec 25) are left.
– **Canada**: Christmas and Boxing Day (Dec 25 & 26).
– **Australia**: Christmas and Boxing Day, plus some states have an additional public holiday on Dec 27.

So if you’re planning international travel, check your local holiday calendar!

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. Do all UK workers get bank holidays off?**
Nope! While most employees do, it depends on your contract. Some businesses (like hospitals and retail) stay open.

**2. Can I be made to work on a bank holiday?**
Yes, but some employers pay extra (“holiday pay”) for those shifts.

**3. What if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?**
In the UK, you usually get the following Monday off as a “substitute day.” (But Christmas and Boxing Day 2019 are on weekdays, so no extra day this year!)

And that’s a wrap! Only two UK bank holidays left in 2019—Christmas and Boxing Day. Whether you’re traveling, celebrating, or just relaxing, make the most of them! If you’ve got more questions, drop me a line. Happy holidays, folks!