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Europe
RegionEurope
CapitalLondon
Currency£ GBP · Pound sterling
Time zoneUTC+0 (+1 DST) · Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
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Public Holiday Calendar

Public Holidays in United Kingdom for 2027


Date Holiday Name
2027-01-01 New Year's Day
2027-03-26 Good Friday
2027-05-03 May Day
2027-05-31 Spring Bank Holiday
2027-12-25 Christmas Day
2027-12-26 Boxing Day
2027-12-27 Christmas Day (observed)
2027-12-28 Boxing Day (observed)

New Year's Day Introduction

New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.

Good Friday Introduction

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.

May Day Introduction

May Day on 1 May is both an ancient spring festival and, in most countries, International Workers' Day. The labour observance grew from the campaign for an eight hour working day and the events surrounding the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886. Older customs, especially in Northern Europe, include maypole dancing, bonfires and the crowning of a May queen. In the United Kingdom the first Monday in May is a separate bank holiday.

Christmas Day Introduction

Christmas Day on 25 December is the Christian feast of the Nativity of Jesus and one of the most widely observed public holidays in the world. It is a legal holiday in most nations with Christian majorities or heritage, and a cultural holiday in many others. Customs include family gatherings, gift giving, special meals and decorated trees. Countries following the Julian or Oriental Orthodox calendars often celebrate on 7 January instead.

Boxing Day Introduction

Boxing Day is observed on 26 December, the day after Christmas, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and several Commonwealth countries. Its name is usually traced to the custom of giving Christmas boxes, gifts of money or goods, to servants and tradespeople. Today it is associated with family visits, sporting fixtures and the start of the winter sales period, and is a full public holiday.

Holiday observance can vary by region and employer. Confirm critical dates with the relevant authority.