| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-04-03 | Good Friday | National |
| 2026-04-06 | Easter Monday | National |
| 2026-05-04 | May Day | National |
| 2026-05-25 | Spring Bank Holiday | Bank |
| 2026-08-31 | Summer Bank Holiday | Bank |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
| 2026-12-26 | Boxing Day | National |
| 2026-12-28 | Boxing Day (observed) | Substitute |
About these holidays in United Kingdom (2026)
Our United Kingdom public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
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
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.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and forms the final day of the Easter octave in Western Christianity. It is a public holiday in many European, Commonwealth and Latin American countries, effectively extending the Easter weekend. Because it is tied to the movable date of Easter, it falls between late March and late April. Traditional customs include egg rolling, picnics and family outings.
May Day
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
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.