Boxing Day
Boxing Day 2026 falls on Saturday, December 26. In 2027, Boxing Day falls on Sunday, December 26.
The dates of Boxing Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Boxing Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, December 26, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, December 26, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, December 26, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, December 26, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, December 26, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, December 26, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, December 26, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
Why is it called Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas, December 26. The name most likely comes from the 'Christmas box', a gift of money or goods that employers and households traditionally gave to servants, tradespeople and the poor after Christmas. Churches also opened their alms boxes on this day to share the contents. It is also the feast of St. Stephen.
Boxing Day is known mainly in Britain and in Commonwealth countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where it is a public holiday. In Ireland the same day is called St. Stephen's Day, and in many European countries it is the second day of Christmas.
Boxing Day in the United States
Boxing Day is not a holiday in the United States. December 26 is a normal working day, unless Christmas falls on a Sunday and the federal holiday is observed on the Monday. The day is mainly known from countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, where it is a public holiday.
In the US, the day after Christmas is better known for returning and exchanging gifts and for post-holiday sales. Many people take the days between Christmas and New Year off as vacation.
Frequently asked questions
When is Boxing Day 2026?
In 2026, Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26.
Is Boxing Day a day off?
No, Boxing Day is not a public holiday in the United States.
Where does the name Boxing Day come from?
Probably from the 'Christmas box', a gift of money or goods traditionally given to servants and tradespeople the day after Christmas.
Is Boxing Day a holiday in the US?
No. December 26 is a normal working day in the United States, unless Christmas falls on a Sunday and the holiday is observed on the Monday.