The magic of Christmas in the UK is an experience like no other. As the days grow shorter, the festive spirit begins to sparkle across the country. If you’re planning a cozy family Christmas holiday in the UK or just need to know when Christmas holidays start in the UK, this is your ultimate guide.
At Coming Holidays, we’ve compiled everything you need to plan your perfect festive season, from the official Christmas holiday dates to the best destinations for a memorable family trip.
Official UK Christmas Holidays 2025 & 2026
Understanding UK Bank Holidays at Christmas
First things first: what exactly is a bank holiday? In the UK, these are public holidays where banks and many businesses close. While there’s no law saying employers must give staff the day off, most do. The Christmas period typically grants two official bank holidays for most: Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Christmas Bank Holidays 2025: Key Dates
England & Wales Bank Holidays 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25th December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26th December 2025
Scotland Bank Holidays 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25th December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26th December 2025
- (Note: 2nd January is also a national bank holiday in Scotland.)
NI Bank Holidays 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25th December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26th December 2025
Christmas Bank Holidays 2026: Key Dates
England & Wales Bank Holidays 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25th December 2026
- Boxing Day: Monday, 27th December 2026 (Substitute day)
- Because Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday becomes a substitute bank holiday.
Scotland Bank Holidays 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25th December 2026
- Boxing Day: Saturday, 26th December 2026
- Substitute Day: Monday, 28th December 2026
- 2nd January: Monday, 2nd January 2027
NI Bank Holidays 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25th December 2026
- Boxing Day: Monday, 27th December 2026 (Substitute day)
Official Source for Bank Holidays
For the definitive, always-updated list, we recommend checking the official Government UK website.
Need Help with UK Bank Holidays?
Have questions about upcoming UK bank holidays or planning time off? Get expert guidance from Coming Holidays and plan your year with clarity and confidence.
UK School Christmas Holidays: 2025 & 2026 Dates
A Note on School Holiday Dates
It’s important to remember that school holiday dates are set by local authorities, so they can vary slightly by region. The dates below are the typical patterns across the UK.
Typical School Christmas Holiday Periods
Christmas Holidays 2025 UK Dates
- England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Most schools break up around Monday, 22nd December 2025 and return on or around Monday, 5th January 2026.
- Christmas holidays 2025 uk dates london: London boroughs almost always follow this national pattern.
- Scotland: Schools often break a day or two earlier, typically around Friday, 19th December 2025, returning around Monday, 5th January 2026.
Christmas Holidays 2026: Expected Dates
- Expected Break-up: Around Friday, 18th December 2026
- Expected Return: Around Monday, 5th January 2027
Your UK Christmas Holidays Calendar 2025/2026
Christmas 2025 At-a-Glance
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | 24 Dec 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2025 | Thursday |
| Boxing Day | 26 Dec 2025 | Friday |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 Dec 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year’s Day | 01 Jan 2026 | Thursday |
Christmas 2026 At-a-Glance
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | 24 Dec 2026 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2026 | Friday |
| Boxing Day (Substitute) | 28 Dec 2026 | Monday |
| New Year’s Eve | 31 Dec 2026 | Thursday |
| New Year’s Day | 01 Jan 2027 | Friday |
Where is the Best Place to Have a Christmas Break in the UK?
Classic City Breaks for a Festive Getaway
- Edinburgh: Experience the world-famous Edinburgh Christmas Market and the epic Hogmanay street party. It’s a truly unforgettable celebration.
- London: Glide across the ice at Winter Wonderland, see the dazzling lights on Oxford Street, and catch a classic family pantomime.
- York & Bath: Wander through ancient, cobbled streets decked with festive cheer for a truly historic and picturesque Christmas.
- Manchester & Birmingham: Home to some of the UK’s largest and most vibrant German-style Christmas markets, perfect for finding unique gifts.
Cosy Countryside & Coastal Retreats
- The Cotswolds: Imagine a picture-perfect Christmas in a rustic cottage with a roaring fire. This is the place for a traditional, peaceful retreat.
- The Scottish Highlands: For those dreaming of a white Christmas, the Highlands offer breathtaking, snowy landscapes and remote, cozy lodges.
- Cornwall: Enjoy a milder climate with dramatic coastal walks and cozy pubs. A beach walk on Christmas Day is a unique and beautiful experience.
All-Inclusive UK Christmas Breaks for Families
For a stress-free Family Christmas holidays 2025 UK, consider an all-inclusive resort like Center Parcs or Butlin’s. They handle all the cooking and cleaning, and pack the schedule with magical Family holiday activities, from visits with Santa to festive discos and shows.
Plan Your Year with Confidence
Explore the complete list of countries’ bank holidays and stay ahead with accurate dates, smart planning, and stress-free travel and work schedules.
Planning Your Family Christmas Holidays 2025 UK
Booking Early vs. Last-Minute Christmas Holidays
The best advice for the Family Christmas holidays 2025 UK is to book early! The most desirable cottages, city-center hotels, and all-inclusive breaks get snapped up months, sometimes a year, in advance. However, if you’re flexible, you can sometimes find great deals on last minute Christmas holidays, especially in early December or for early January.
Top Family Holiday Activities for a UK Christmas
- Visit a Santa’s Grotto: A quintessential childhood experience.
- Go Ice-Skating: Outdoor rinks pop up in most major cities and are pure magic.
- Watch a Pantomime: “He’s behind you!” Join the fun at a local theatre.
- Explore a Christmas Light Trail: Many National Trust and English Heritage properties host enchanting after-dark light trails.
Looking Ahead: Christmas Holidays 2027 & Other Coming Holidays
A Sneak Peek at Christmas Holidays 2027
Already thinking ahead? We’ve got you covered. For Christmas Holidays 2027, Christmas Day falls on a Saturday. This means the substitute bank holidays will likely be on Monday, 27th and Tuesday, 28th December 2027.
Discover More Upcoming Holidays in the UK
Your planning doesn’t have to stop here! At Coming Holidays in the UK, we’re your go-to source for all UK Bank Holidays. Explore our guides for Easter and summer half-terms, and get a head start on UK bank holidays 2026.
FAQs
When do Christmas holidays start in the UK?
School holidays typically start 3-5 days before Christmas Day, usually around December 18th-22nd.
How many Christmas holidays are there in the UK?
There are typically 2 official bank holidays (Christmas & Boxing Day), but the school holiday period is around two weeks long.
What is the difference between ‘Christmas Holidays’ ‘Bank Holidays’ and ‘Christmas Leaves’?
‘Christmas Holidays’ often refers to the school break. ‘Bank Holidays’ are the official public holidays. ‘Christmas Leaves’ is a common misnomer for the annual leave employees take around Christmas.
