When is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is December 26. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, December 26, 2026, and in 2027 it's on Sunday, December 26, 2027. When this page was last updated, on October 12, 2026, there were 75 days to go, which is about 10 weeks and 5 days. The counter at the top keeps ticking down in real time on your device, so it's always current.
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | December 26 | Sunday |
A little history
Boxing Day comes from Britain, where employers once gave servants and tradespeople a 'Christmas box' of money or gifts the day after Christmas. It's a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries.
How people celebrate
Today it's mainly about big shopping sales, football matches in England and leftover turkey sandwiches. In Australia, the Boxing Day Test cricket match and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race both start that day.
Closures and practical notes
It's not observed in the US. When December 26 falls on a weekend, Commonwealth countries usually give a substitute weekday off.
Planning tips
It isn't a day off for most people, so the real trick is planning around your normal week. Put a reminder in your phone a week before, and another two days before, so you're not scrambling the night before.
If you're buying anything for it, whether flowers, food, costumes or decorations, shopping a week or two early is cheaper and way less stressful than the last-minute rush.
How the countdown works
We count full calendar days from today's date to the holiday, using the clock on your own phone or computer, so it matches your local time zone. On the day itself the counter switches to the next year's date. Want to count to a birthday or deadline instead? Our days until any date page does that in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
When is Boxing Day 2026?
Saturday, December 26, 2026.
What day of the week is Boxing Day in 2027?
It's a Sunday (December 26, 2027).
Is Boxing Day a holiday in the US?
No, it's mostly observed in the UK and Commonwealth countries.