The United Kingdom is made up of several countries, each with its own traditions. That’s why the UK holiday calendar is diverse. What are the UK holidays 2026? Here’s an overview of the most important public holidays in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
UK Holidays 2026
In the UK, public holidays are referred to as Bank Holidays. It’s important to note that some of these holidays are observed regionally, which means the number of days off may vary depending on where you live or travel.
Bank Holidays in England and Wales 2026
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Thursday)
- Good Friday – April 3 (Friday)
- Easter Monday – April 6 (Monday)
- Early May Bank Holiday – May 4 (Monday)
- Spring Bank Holiday – May 25 (Monday)
- Summer Bank Holiday – August 31 (Monday)
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Friday)
- Boxing Day – December 28 (Monday, observed in lieu of Dec 26)
Bank Holidays in Scotland 2026
All holidays as in England and Wales, and:
- January 2 – Additional holiday following New Year’s Day
- St. Andrew’s Day – November 30 (Monday)
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026
All holidays as in England and Wales, plus:
- St. Patrick’s Day – March 17 (Tuesday)
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – July 13 (Monday, observed in lieu of July 12)
Holidays in the UK 2026 – Key Celebrations
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2026
New Year’s Day is celebrated across the UK with parties, fireworks, and time with family and friends. If you’re in London, don’t miss the iconic New Year’s Day Parade, a colorful and musical event in the city center.
Good Friday – April 3, 2026
Good Friday is one of the most important Christian holidays in the UK, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection when many churches hold special services. A traditional food on this day is hot cross buns—sweet buns with spices and marked with a cross.
Easter Monday – April 6, 2026
Easter Monday is a public holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (not in Scotland). Families gather for festive activities like egg rolling and Easter egg hunts, especially for children.
Early May Bank Holiday – May 4, 2026
Early May Bank Holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and falls on the first Monday of May. Many towns and cities host festivals, parades, and traditional Morris dancing—a folk dance involving bells and sticks.
Spring Bank Holiday – May 25, 2026
Spring Bank Holiday is held on the last Monday of May, this day provides a break before the summer. It is often celebrated with sporting events and family picnics.
Summer Bank Holiday – August 31, 2026
Summer Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday of August. It is a chance for one final getaway before autumn and relax. In London, this holiday features the Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe’s largest Caribbean cultural celebrations, full of colorful parades, music, and dance.
St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2026
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated most vibrantly in Northern Ireland, as St. Patrick’s Day honors the patron saint of Ireland. The day is marked with parades, concerts, and public events, with participants dressed in green and wearing shamrocks.
Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) – July 13, 2026
On Orangemen’s Day, Protestants in Northern Ireland commemorate the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. It features parades organized by the Orange Order.
St. Andrew’s Day – November 30, 2026
Scotland’s national day celebrates its patron saint with ceilidh dancing, concerts, and traditional Scottish cultural festivals.
Christmas Day – December 25, 2026
Christmas is one of the most cherished holidays in the UK. Traditions include decorating Christmas trees, enjoying a roast turkey meal, exchanging gifts, and watching the Royal Family’s Christmas speech.
Boxing Day – December 28 (observed), 2026
Boxing Day, traditionally a day when servants received gifts from their employers, is now known for huge shopping sales and sports events, such as horse racing and football matches.
UK Holidays 2026 – Summary
Whether you’re planning a business or leisure trip to the UK, it’s worth checking the public holiday calendar in advance. Each holiday has its own unique character and history, making the UK a fascinating destination to experience throughout the year.
