Days Until Boxing Day
A live countdown to Boxing Day 2026
Days Until Boxing Day 2026
Detailed Breakdown
Summary
There are 320 days, 23 hours, and 17 minutes left until Boxing Day 2026.
Upcoming Boxing Day Dates
| Year | Date (Dec 26) | Day | Days Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 26 | Sat | 320 days |
| 2027 | December 26 | Sun | 685 days |
| 2028 | December 26 | Tue | 1051 days |
| 2029 | December 26 | Wed | 1416 days |
| 2030 | December 26 | Thu | 1781 days |
Past Boxing Day Dates
| Year | Date (Dec 26) | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 26 | Sat |
| 2025 | December 26 | Fri |
| 2024 | December 26 | Thu |
| 2023 | December 26 | Tue |
| 2022 | December 26 | Mon |
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Go to ToolYour Guide to Boxing Day: Countdown, History, and Traditions
Discover exactly how many days until Boxing Day with our live countdown.
Explore the history behind the holiday and learn why it's a celebrated tradition.
The day after Christmas is known for relaxing, enjoying leftovers, and for many, incredible shopping deals. This day, December 26th, is famously known as Boxing Day. It’s a public holiday in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Whether you're anticipating the sales or simply enjoying an extra day off, the question "When is Boxing Day?" often comes up as the year-end approaches.
Our Live Countdown Timer at the top of this page gives you the precise answer, tracking the time down to the second. But this page is more than just a timer. It's your complete guide to understanding this unique holiday. We'll dive into what Boxing Day is, why it's called Boxing Day, and how you can use this tool to plan for it.
When is Boxing Day 2026? (December 26, 2026)
Boxing Day is a fixed holiday, always observed on December 26th, the day immediately following Christmas. However, determining when you actually get the "day off" work can be tricky depending on the calendar year.
📅 The "Bank Holiday" Rule
While the festival is always on the 26th, if this date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the official Bank Holiday (public holiday) is moved to the following Monday or Tuesday.
This ensures that citizens in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand don't lose a paid day off just because of the weekend.
So, while you might light the BBQ or hit the sales on the 26th, your official day off work might be a day or two later!
How to Use the Boxing Day Countdown Tool
This tool is designed to be simple and informative, providing all the key details you need at a glance.
- View the Live Countdown: The main display shows the exact time remaining until the next Boxing Day (December 26th). It’s broken down into Days, Hours, Minutes, and Seconds and updates live.
- Explore the Detailed Breakdown: This section offers powerful insights for planning your holiday season:
- See the exact date and day of the week for the upcoming Boxing Day.
- Find out how many business days and weekend days are left, perfect for scheduling time off work or planning your shopping trips.
- Plan Ahead with the Dates Table: The table at the bottom of the page shows the day of the week for Boxing Day for the next five years, making long-term vacation planning easy.
What is Boxing Day, and Why Is It Called Boxing Day?
Many people wonder, "What is Boxing Day?" Is it a day for boxing matches? The answer is rooted in history, not the sport. While the exact origin is debated, there are two main theories explaining why it is called Boxing Day.
The Tradition of Giving Boxes
One popular theory dates back to the Victorian era in Britain. On the day after Christmas, wealthy families would give their servants and tradespeople a "Christmas box" filled with gifts, money, or leftover food as a thank you for their service throughout the year. The servants, who had to work on Christmas Day, were given December 26th off to visit their own families, taking these boxes with them.
The Alms Box Tradition
Another theory connects the name to church traditions. For centuries, churches would place a metal or clay box outside to collect donations for the poor. On the day after Christmas, known as St. Stephen's Day in some countries, the contents of these alms boxes were distributed to those in need. The name "Boxing Day" may have come from the opening of these charity boxes.
Regardless of its true origin, the central theme of Boxing Day has always been one of generosity, charity, and showing appreciation.
Modern Boxing Day Traditions Around the World
Today, Boxing Day has evolved. While the spirit of giving remains, the day is now associated with several modern traditions.
The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year
For many, Boxing Day is synonymous with massive sales. Retailers offer huge discounts, and shoppers line up early to find the best deals, similar to Black Friday in the United States. It's a major event for both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.
A Day for Sports
In the UK, Boxing Day is a huge day for sports, particularly football (soccer) and horse racing. Attending a match with family and friends is a cherished tradition for many, creating a festive and exciting atmosphere.
Relaxing and Leftovers
After the excitement of Christmas Day, many use Boxing Day as a time to relax, recover, and spend quiet time with family. It's a day for enjoying Christmas leftovers, watching movies, and simply unwinding.
Outdoor Activities
In countries like Australia and New Zealand, where Boxing Day falls in the summer, it's a popular day for heading to the beach, having a barbecue, or enjoying outdoor activities like the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion: Get Ready for December 26th
Now that you know the history and traditions behind this unique holiday, you can use our countdown to plan for it effectively. Whether you’re preparing for the sales, looking forward to a day of sports, or simply enjoying a relaxing day with loved ones, our tool will keep you informed on exactly how many days until Boxing Day.
Bookmark this page and use it as your go-to resource for all things Boxing Day.