Boxing Day
Friday, December 26, 2025
About This Holiday
A traditional British holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day.
History
Boxing Day has been a bank holiday in the UK since 1871. The name's origin is debated - it may refer to the tradition of giving boxes of gifts to servants and tradespeople, or to the church collection boxes opened to distribute to the poor. Historically, it was the day when servants would visit their families after working on Christmas Day.
Traditions
Traditional activities include watching or playing football (Premier League fixtures are a major feature), attending pantomimes, going to the sales (Boxing Day sales are famous in the UK), walking off Christmas dinner, visiting family, and watching sports. Fox hunting (now with trail scents rather than live foxes) was traditionally associated with Boxing Day.
Fun Facts
- ✨Boxing Day sales can see discounts of up to 70% and attract millions of shoppers
- ✨Premier League football on Boxing Day has been a tradition since the league's founding
- ✨If Boxing Day falls on a weekend, a substitute bank holiday is given on the following Monday
- ✨The King George VI Chase at Kempton Park is a famous Boxing Day horse racing event