Yes. Boxing Day is part of the Scotland bank holiday pattern, but in 2026 the practical day to watch is Monday, 28 December 2026 because 26 December falls on a Saturday.
Key facts
- Holiday date: Saturday, 26 December 2026
- Practical bank holiday date: Monday, 28 December 2026
- Public holiday status: Yes, Scotland treats Boxing Day as a bank holiday
What date is it?
Boxing Day is always 26 December. The planning detail is that when it lands on a weekend, the bank holiday observance shifts. In 2026 that means the substitute bank holiday falls on Monday, 28 December.
Is it a bank holiday?
Yes. Scotland includes Boxing Day in its bank holiday calendar. Many employers and public bodies follow the substitute day when the actual date falls on a weekend, which is why the Monday matters more than the Saturday for most workers.
What closes or changes?
- Banks and many offices are closed on the substitute bank holiday.
- Public transport can run on reduced service over the Christmas period.
- Retail and hospitality stay mixed, with some venues open and others on special hours.
How to plan around it
The 2026 calendar creates a strong Christmas-to-New-Year break. If you already expect Christmas Day off, the substitute Boxing Day bank holiday helps extend the run into the following week. That makes late-December annual leave especially valuable if you want a longer uninterrupted break.