About Boxing Day
Boxing Day falls on December 26 — a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and across the Commonwealth. The countdown above tracks the days until the most relaxed day of the festive season: leftovers, sales and sport.
The name likely comes from "Christmas boxes" — gifts and tips given to tradespeople and servants on the day after Christmas. Modern Boxing Day means three things: blockbuster retail sales (the UK's answer to Black Friday), a full Premier League football fixture list — a beloved tradition — and the start of the Boxing Day Test cricket match in Melbourne.
Upcoming dates
| 2026 | Saturday, December 26, 2026next |
| 2027 | Sunday, December 26, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, December 26, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, December 26, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, December 26, 2030 |
FAQ
When is Boxing Day?
December 26 every year — the day after Christmas, a public holiday across the Commonwealth.
Why is it called Boxing Day?
Most likely from the tradition of giving "Christmas boxes" — gifts or money — to servants and tradespeople on December 26.
What happens on Boxing Day?
Major retail sales, a full day of Premier League football in England, and the Boxing Day Test cricket in Australia.