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Observance · not a public holiday in Denmark

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is not an official public holiday in Denmark. The date shown is when it falls globally; it may be observed privately or culturally. See Denmark's official public holidays →
lørdag, 26 december 2026
in 196 days
Also known as: Second Christmas Day · St. Stephen's Day · Day of Goodwill
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Boxing Day, December 26, is a public holiday in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth nations. In Germany and other European countries, it is known as Second Christmas Day or Saint Stephen's Day.

History & origin

The name's origin is debated. One theory: alms boxes opened in churches the day after Christmas for the poor. Another: Christmas boxes given to servants, tradesmen, and the poor on the first weekday after Christmas. The holiday was formalized in the UK in 1871.

Traditions & customs

Major retail sale day — "Boxing Day Sales" parallel American Black Friday. Premier League football. Horse racing (King George VI Chase at Kempton Park). In rural Britain and Ireland, hunts and country pursuits. In some Commonwealth countries, family beach days.

Traditional foods

Leftover Christmas turkey reimagined as sandwiches, curry, pies. Cold cuts. Mince pies. Pickled vegetables.

Greetings & salutations

"Happy Boxing Day" · "Happy St. Stephen's Day" (Ireland)

For travellers

Public holiday in UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, NZ, and many Caribbean states. Most non-retail businesses closed. Public transport may run holiday schedules. Major shopping districts open with sales — be prepared for crowds.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Boxing Day religious?
In Germany, Austria, and Hungary it is Saint Stephen's Day (the first Christian martyr). In Britain it became secularized.

Boxing Day in other countries

This holiday is also publicly observed in:

More holidays in Denmark

Related holidays

About this page. caldays.com curates public-holiday data from official government publications and IANA tzdata. For critical decisions (travel, payroll, contracts) please verify with the relevant official source. Long-form content is researched and written by the caldays editorial team.