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.
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.
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.
Leftover Christmas turkey reimagined as sandwiches, curry, pies. Cold cuts. Mince pies. Pickled vegetables.
"Happy Boxing Day" · "Happy St. Stephen's Day" (Ireland)
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.
Future dates for moving holidays (Easter, Eid, Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.) are computed and approximate; the actual public-holiday date in some countries is fixed by official decree closer to the date.
This holiday is also publicly observed in: