Are There Any Bank Holidays in January 2026?
Yes, there are bank holidays in January 2026 across the UK, though they vary by nation. New Year’s Day falls on Thursday, 1 January 2026, making it a bank holiday for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Additionally, Scotland observes Friday, 2 January 2026, as a bank holiday. This means most people in the UK will enjoy at least one day off work or school at the start of the year, with Scots getting an extra long weekend.
Bank holidays are public holidays when banks, government offices, schools, and many businesses close. They provide opportunities for rest, travel, or family time. In 2026, the early-year holidays kick off the calendar nicely, especially since 1 January is a Thursday, extending the festive period from Christmas and New Year.
If you’re planning events, travel, or work rotas, knowing these dates is essential. Below, we’ll break down January specifics before covering the full 2026 UK bank holiday schedule.
January 2026 Bank Holidays by UK Nation
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- 1 January 2026 (Thursday): New Year’s Day. A statutory bank holiday across these nations. Expect closures of non-essential services, post offices, and many shops.
No other bank holidays in January for these regions.
Scotland
- 1 January 2026 (Thursday): New Year’s Day.
- 2 January 2026 (Friday): Additional New Year bank holiday, unique to Scotland. This creates a four-day weekend from Thursday to Sunday, perfect for Hogmanay celebrations.
These dates are confirmed based on official UK government references for 2026. Always check gov.uk for the latest updates, as rare changes can occur.
Full List of UK Bank Holidays in 2026
To help with year-round planning, here’s the complete roster of bank holidays for 2026. Note the regional variations—Scotland has different dates for some summer and autumn holidays.
England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- 1 January 2026: New Year’s Day (Thursday).
- 3 April 2026: Good Friday (Friday).
- 6 April 2026: Easter Monday (Monday).
- 4 May 2026: Early May bank holiday (Monday).
- 25 May 2026: Spring bank holiday (Monday).
- 31 August 2026: Summer bank holiday (Monday).
- 25 December 2026: Christmas Day (Friday).
- 28 December 2026: Boxing Day substitute (Monday, as 26 December is a Saturday).
Scotland
- 1 January 2026: New Year’s Day (Thursday).
- 2 January 2026: 2nd January bank holiday (Friday).
- 3 April 2026: Good Friday (Friday).
- 4 May 2026: Early May bank holiday (Monday).
- 25 May 2026: Spring bank holiday (Monday).
- 3 August 2026: Summer bank holiday (Monday).
- 30 November 2026: St Andrew’s Day (Monday).
- 25 December 2026: Christmas Day (Friday).
- 28 December 2026: Christmas Day substitute (Monday, as Boxing Day is a Saturday).
Scotland skips Easter Monday but includes 2 January and St Andrew’s Day. Northern Ireland aligns closely with England and Wales but observes Easter Monday.
What Are Bank Holidays and Do You Get Paid?
Bank holidays originate from the Bank Holidays Act 1871, expanded over time. They are not automatically paid days off unless your employment contract specifies it. Many full-time workers receive ‘inclusive’ pay, meaning holiday pay is averaged into salary. Part-timers or shift workers might get time off in lieu or premium rates.
Check your contract or speak to HR. Statutory minimums apply: full-time employees get 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday annually, which can include bank holidays. Self-employed individuals don’t get paid holidays but can choose to close.
Impacts on Travel and Events
January 2026 bank holidays coincide with winter, so expect busy roads and trains around New Year. Book trains via National Rail or flights early. Popular spots like London, Edinburgh, or the Lake District fill up. Weather can be chilly—pack accordingly.
Events: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on 1-2 January draws crowds with street parties and fireworks. In England, New Year’s Day sales start, but shops may open later.
Bank Holidays on Weekends: Substitute Days
If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute weekday holiday applies:
- Christmas Day (25 Dec 2026, Friday): Observed.
- Boxing Day (26 Dec 2026, Saturday): Moves to Monday 28 Dec.
This ensures no lost holidays. Good Friday and Easter Monday are always Fridays/Mondays.
Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
- Book Time Off Early: Combine with annual leave for longer breaks, e.g., 30-31 Dec 2025 + 1-2 Jan 2026 for a week off.
- Check Local Variations: Some councils add extras, like England’s St George’s Day (23 April, not a bank holiday).
- Business Owners: Plan stock, staff rotas. Supermarkets often open reduced hours.
- Schools: Term dates vary; bank holidays usually mean closures. Check gov.uk/school-term-dates.
- International Travel: If heading abroad, note UK closures affect flights/trains.
Long Weekends in 2026
- New Year: Thu-Fri (Scotland) or Thu (rest).
- Easter: Fri-Mon.
- May: Two Mondays.
- August: Late summer break.
- Christmas: Fri + Mon.
Regional Differences Explained
The UK isn’t uniform:
- Scotland: Emphasises New Year (Hogmanay) over Easter; summer holiday earlier for schools.
- Northern Ireland: Similar to England/Wales but with cultural events like St Patrick’s Day parades (17 March, not bank holiday).
Use the UK government’s interactive calendar at gov.uk/bank-holidays for visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1 January 2026 a bank holiday everywhere in the UK?
Yes, for all four nations.
Do bank holidays affect Universal Credit or benefits?
Payments adjust; DWP shifts to working days. Check gov.uk for dates.
Can employers make you work bank holidays?
Yes, if contracted, but often with enhanced pay.
Are there bank holidays in January 2026 for schools?
Yes, aligning with public holidays.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for January 2026 and beyond. For official confirmation, visit gov.uk/bank-holidays. Plan ahead for a smooth year!
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