UK Christmas and New Year Bank Holiday Closures: Four-Day Shutdown
Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, creating a long weekend that may see some UK shops and businesses closed for four consecutive days .
Key Dates:
25 December (Friday): Christmas Day – virtually all major supermarkets, businesses, and high street shops closed by law or company policy
26 December (Saturday): Many major retailers likely to stay closed
27 December (Sunday): Some retailers already closed on Sundays; 75% of UK post offices closed
28 December (Monday): Bank holiday – many retailers may stay closed or operate reduced hours
Businesses Likely Closed Four Days:
Post offices, High Street banks, council offices, GP surgeries, libraries
Independent retailers may also choose a four-day weekend
Royal Mail: No collections or deliveries on 25, 26, 28 December
Note: Pharmacies are legally required to open on 26 December unless they have an official exemption; 28% already close on Saturdays, 83% on Sundays, and 80-90% on bank holidays .
