Is Halloween a bank holiday?
No. Halloween (31 October) is not a bank holiday in the UK. The Republic of Ireland's October bank holiday falls on the last Monday of October, which is sometimes Halloween itself.
Is it a day off anywhere in the UK or Ireland?
| Nation | Halloween 2027 | Nearest bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | Normal day | Christmas Day Monday 27 December 2027 |
| Scotland | Normal day | St Andrew's Day Tuesday 30 November 2027 |
| Northern Ireland | Normal day | Christmas Day Monday 27 December 2027 |
| Republic of Ireland | Normal day | October bank holiday Monday 25 October 2027 |
What it means for work and shops
Schools often have half term around Halloween, but that is set by each local authority, not by bank holiday law.
Looking for a nearby bank holiday? See October bank holiday.
Halloween dates
| Year | Date | Bank holiday? |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday 31 October 2027 | No |
| 2028 | Tuesday 31 October 2028 | No |
| 2029 | Wednesday 31 October 2029 | No |
| 2030 | Thursday 31 October 2030 | No |
| 2031 | Friday 31 October 2031 | No |
Other days that aren't bank holidays
Frequently asked questions
When is Halloween 2027?
Halloween 2027 is on Sunday 31 October 2027.
Is Halloween a day off work?
Only if your employer or contract gives it as a day off. There is no legal right to time off, and no extra pay is required, because it is not a bank holiday.
Are banks open on Halloween?
Yes. Banks, shops and offices open as normal on 31 October across the UK, because Halloween is not a bank holiday.
Is Halloween a bank holiday in Ireland?
No, but the confusion is understandable: the Republic of Ireland has a public holiday on the last Monday in October, which always falls within a few days of Halloween. Halloween itself is a normal working day there too.
Why do people think Halloween is a bank holiday?
Two reasons: Ireland's October bank holiday lands next to it, and many schools have half term that week. Neither makes 31 October a bank holiday in the UK.
Do children get the day off school for Halloween?
Not for Halloween itself, though many schools in the UK and Ireland have half term around the end of October. Term dates are set by each school or council.