Is New Year's Eve a bank holiday?
No. New Year's Eve (31 December) is not a bank holiday in the UK or Ireland. The bank holiday is New Year's Day, and Scotland also has 2 January.
NoNot a UK bank holiday
31 DecNew Year's Eve 2026 · Thursday
1 JanNext bank holiday after: New Year's Day
What it means for work and shops
Many employers close early or ask staff to use a day of annual leave. Banks and businesses usually open as normal.
Looking for a nearby bank holiday? See New Year's Day.
New Year's Eve dates
| Year | Date | Bank holiday? |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday 31 December 2026 | No |
| 2027 | Friday 31 December 2027 | No |
| 2028 | Sunday 31 December 2028 | No |
| 2029 | Monday 31 December 2029 | No |
| 2030 | Tuesday 31 December 2030 | No |
Other days that aren't bank holidays
Frequently asked questions
When is New Year's Eve 2026?
New Year's Eve 2026 is on Thursday 31 December 2026.
Is New Year's Eve 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.