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.
Is it a day off anywhere in the UK or Ireland?
| Nation | New Year's Eve 2026 | Nearest bank holiday |
|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | Normal day | New Year's Day Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Scotland | Normal day | New Year's Day Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Northern Ireland | Normal day | New Year's Day Friday 1 January 2027 |
| Republic of Ireland | Normal day | New Year's Day Friday 1 January 2027 |
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.
Is New Year's Eve a bank holiday in Scotland?
No. Hogmanay (31 December) is not a bank holiday, although celebrations run into the night. Scotland's bank holidays are New Year's Day and 2 January, so the days off come after.
Are banks open on New Year's Eve?
Yes, usually with normal hours, though some branches close early. They are closed on New Year's Day.