Boxing Day, except when December 26 is a Sunday. If it is a Sunday, Boxing Day is transferred toDecember 27by Royal Proclamation. (Commonwealth of Nations), and its related observances:
Day of Good Will(South AfricaandNamibia), Family Day (Vanuatu), Thanksgiving (Solomon Islands)
Boxing Day is celebrated annually on December 26 in many Commonwealth nations as a time for giving, relaxation, and community gatherings. It also includes related observances such as the Day of Good Will in South Africa and Namibia, Family Day in Vanuatu, and Thanksgiving in the Solomon Islands.
Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom as a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts known as Christmas boxes from their employers or customers. It is now observed as a public holiday across the Commonwealth, marked by charitable events, sporting fixtures, and family gatherings. When December 26 falls on a Sunday, Boxing Day is traditionally transferred to December 27 by Royal Proclamation. In South Africa and Namibia, it is recognized as the Day of Good Will to honor generosity to those in need. Vanuatu celebrates Family Day on this date with community festivities, while the Solomon Islands observe Thanksgiving with church services and family meals. The modern holiday blends historical customs with contemporary leisure activities such as shopping and outdoor sports.
Boxing Day
December 27
Commonwealth of Nations
Day of Good Will
South Africa
Namibia
Family Day (Vanuatu)
Thanksgiving (Solomon Islands)
Independence and Unity Day (Slovenia)
Slovenia's Independence and Unity Day commemorates the 1990 plebiscite where Slovenians voted overwhelmingly for independence from Yugoslavia.
On December 26, 1990, over 88% of Slovenian voters participated in a referendum endorsing independence and sovereignty from Yugoslavia. Known as Independence and Unity Day, it marks the beginning of Slovenia's journey as a modern nation-state. The holiday is celebrated with official ceremonies, cultural performances, and public gatherings across the country. Citizens reflect on the peaceful struggle for self-determination and the importance of national solidarity. Parades, concerts, and civic events emphasize Slovenia's unique heritage and democratic values. This day fosters a sense of unity among Slovenians as they honor the collective decision that shaped their country's future.
Independence and Unity Day (Slovenia)
Saint Stephen's Day(public holiday inAlsace, Austria,Catalonia,Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy,Ireland,Luxembourg, Poland,Slovakiaand Switzerland), and its related observances:
Father's Day(Bulgaria)
Saint Stephen's Day commemorates Christianity's first martyr and is observed as a public holiday in many European regions, with related observances such as Bulgaria's Father's Day.
Celebrated on December 26, Saint Stephen's Day honors the first Christian martyr with church services, prayers, and charitable works. In countries like Austria, Croatia, and Germany, it is a public holiday marked by family gatherings and outdoor events. In Catalonia and parts of Italy, parades and reenactments of Saint Stephen's legend bring communities together. Austria's festive traditions include Christmas markets extended into Boxing Day. Bulgaria observes Father's Day on this date to recognize paternal relationships within families. From Ireland's sporting matches to Switzerland's regional customs, Saint Stephen's Day blends religious reverence with local cultural celebrations.
Saint Stephen's Day
Alsace
Catalonia
Croatia
Ireland
Luxembourg
Slovakia
Father's Day
The second day of theTwelve Days of Christmas(Western Christianity)
Second day of Christmas (Public holiday inthe Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia)
The second day of Christmas continues the festive season in Western Christianity and is a public holiday in the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia.
In Western Christian tradition, December 26 is celebrated as the second day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, following Christmas Day. Liturgical services emphasize gratitude for the Nativity and include special prayers and hymns. In the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia, this day is observed as a public holiday, with families gathering for meals and extended celebrations. Gift exchanges may continue, and many attend additional church services. Cultural events, such as concerts and performances, mark the occasion in urban centers. This period of festivity underscores the enduring joy and communal spirit of the Christmas season.
Twelve Days of Christmas
the Netherlands
Day of Good Will(South AfricaandNamibia)
A public holiday observed in South Africa and Namibia on December 26, promoting unity and goodwill after Christmas.
The Day of Goodwill was established to foster reconciliation and kindness among communities in South Africa and Namibia. Falling on December 26, it provides an opportunity for people to extend generosity beyond the Christmas celebrations. Many individuals and organizations engage in charitable activities, support disadvantaged groups, and volunteer in social projects. Families and friends often gather to reflect on the true spirit of giving. The holiday underscores national solidarity and the importance of caring for one another. It serves as a reminder to spread compassion and mutual respect in everyday life.
Day of Good Will
South Africa
Namibia
Family Day (Vanuatu)
A national public holiday in Vanuatu celebrating the importance of family unity and togetherness.
Family Day in Vanuatu is observed on December 26 each year. It is a time when families come together to enjoy shared meals, outdoor activities, and cultural traditions. Many workplaces and schools close for the day to allow people to focus on loved ones. Community events, such as beach gatherings and local performances, strengthen family bonds and cultural identity. The holiday highlights the role of family support and community cohesion in Vanuatu's society. It encourages reflection on familial relationships and appreciation for generational connections.
Family Day (Vanuatu)
Thanksgiving (Solomon Islands)
A national holiday in the Solomon Islands giving thanks for blessings and the spirit of Christmas.
Thanksgiving in the Solomon Islands is celebrated on December 26 as a national public holiday. The day originated from local church services held to give thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ. Communities across the islands organize special worship gatherings, communal feasts, and cultural performances. Families join together to share meals and express gratitude for health, harvests, and community prosperity. The holiday reinforces social solidarity and spiritual reflection following Christmas Day. It reflects the deep Christian heritage and communal values of the Solomon Islands.
Thanksgiving (Solomon Islands)
Second day of Christmas (Public holiday inthe Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia)
Observed on December 26, the Second Day of Christmas continues the festive celebrations following Christmas Day, recognized as a public holiday in the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia.
Falling on December 26, the Second Day of Christmas is a continuation of the Christian festival that began on Christmas Day.
It is officially a public holiday in the Netherlands (Tweede Kerstdag), Poland (Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia), and Slovakia (Druhý sviatok vianočný).
Families attend church services, gather for festive meals, and often host friends and neighbors in an atmosphere of goodwill.
In many traditions, the day also commemorates Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, linking it to charitable works and outreach.
Businesses, schools, and government offices close, allowing communities to carry on with holiday merrymaking and reflection.
Though solemn in parts of the world, it remains a joyful time marked by music, feasting, and the warm company of loved ones.
the Netherlands