The most wonderful time of the year deserves perfect planning. Figuring out the Christmas holidays 2025 is your first step to a stress-free season. This guide breaks down all the important Christmas holiday dates, from the official UK bank holidays to the longer UK school holidays, giving you a clear Christmas holidays calendar to organise everything from well-deserved Christmas breaks to those all-important family holiday activities.
Key Christmas Holiday Dates 2025 at a Glance
Mark these core dates in your diary right now! The main Christmas public holidays in the UK for 2025 are Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25th, and Boxing Day on Friday, December 26th. This gives a fantastic four-day weekend for many. New Year’s Day follows on Wednesday, January 1st, 2026.
UK Bank Holidays & Public Holidays for Christmas 2025
These are the official days when most of the country rests. For the Christmas Holidays 2025, the key UK public holidays are:
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Christmas Day:Â Thursday, 25 December 2025
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Boxing Day:Â Friday, 26 December 2025
Christmas School Holidays & Breaks 2025
The school Christmas breaks are much longer than the bank holidays, typically spanning two to three weeks. While exact dates vary by local authority, here are the estimated periods for the Christmas holidays 2025 UK dates:
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England & Wales: Approx. Monday 22nd December 2025 – Monday 5th January 2026
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Scotland: Approx. Monday 22nd December 2025 – Tuesday 6th January 2026
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Northern Ireland: Approx. Monday 22nd December 2025 – Monday 5th January 2026
Read More: UK School Holidays
Christmas Closures and Essential Information
It’s not just about when you’re off, but when everything else is closed. Most shops and services are shut on the 25th and 26th. Crucially, public transport does not operate on Christmas Day and has a reduced service on Boxing Day and the Christmas bank holidays.
Planning Your Festive Break: Where to Spend Christmas 2025 in the UK
Wondering where to create those core memories? The best Christmas holidays 2025 has to offer range from city splendor to countryside cosiness.
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Magical City Breaks: For a classic Christmas holiday 2025 London experience, the capital is unbeatable. Edinburgh and Bath also offer incredible festive markets and atmosphere.
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All-Inclusive Relaxation: For the ultimate stress-free escape, look for Christmas holidays 2025, UK, all-inclusive packages at countryside hotels or resorts—they handle all the cooking and cleaning!
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Last-Minute Getaways: Don’t worry if you’re late to plan; charming cottages and rural inns often have availability for last-minute Christmas holidays.
Family Holiday Activities: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Festive Break
Maximise your time together with these classic family holiday activities. From visiting enchanting Christmas markets and spectacular light trails to enjoying a classic pantomime, the UK is packed with ways to enjoy fun Christmas moments with your loved ones.
For absolute confirmation of public holidays, always refer to the official UK government website.
Also Read: England Bank Holidays
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FAQs
Q1. Where is the best place to have a Christmas break in the UK?
There’s no single best place! For a vibrant city atmosphere, choose London or Edinburgh. For a tranquil, traditional escape, the Cotswolds or Lake District are perfect.
Q2. What are the Christmas holidays in 2025?
The key Christmas holidays in 2025 are Thursday, the 25th, and Friday, the 26th of December, for bank holidays, with school breaks running from around the 22nd of December to the 5th of January 2026.
Q3. Where to spend Christmas 2025?
You can spend it in a bustling city, a cozy countryside cottage, or even book an all-inclusive hotel stay. The choice depends on your preference for tradition or relaxation.
Q4. How many Christmas holidays are there in the UK?
There are two official public holidays: Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The school Christmas break is longer, typically encompassing around two weeks.
Q5. When do Christmas holidays start in the UK?
For schools, they typically start around the 22nd of December. For the general public, the main break begins on Christmas Day itself, the 25th of December.
Q6. What day is Christmas 2025?
Christmas Day 2025 falls on a Thursday.
You’re now equipped with all the key Christmas holidays in 2025 in the UK and the inspiration you need to plan a truly magical festive season. By knowing the UK bank holidays, school schedules, and what to expect from seasonal closures, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying a wonderful festive break with family and friends.
Ready to start planning the rest of your year? Explore Calendar Times for more beautifully designed calendars and essential UK date guides!
