What Boxing Day is

The day after Christmas in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and much of the Commonwealth. The name comes from the boxes of money and goods given to servants and tradespeople, not from the sport.

It is now best known for sales, football fixtures and the start of the cricket Test in Melbourne.

When it falls, and why the date moves

The countdown at the top of this page is live, and the date beneath it is the next occurrence. This is a fixed date: it falls on the same day of the month every year, so only the weekday changes.

It is grouped here under National, alongside the other observances that share its calendar.

What is coming up next

Once this date passes, the countdown moves on according to the recurrence rule described above. Calculated lunar dates remain estimates until the relevant calendar or local authority confirms them. See the full list of upcoming events, or use the countdown timer for a duration of your own.