Seasonal guide
Next business day after Christmas: how to plan
The next business day after Christmas depends on whether Christmas and Boxing Day fall on a weekday, move to substitute days, or sit next to a weekend. UK bank holidays and company closures can shift the result. Use the business day calculator with holiday presets and custom closures to exclude weekends and holidays before you promise a date.
Published: January 7, 2026 · Updated: January 7, 2026 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only; not legal, tax, or financial advice.
- Examples are illustrative and simplified.
- Results depend on your inputs and assumptions and are not guaranteed.
- Holiday presets can be static and may not cover regional observances.
- See the Privacy Policy; do not share personal data.
Quick answer: next business day after Christmas
- Weekday Christmas with weekday Boxing Day: the next business day may be 27 December if open.
- Christmas on a weekend: substitute days can push the next business day to later in the week.
- Company shutdowns: custom holidays can extend the break beyond public holidays.
Why Christmas week is tricky
Christmas often pairs with Boxing Day and substitute days. If either lands on a weekend, the holiday shifts to a weekday, which moves the next business day. Many firms also add shutdown days between Christmas and New Year. To exclude weekends and holidays correctly, you need the right holiday preset, year, and any custom closures.
Quick reference table
| Start date event | Common outcome | What can change it |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day on weekday | Next business day often the next open weekday after Boxing Day. | Company shutdowns or substitute days. |
| Christmas on weekend with substitutes | Next business day may shift to midweek after substitute holidays. | Weekend pattern and substitute day rules. |
| Christmas plus company shutdown | Next business day moves to the first open day after the shutdown. | Custom holidays and any added closures. |
Worked examples (illustrative)
Example A: Christmas Day on a weekday
Inputs: Start Christmas Day (weekday), Sat–Sun weekend, UK bank holidays preset, exclusive mode, no shutdown.
Result: The next business day is after Boxing Day, often 27 December if it is not a weekend. Illustrative only.
Example B: Christmas near a weekend with substitute day
Inputs: Start Christmas on Sunday, Sat–Sun weekend, UK bank holidays preset, exclusive mode.
Result: Substitute days on Monday and Tuesday can make Wednesday the next business day. Illustrative only.
Example C: Company shutdown added
Inputs: Start Christmas Day, Sat–Sun weekend, UK bank holidays preset, custom holidays for 27–29 December.
Result: The next business day becomes the first open day after 29 December. Illustrative only.
Regional note
England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland observe different bank holidays and substitute rules. Use the holiday preset that matches your region and add custom holidays for local closures. If your weekend pattern differs, set it before running the calculation to avoid off-by-one surprises.
How to calculate quickly
Use the finder- Open the next business day finder.
- Choose the holiday preset (such as UK bank holidays) for the correct year.
- Add custom holidays for company shutdown days.
- Set your weekend pattern and inclusive or exclusive mode.
- Run the calculator and share the next business day with the settings used.
FAQ
Why did the date land midweek?
Substitute days after a weekend Christmas can push the next business day past Monday or Tuesday.
Do I need to add custom holidays?
Yes if your company has shutdown days between Christmas and New Year. Add them so the calculator removes them.
Does weekend pattern change Christmas outcomes?
It can. A different weekend pattern changes which days are removed before the next business day is returned.
Is this guaranteed?
No. It is educational. Always confirm with your own calendar and policies.
Check the post-Christmas next business day
Set holiday presets, add shutdowns, and see the result in seconds.