When is Boxing Day?
In 2026, Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26, 2026. It is classified here as a Luxembourg public holiday.
History of Boxing Day
December 26 is Luxembourg’s second day of Christmas and its eleventh statutory public holiday. It is commonly referred to as Boxing Day in English-language calendars, while Saint Stephen’s Day is another familiar religious association.
The day keeps the holiday period from being compressed into a single festive date. Families continue visits and meals, while the slower pace gives people time for winter sport, walks and recovery after Christmas Day.
Luxembourg’s official English portal calls December 26 Boxing Day, while French commonly uses Saint Étienne and Luxembourgish refers to the second Christmas day. These names describe the same fixed statutory holiday. It is legally independent of December 25, so an employee can accrue separate compensation for each date that falls on a normal non-working day. Hospitality and leisure opening does not remove holiday pay or rest rights for covered employees. Official schedules retain December 26 itself.
How Boxing Day is observed
A nationwide statutory public holiday on December 26. Opening times and transport are limited in many places, although leisure and hospitality venues may open. A non-working-day clash creates compensatory leave rather than moving the holiday’s calendar date.
Traditions of Boxing Day
Second-day visits
Families see relatives and friends who were not part of Christmas Day gatherings. Families often divide their social commitments between December 25 and 26.
Seasonal leisure
Walks, ice rinks and winter activities offer a relaxed contrast to formal meals. Venues that open use their own holiday hours and staffing arrangements.
Leftovers and hospitality
Homes share a simpler meal while continuing the festive season together. The informal meal extends Christmas without duplicating the previous day’s ceremony.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Luxembourg labour and public-holiday guidance. Bank-sector observances and employer arrangements can differ from statutory national public holidays.
History sources: Luxembourg Labour Inspectorate: statutory public holidays, Guichet.lu: working on public holidays.
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