Boxing Day 2025 Countdown
Boxing Day falls on December 26th each year, the day after Christmas. It originated as a holiday to give gifts to the less fortunate, but has evolved into one of the biggest shopping days of the year in many countries, particularly in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Our countdown keeps track of exactly how long until the Boxing Day sales begin!
Boxing Day 2025 is on Friday, December 26, 2025. Check what day of the week other dates will fall on to plan your holiday shopping.
Boxing Day sales often start at different times in different countries and stores. Use our time zone converter to check when sales begin in your location.
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, occurring on December 26th. It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. The name comes from the tradition of giving “Christmas boxes” to tradespeople, servants, and the poor.
Boxing Day Traditions
Boxing Day traditions vary by country but commonly include:
- Family Gatherings: Extended celebrations with family and friends
- Sporting Events: Football (soccer) matches, horse racing, and rugby
- Charity Work: Continuing the original tradition of giving to those in need
- Outdoor Activities: Walking, hiking, and other recreational activities
The History of Boxing Day
Boxing Day has become one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the Boxing Day 2025 sales:
Electronics
- TVs and home theaters
- Laptops and computers
- Smartphones and tablets
- Gaming consoles
- Smart home devices
Home & Kitchen
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Bedding and linens
- Kitchen gadgets
- Decor items
Fashion & Apparel
- Designer clothing
- Shoes and accessories
- Jewelry and watches
- Winter wear
- Athletic apparel
Travel Deals
- Flights and vacation packages
- Hotel bookings
- Cruise deals
- Car rentals
- Experience packages
Top Boxing Day Shopping Tips
- Research in advance: Check for early deals and create a wishlist
- Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend before the sales begin
- Shop online early: Many retailers start their online sales on Christmas Day
- Use price comparison tools: Compare prices across different retailers
- Check return policies: Some stores have special return policies for sale items
- Sign up for newsletters: Get advance notice of deals from your favorite retailers
- Use cashback and reward programs: Maximize your savings with available programs
- Consider waiting for further reductions: Prices may drop further after Boxing Day
The History of Boxing Day
The exact origins of Boxing Day are unclear, but it has evolved significantly over the centuries. Here’s a timeline of its development:
The tradition may have begun in the Middle Ages when churches would open their alms boxes (collection boxes) the day after Christmas and distribute the contents to the poor.
The practice of giving boxes of gifts to employees and service workers became common. These were often called “Christmas boxes” and contained money or small gifts.
Boxing Day was officially declared a bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Boxing Day traditions expanded throughout the British Empire to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries.
Boxing Day began to transform into a major shopping holiday with retailers offering significant discounts to attract post-Christmas shoppers.
Boxing Day sales have expanded to online shopping, with many retailers now starting their sales on Christmas Day or even earlier.
Boxing Day in Great Britain and Commonwealth Countries
Boxing Day is primarily celebrated in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It has a rich tradition that varies across these regions:
- Great Britain: Boxing Day is a bank holiday with traditions including fox hunting (though actual hunting with dogs is now banned), horse racing, and football matches. The Boxing Day sales are a major shopping event across the UK.
- Australia: Boxing Day is famous for the start of the Boxing Day Test cricket match in Melbourne and the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Shopping sales are also extremely popular.
- Canada: Boxing Day is a statutory holiday in most provinces and has become the biggest shopping day of the year, similar to Black Friday in the United States.
- New Zealand: Boxing Day is a public holiday and traditionally a day for relaxation, beach visits, and family gatherings, along with taking advantage of sales.
In these countries, Boxing Day is typically observed as a public holiday, giving people time to continue Christmas celebrations, visit extended family, or take advantage of the major sales events.
Useful Links
- Time Zone Converter – Convert times between different regions
- Day of Week Calculator – Plan your Boxing Day activities
Make the Most of Boxing Day
Whether you’re planning to spend time with family, attend sporting events, or give back to your community, Boxing Day offers many opportunities. Here are some ideas to make the most of Boxing Day:
- Plan a post-Christmas meal using leftovers from Christmas dinner
- Organize a community event to help those in need
- Create a Boxing Day tradition with friends and family
- Attend local sporting events or watch them from home
- Get outdoors for a Boxing Day walk or hike