It feels as though Christmas comes around quicker each year – and this year is no different. With mere weeks to go until the festive holiday, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the most of the break – and which days to take off work. While some workplaces may be generous and give their employees the entire Christmas to New Year period off work, others may only observe the statutory bank holidays.
Understanding the Christmas bank holidays is crucial for planning your time off effectively. This article will provide insights into the key dates you need to know for 2022 and 2023, as well as tips on how to maximize your annual leave during this festive season. Whether you are looking to enjoy a long break with family or simply need to plan your time wisely, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s what you need to know about Christmas bank holidays and what dates to book off as annual leave to ensure you make the most of your break.
When are the Christmas Bank Holidays for 2022?
Each year, there are three bank holidays around the Christmas period: Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), and New Year’s Day (1 January). However, in 2022, since Christmas Day falls on a Sunday and Boxing Day on a Monday, the Christmas Day bank holiday will be observed on Tuesday, 27 December. This means you will have Saturday, 24 December to Tuesday, 27 December off from work.
New Year’s Day also falls on a Sunday in 2022, which means the bank holiday will be recognized on Monday, 2 January. In Scotland, where 2 January is also a public holiday, the New Year’s Day bank holiday will be observed on Tuesday, 3 January. This scheduling offers a great opportunity to extend your holiday with just a few days of annual leave!
What Dates Should I Book Annual Leave for Over Christmas if I Want a Week Off?
If you want the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day off, you should book annual leave for Wednesday, 28 December, Thursday, 29 December, and Friday, 30 December. By doing so, you can enjoy a continuous break from Saturday, 24 December to Sunday, 1 January.
To extend your holiday, consider booking an additional four days off the following week. This way, you can potentially enjoy two weeks off while using only seven days of annual leave. It’s a smart move to maximize your time off during the holiday season!
When are the Bank Holidays for 2023?
There will be eight bank holidays in England in 2023, which include:
- New Year’s Day: Sunday, 1 January (recognized on Monday, 2 January)
- Good Friday: Friday, 7 April
- Easter Monday: Monday, 10 April
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 1 May
- King’s Coronation Bank Holiday: Monday, 6 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 29 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 28 August
- Christmas Day: Monday, 25 December
- Boxing Day: Tuesday, 26 December
Understanding these dates is important for planning your time off wisely. Knowing when you can leverage your annual leave can lead to a more relaxing and enjoyable holiday season!
What You Will Learn
- Key dates for Christmas bank holidays in 2022 and 2023.
- How to maximize your annual leave during the festive season.
- Specific days to book off for an extended holiday break.
- Insight into bank holidays in Scotland for the upcoming year.
