While many people are still recovering from Christmas dinner, millions around the world wake up on December 26 ready for another celebration: St. Stephen’s Day. Depending on where you live, you might know it as Boxing Day, Wren Day, or simply the Second Day of Christmas.
This public holiday holds deep cultural significance in countries like Ireland, the UK, and many nations across Europe. Whether you are planning to travel home, send money to loved ones, or just want to understand the traditions better, this guide covers everything you need to know about celebrating St. Stephen’s Day in 2025.
When is St. Stephen’s Day 2025?
St. Stephen’s Day always falls on December 26, the day immediately following Christmas Day. In 2025, this date lands on a Friday.
Because it falls on a Friday this year, many businesses and government offices in countries that observe the holiday will be closed, creating a long holiday weekend for workers and families.
Who Was St. Stephen?
The day is named after Saint Stephen, who is recognized in Christian theology as the first Christian martyr. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Stephen was a deacon in the early church who was known for his service to the poor and his powerful preaching.
He was stoned to death for his beliefs around 34 AD. Because of his dedication to serving those in need, he is often associated with acts of charity. This connection to charity is one reason why the day is linked to “boxing up” gifts for the poor in the UK tradition of Boxing Day.
How is St. Stephen’s Day Celebrated Around the World?
While the date remains the same, the traditions vary significantly depending on where you are. Here is a look at how different cultures observe the day.
Ireland: The Wren Boys and Horse Racing
In Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day is a major national holiday. One of the oldest traditions is the “Wren Boys” procession. Historically, groups of people would dress in straw suits and masks, marching through towns singing songs and carrying a pole with a holly bush (formerly with a wren bird, though now a fake bird is used). They would ask for money to be donated to charity or for a community celebration.
Today, many Irish families also spend the day at the horse races or attending local sporting matches. It is a day for visiting family members you missed on Christmas Day and enjoying leftovers.
United Kingdom and Commonwealth: Boxing Day
In the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, December 26 is primarily known as Boxing Day. While it shares the date with St. Stephen’s Feast, the focus is slightly different. Historically, this was the day when tradespeople and servants received “Christmas boxes” containing money or gifts from their employers as thanks for their service throughout the year.
In 2025, you can expect Boxing Day to be a massive shopping event, similar to Black Friday in the US, with significant sales in retail stores.
Central and Eastern Europe
In countries like Austria, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, Stefanitag or Drugi Dzień Świąt (Second Day of Christmas) is a time for visiting extended family and friends. It is less about commercial shopping and more about continuing the peaceful celebration of Christmas. Many people attend a special church service to honor St. Stephen.
Catalonia (Spain)
In the Catalonia region of Spain, Sant Esteve is a distinct public holiday. It is traditional to eat cannelloni (canelons) on this day. The pasta is usually stuffed with the leftover meat from the Christmas Day feast, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Is St. Stephen’s Day a Public Holiday?
It depends on the country.
- Public Holiday: Ireland, United Kingdom (as Boxing Day), Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and Catalonia (Spain).
- Not a Public Holiday: United States (though some employers may treat it as a holiday), France (except in the Alsace-Moselle region), and most of Asia and South America.
Since St. Stephen’s Day 2025 falls on a Friday, banks and government services in participating countries will likely be closed. If you need to send money internationally on this day, using a digital service is often faster than relying on traditional banking hours.
St. Stephen’s Day 2025 FAQ
Is St. Stephen’s Day the same as Boxing Day?
They fall on the same day (December 26) but have different origins. St. Stephen’s Day is a religious feast day honoring the first Christian martyr. Boxing Day is a secular holiday originating in the UK focused on giving gifts to service workers.
What do people eat on St. Stephen’s Day?
Food varies by region. In Ireland and the UK, it is common to eat leftovers from Christmas dinner, such as turkey sandwiches, ham, or bubble and squeak (fried leftover vegetables). In Catalonia, the traditional dish is cannelloni.
Are banks open on St. Stephen’s Day 2025?
In countries where it is a public holiday (like Ireland and the UK), banks will be closed on Friday, December 26, 2025. Digital money transfer apps generally remain operational 24/7, allowing you to send funds even when physical branches are closed.
Why is it called Wren Day in Ireland?
It comes from an old legend where a wren betrayed St. Stephen to his enemies. The tradition of “hunting the wren” evolved into the modern procession of musicians and dancers collecting money for charity.
Making the Most of the Holiday Season
Whether you are attending a horse race in Dublin, shopping for sales in London, or enjoying a quiet meal of leftovers with family in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Day is about extending the joy of the season.
For those living abroad, holidays can sometimes feel lonely. Sending a gift or transfer to family back home is a simple way to bridge the distance. We believe staying connected to your roots and traditions is important, no matter where you are in the world.