There are 8 Wales Public Holidays observed each year, aligning with England’s official bank holidays. These recognised dates mark key religious, historical, and seasonal events, giving employees valuable time off. Knowing the confirmed schedule helps with planning annual leave, business operations, and travel arrangements.
Understanding these Wales public holidays helps you maximize your time off work and plan family holiday activities. This page provides the full list of official dates, explains their meaning, and clarifies how substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends. Some dates, such as Easter, change each year.
Wales Public Holidays 2026
Total Holidays in 2026: 8
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 25 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 31 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
Wales Public Holidays 2027
Total Holidays in 2027: 8
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Friday | New Year’s Day |
| 26 March | Friday | Good Friday |
| 29 March | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 3 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 31 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 30 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 27 December | Monday | Christmas Day (substitute day) |
| 28 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day (substitute day) |
Wales Public Holidays 2028
Total Holidays in 2028: 8
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 January | Monday | New Year’s Day (substitute day) |
| 14 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 17 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 29 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 28 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
Understanding Substitute Days
Ever noticed how some holidays appear on different dates? Here’s why. If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday becomes the official substitute day. This weekend rule ensures everyone gets their entitled public holidays.
For example, if Christmas Day lands on a Saturday, the following Monday becomes the Christmas Day substitute day. Same goes for Boxing Day substitute day and New Year’s Day substitute day arrangements.
Key Holiday Dates Explained
Good Friday & Easter Monday
These move each year based on the lunar calendar but always bring a long weekend in spring.
Early May Bank Holiday
Always the first Monday in May—perfect for enjoying spring’s arrival.
Spring Bank Holiday
Falls on the last Monday of May, marking the start of summer.
Summer Bank Holiday
The last Monday in August gives families one final summer break before school returns.
Christmas & New Year
Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day remain fixed dates unless the weekend rule applies.
Planning Ahead: School Holidays & Term Dates
Parents, here’s your heads-up. Wales public holidays often align with school holidays Wales, making them ideal for family time. The early May bank holiday typically falls during spring term, while summer bank holiday sits conveniently before autumn term starts.
Check local council websites for exact term dates, as they vary across counties. Planning around these statutory holidays helps avoid last-minute childcare scrambles.
Explore Other Public Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- England Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
Remember to bookmark this page and check Government UK for any late changes. Here’s to making the most of every bank holiday Wales offers!
Looking for holidays in other regions? Check our guides for England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
FAQs
How many public holidays does Wales have?
Wales has 8 public holidays each year, though substitute days can affect which dates you actually get off.
Is St David’s Day a bank holiday in Wales?
No, St David’s Day (1 March) is not currently an official bank holiday in Wales, despite campaigns for its recognition.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
A substitute weekday, usually the following Monday, becomes the official bank holiday instead.
Are bank holidays the same across all UK countries?
No, Scotland has different holidays, while England, Wales, and Northern Ireland share most but not all dates.
Do schools close on all bank holidays in Wales?
Yes, all UK school holidays include these bank holidays, though schools may also close for teacher training days.
What’s the difference between a bank holiday and a public holiday?
They’re essentially the same in Wales—days when most businesses close and employees get time off work.
Will I get paid extra for working on a bank holiday?
This depends on your employment contract. There’s no automatic legal right to extra pay, though many employers offer enhanced rates.
Are substitute days guaranteed every time?
Yes, the government always announces substitute dates when bank holidays fall on weekends, usually years in advance.
Where can I find confirmed future bank holiday dates?
The Government UK website publishes confirmed dates, usually 2-3 years ahead.
Useful Resources
- Government UK – Official bank holiday legislation and confirmations
- Visit Wales – Tourism information for holiday planning
- Local council websites – Specific school term dates by region