When is this holiday in 2026?

In 2026, January 2nd falls on Friday, January 2, 2026. There are 0 days remaining until this date. While it follows the major New Year celebrations, it is important to note that for the majority of the United Kingdom, this is a standard calendar day rather than a nationwide bank holiday.

Is January 2nd a public holiday in the United Kingdom?

No, January 2nd is not a public holiday across most of the United Kingdom. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it is a regular working day where businesses, banks, and schools operate normally. While Scotland traditionally observes January 2nd as a bank holiday to recover from Hogmanay festivities, this only typically applies when New Year's Day falls midweek; otherwise, standard operations generally resume across the country.

What is the historical significance of January 2nd in the UK?

January 2nd holds very little unique historical or cultural significance in the UK beyond being the second day of the year. The British calendar underwent its most significant change in 1752 when the Gregorian calendar was adopted, officially moving the start of the New Year to January 1st. Since then, January 2nd has primarily served as a transition day back to normality following the mid-winter festivities.

How do people in the UK typically spend January 2nd?

For most people in the UK, January 2nd is a day of recovery and return to routine. Many people head back to work or spend the day taking down Christmas decorations and focusing on New Year's resolutions. In Scotland, some may continue the tradition of 'First Footing'—visiting friends and neighbours to bring good luck for the coming year—though these celebrations are most intense on December 31st and January 1st.

Are shops and tourist attractions open on January 2nd?

Yes, almost all shops, supermarkets, and major tourist attractions are open on January 2nd. After the closures on New Year's Day, high street retailers often resume their winter sales, and museums like the Tower of London or the British Museum return to their standard opening hours. It is an excellent day for sightseeing as the massive crowds from the London New Year’s Day Parade have usually dispersed.

What are the travel and transport conditions on this day?

Public transport typically returns to a standard weekday timetable on January 2nd. Unlike New Year's Day, which sees reduced holiday schedules, trains, buses, and London Underground services run frequently to accommodate commuters returning to work. Major airports like Heathrow and Gatwick operate at full capacity. However, if you are travelling to or from Scotland, it is still wise to book in advance as regional variations in holiday schedules may still affect local services.

Does the Royal Family have any specific traditions for early January?

The Royal Family usually spends the New Year period at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Following their attendance at the New Year's Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, they often engage in traditional outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding or pheasant shooting. January 2nd is typically a private time for the family to enjoy the estate before returning to their official duties in London.

What should visitors expect regarding weather and clothing?

Visitors should prepare for typical British winter weather, which is often cold, damp, and windy. Temperatures generally range between 0°C and 8°C. It is recommended to wear warm layers, a waterproof coat, and sturdy shoes. There are no specific dress codes or traditional foods associated with January 2nd, so enjoying a classic pub lunch or fish and chips in a heated establishment is a popular way to stay warm while exploring.

2nd January is Today! • Jan 2, 2026

Name: 2nd January 2026 - United Kingdom
Start: 2026-01-02
End: 2026-01-02
Location: United Kingdom

2nd January in the United Kingdom: A Day of Transition and Recovery

While the first day of the year is globally recognised as a time for grand celebrations and fireworks, the 2nd of January in the United Kingdom occupies a unique, somewhat quieter space in the national psyche. It is a day of transition—a bridge between the exuberant festivities of New Year’s Eve and the inevitable return to the routines of daily life. For some, it is the first official working day of the year; for others, particularly in Scotland, it remains a sanctioned extension of the holiday spirit.

In the English, Welsh, and Northern Irish context, the 2nd of January represents the "great awakening." After the revelry of Hogmanay or New Year's Eve parties and the subsequent recovery day on the 1st, the 2nd is when the gears of the nation begin to grind back into motion. It is a day characterised by the "back-to-work" feeling, even if many people choose to extend their leave into the following week. The atmosphere is often one of quiet reflection, as New Year’s resolutions are put to their first real-world tests and the reality of the winter months sets in.

However, the essence of the 2nd of January is not merely about the end of a party. It is deeply rooted in the British winter experience. It is a day for brisk walks in the countryside to blow away the cobwebs of December’s overindulgence, for hitting the "January Sales" in high street hubs like London’s Oxford Street or Manchester’s Trafford Centre, and for finishing the last of the Christmas leftovers. It serves as a functional buffer, allowing the population to ease out of the "festive bubble" before the full weight of the January schedule descends.

When is it in 2026?

In the year 2026, the 2nd of January takes on a specific logistical significance due to its position in the calendar week.

Day of the Week: Friday Date: January 2, 2026 Countdown: There are 0 days remaining until this date.

The date of the 2nd of January is, of course, fixed according to the Gregorian calendar. Unlike "bank holiday Mondays" which can shift to ensure a long weekend, the 2nd of January is always the 2nd of January. However, its status as a "public holiday" or a "bank holiday" varies significantly depending on which part of the United Kingdom you are in and which day of the week it falls upon. In 2026, falling on a Friday, it serves as a standard workday for the vast majority of the UK population outside of Scotland.

History and Origins

To understand why the 2nd of January is treated differently across the UK, one must look at the divergent histories of the constituent nations. The UK officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1752, which moved New Year’s Day from March 25th (Lady Day) to January 1st. While this standardised the date, it did not standardise the celebrations.

The Scottish Distinction
In Scotland, the 2nd of January has a historical weight that it lacks in England. For centuries, Christmas was essentially "cancelled" in Scotland. Following the Protestant Reformation, the Church of Scotland discouraged Christmas celebrations, viewing them as too "Popish" or Catholic. This ban lasted in various forms for nearly 400 years, only becoming a public holiday in Scotland in 1958.
Because Christmas was suppressed, the Scottish people poured all their festive energy into Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Because the celebrations were so intense and often involved significant consumption of whisky, a single day of recovery (January 1st) was deemed insufficient. Consequently, the 2nd of January became an additional public holiday in Scotland to allow for "recovery and further visiting." This tradition persists today, making Scotland one of the few places in the world that treats the 2nd of January with the same legal reverence as the 1st.

The English and Welsh Context
In England and Wales, the 2nd of January has never held official holiday status. Historically, the English focused more heavily on the "Twelve Days of Christmas," ending on Epiphany (January 6th). As the industrial revolution reshaped the working week, the 2nd of January simply became the day the factories and counting houses reopened. There is no specific folklore or religious event tied to this date in the Anglican or Catholic traditions within the UK, other than it being the day after the Octave of Christmas.
How People Celebrate

The "celebration" of the 2nd of January is often an informal affair, dictated more by personal energy levels and geography than by national decree.

The Great Return to Work
For millions in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the 2nd of January 2026 is the "First Day Back." Offices in London, Birmingham, and Leeds see a return of the morning commute, albeit often a quieter version than usual as many people take the Friday off to create a four-day weekend. There is a specific social ritual in British offices on this day: the "How was your Christmas?" conversation. It is a day of catching up, clearing out overflowing inboxes, and planning the year ahead.
Retail Therapy and the Sales
A significant portion of the population spends the 2nd of January in pursuit of bargains. The "January Sales" are a British institution. While many sales now start on Boxing Day (December 26th), the 2nd of January is often when further markdowns occur. Major retailers like John Lewis, Selfridges, and Harrods see significant footfall. For many, this is the day to spend gift vouchers or return ill-fitting Christmas presents.
Outdoor Activities
If the weather permits—which is a gamble in the British winter—the 2nd of January is a popular day for "New Year Walks." National Trust properties and National Parks like the Lake District, the Peak District, and the Cotswolds see visitors taking to the trails. It is a way of physically enacting New Year’s resolutions regarding health and fitness.
The Royal Family at Sandringham
The British Royal Family typically spends the New Year period at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. While the public focus is on their appearance at St. Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the 2nd of January is usually a private day for the family. Historically, this has involved outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding or pheasant shooting. In 2026, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to continue this tradition, hosting family members for a final quiet gathering before returning to London for official duties.
Traditions and Customs

While the 2nd of January lacks the "Auld Lang Syne" singing of the 31st, there are lingering customs that spill over into this day.

First Footing (Scotland)
In Scotland, the tradition of "First Footing" can extend into the 2nd of January. The custom dictates that the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight on New Year’s Eve brings luck for the coming year. Ideally, this should be a tall, dark-haired male carrying gifts such as coal, shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a rich fruit cake). While the peak of this activity is the early hours of the 1st, social visits between neighbors and kin often continue throughout the 2nd.
New Year’s Resolutions
The 2nd of January is arguably the most important day for the British tradition of the "New Year Resolution." While the 1st is a day of indulgence and rest, the 2nd is when the gym memberships are actually used, the "Dry January" (abstaining from alcohol) truly begins, and the "Veganuary" (eating a vegan diet for the month) is put into practice. The 2nd is the day of "intent turned into action."
Seasonal Food
There is no specific dish for the 2nd of January, but it is the "National Day of the Leftover." The remains of the New Year's Day roast—often beef or turkey—are transformed into stews, sandwiches, or "bubble and squeak" (fried mashed potatoes and cabbage). In Scotland, steak pie is the traditional meal for New Year’s, and any remaining pie is almost certainly consumed on the 2nd.
Practical Information for Visitors or Expats

If you are visiting the UK or have recently moved here, the 2nd of January 2026 requires some logistical foresight.

Transport
Public Transport: In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, public transport (National Rail, London Underground, and local buses) typically returns to a standard weekday timetable on Friday, January 2nd. However, it is essential to check for planned engineering works, which are common during the holiday period. In Scotland: Expect a "Sunday" or "Reduced Holiday" service on most transport networks, as it remains a bank holiday there. Airports: Major hubs like Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester operate at full capacity, but traffic to and from the airports may be heavy as people return from overseas holidays.

Weather

January in the UK is notoriously fickle. You should expect "typical" winter conditions: temperatures ranging from 0°C to 8°C (32°F to 46°F). It is frequently wet and windy. If you are in the North of England or Scotland, snow is a possibility, though rain is more likely. The "big coat" is an essential piece of equipment for anyone venturing out.

Sightseeing

Most major tourist attractions, such as the Tower of London, the British Museum, and Edinburgh Castle, will be open on the 2nd of January. In fact, it is often an excellent day for sightseeing as the massive crowds of the New Year’s Day Parade (in London) have dispersed. However, always check the official website of the attraction, as some smaller or independent museums may take an extended break.

Clothing

There is no specific dress code for the 2nd of January. Most people will be in casual winter wear—layers, waterproof jackets, and sturdy boots. If you are returning to an office, the dress code is standard business or business-casual.

Is it a Public Holiday?

This is the most common point of confusion for those unfamiliar with the UK's regional differences.

England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

No. In 2026, the 2nd of January is not a bank holiday or public holiday in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Offices: Generally open. Banks: Open. Schools: Most schools are still on their Christmas break (usually returning the following Monday), but this varies by local authority. Shops: Fully open, often with extended hours for sales.

Scotland

Yes. The 2nd of January is a statutory Bank Holiday in Scotland. Offices: Most Scottish businesses and government offices will be closed. Banks: Closed. Shops: Many shops in major cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh remain open to take advantage of the sales, but smaller local shops may close. Schools: Closed.

Summary of Closures

If you are in London, you can expect a "business as usual" environment. If you are in Edinburgh, you should expect a "holiday" environment where many professional services are unavailable.

The 2nd of January 2026 serves as a fascinating microcosm of British life—a blend of Scottish tradition, English pragmatism, and a collective, nationwide effort to shake off the winter chill and begin the new year in earnest. Whether you are commuting to an office in the City of London or enjoying a quiet "second day" in the Highlands, it is a date that marks the true beginning of the year's journey.

Year	Day of Week	Date
2025	Thursday	January 2, 2025
2024	Tuesday	January 2, 2024
2020	Thursday	January 2, 2020
2019	Wednesday	January 2, 2019
2018	Tuesday	January 2, 2018
2015	Friday	January 2, 2015
2014	Thursday	January 2, 2014
2013	Wednesday	January 2, 2013

Happy 2nd January!

Holiday Details

About 2nd January

2nd January in the United Kingdom: A Day of Transition and Recovery

When is it in 2026?

History and Origins

The Scottish Distinction

The English and Welsh Context

How People Celebrate

The Great Return to Work

Retail Therapy and the Sales

Outdoor Activities

The Royal Family at Sandringham

Traditions and Customs

First Footing (Scotland)

New Year’s Resolutions

Seasonal Food

Practical Information for Visitors or Expats

Transport