Public holiday
Boxing Day 2027 in Australia
Boxing Day on 26 December is a national public holiday, often extending the Christmas break.
Boxing Day 2027 by state
Boxing Day dates in 2027
Boxing Day
Sunday
Boxing Day
Tuesday
Boxing Day (additional public holiday)
Tuesday
History
Boxing Day on 26 December originated as a day when servants and tradespeople would receive gifts from their employers. In Australia, it has evolved into the biggest shopping day of the year, with major sales across retail and online.
How Australians celebrate
The Boxing Day sales are an institution in Australian retail, with shoppers queuing before dawn at major department stores. It's also the start of the Boxing Day Test cricket match at the MCG in Melbourne, drawing crowds of over 70,000 and watched by millions on television.
Boxing Day in other years
Frequently asked questions
Boxing Day 2027 spans Sunday 26 December to Tuesday 28 December 2027. See the full dates table above for each individual day.
Yes, Boxing Day is a national public holiday observed in all Australian states and territories.
Boxing Day is a gazetted public holiday in all states. Most workers are entitled to a day off with pay. If you work on the day, penalty rates typically apply as per your award or enterprise agreement.