
What do they do on Boxing Day in Australia?
Celebrates Australia’s public holiday following the chaos of Christmas with these few rituals!
- Boxing Day Test. One of the most well-known traditions of Australia’s Boxing Day is the Boxing Day Test, where a whopping 100,000 cricket fans head to Melbourne Cricket Ground, more ...
- Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. ...
- Shopping Frenzy. ...
- BBQ Galore. ...
What is Boxing Day and how is it celebrated?
Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire.
What time do Boxing Day sales start?
Boxing Day sales usually start at midnight on December 25. But following trends set by Black Friday this year, we’re expecting to see lots of UK retailers start their sales early. Retailers like Currys and PrettyLittleThing offered huge deals in November in the run-up to Black Friday and we expect a similar thing for Boxing Day sales.
What happens on Boxing Day?
Traditionally, Boxing Day is the day when families get together. It is a day of watching sports and playing board games with the family. Many families will go on walks in the countryside together on Boxing day. In recent times, some shops have broken from tradition and started opening on Boxing Day to start the New Year sales.

Is Boxing Day an Australian holiday?
Our National Public Holidays are New Year's Day, Australia Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
What is Boxing Day called in Australia?
In Australia, Boxing Day is a public holiday in all jurisdictions except the state of South Australia, where a public holiday known as Proclamation Day is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas Day or the Christmas Day holiday.
How does Australia celebrate Boxing Day?
Australia. Australia is another country that has sports-centered Boxing Day traditions. On the day after Christmas, Australians can either watch the Boxing Day Test match between Australia''s cricket team and another national cricket team, or they can cheer on sailors competing in the Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race.
Is the UK the only country to celebrate Boxing Day?
What is Boxing Day? It's a national holiday which is specifically celebrated in the UK and other commonwealth countries including, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Those who celebrate the day, class it as a public holiday.
Do Americans have Boxing Day?
People around the world celebrate Boxing Day on December 26. Although Americans don't recognize Boxing Day as a holiday, people in many other parts of the world, including Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, and Australia, look forward to the day after Christmas each year.
What countries celebrate Boxing Day?
Britain, Australia, BritainNew Zealand, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries observe the day after Christmas as a secular national holiday, Boxing Day. Here's a brief look at what the day is all about and how people across these nations celebrate it.
Why is it called Boxing Day UK?
The name comes from a time when the rich used to box up gifts to give to the poor. Boxing Day was traditionally a day off for servants - a day when they received a special Christmas box from their masters. The servants would also go home on Boxing Day to give Christmas boxes to their families.
Who is Australia Boxing Day 2022?
South AfricaAustralia are scheduled to face England in a One-Day International at the MCG on November 22nd before the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.
Why is Dec 26 called Boxing Day?
BBC explains that Boxing Day got its name when Queen Victoria held the throne in the 1800s, and is borne out of the tradition of wealthy families boxing up gifts to give to the poor.
What is Boxing Day called in USA?
The second day of Christmas is known as Boxing Day or St. Stephens Day. St Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
Why does the US not celebrate Boxing Day?
There is no definitive reason why Americans do not celebrate Boxing Day, but there is also no reason why they would have adopted it. The American government did not see the need to adopt a public holiday from its former motherland nearly 100 years after becoming independent from them.
Does the whole world have Boxing Day?
Boxing Day, which always falls on December 26, is observed as an official public holiday in the UK and many European countries, as well as in former British colonies such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, among others.
Why is it called Boxing Day in Australia?
Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, holiday (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. By the 21st century it had become a day associated with shopping and sporting events.
Who is Australia Boxing Day 2022?
South AfricaAustralia are scheduled to face England in a One-Day International at the MCG on November 22nd before the Boxing Day Test against South Africa.
What is Anzac Day Australia?
25 April is the national day of commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and for recognition of the role of their armed forces. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
What happened on 26th January Australia?
January 26 1788 is the day Sir Arthur Phillip raised the British flag at Warrane (Sydney Cove) to claim the land as a British Colony. This day marks the beginning of a long and brutal colonisation of people and land.
Why is Boxing Day celebrated?
It was traditionally a day for employers in England to give bonuses of money, leftover food or old clothing to their employees, or for lords to give agricultural tools and seeds for the coming year to their tenants. These gifts were presented in a box. Some people believe that this is the reason that December 26 is known as Boxing Day. Others think that the origin of the name is related to the box into which parishioners put church donations. In some areas, this box was opened on Boxing Day and the contents were distributed to the poor people of the parish.
Why is December 26th called Boxing Day?
Others think that the origin of the name is related to the box into which parishioners put church donations. In some areas, this box was opened on Boxing Day and the contents were distributed to the poor people of the parish.
How long does it take for a yacht to reach Hobart?
Traditionally, it took about six days for the yachts to reach Hobart, but now the fastest yacht usually reaches the finish in less than two days. The media interest in these prominent sports mean television programs are dominated by sporting events on Boxing Day.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday?
Boxing Day is a public holiday. Schools, other educational establishments and many organizations are closed . In some states, all stores are allowed to open. In others only certain types of stores are open. Many shops are open in tourist areas. Most public transport systems operate a reduced service.
Is Boxing Day a holiday in Australia?
Boxing Day in Australia. Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas Day, is a public holiday in Australia.
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, holiday (December 26) on which servants, tradespeople, and the poor traditionally were presented with gifts. By the 21st century it had become a day associated with shopping and sporting events.
What countries are Boxing Day in?
Boxing Day, in Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries, particularly Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, ...
What is the official holiday of December 26?
When December 26 comes on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the official public holiday. December 26 is also the feast day of St. Stephen ( St. Stephen’s Day ), the patron saint of horses, and Boxing Day has come to be a day of sporting events, including horse races, foxhunting, and rugby.
Is December 26 a public holiday?
When December 26 comes on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is designated as the official public holiday. December 26 is also the feast day of St. Stephen ( St. Stephen’s Day ), the patron saint of horses, and Boxing Day has come to be a day of sporting events, including horse races, foxhunting, and rugby. Traditional foxhunting was modified in 2005 after the enactment of legislation in England and Wales that largely banned the use of hounds in hunts. The holiday was not perpetuated by the English in the American colonies.
What is Boxing Day in New Zealand?
In East Donegal and Inishowen, the day is also popularly known as Boxing Day. In New Zealand, Boxing Day is a statutory holiday. On these holidays, people who must work receive 1 1/2 times their salaries and a day in lieu is provided to employees who work.
What is the meaning of the word "boxing day"?
For the genus of shrubs, see Sarcococca. For other uses, see Boxing Day (disambiguation). Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide. Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday.
Why is Boxing Day celebrated in Massachusetts?
Weld declared every 26 December is Boxing Day, in response to the efforts of a coalition of British citizens to "transport the English tradition to the United States", but not an employee holiday.
Why do people collect Christmas boxes?
In Britain, it was a custom for tradesmen to collect "Christmas boxes" of money or presents on the first weekday after Christmas as thanks for good service throughout the year. This is mentioned in Samuel Pepys ' diary entry for 19 December 1663. This custom is linked to an older British tradition where the servants of the wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families since they would have had to serve their masters on Christmas Day. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses, and sometimes leftover food. Until the late 20th century there continued to be a tradition among many in the UK to give a Christmas gift, usually cash, to vendors, although not on Boxing Day as many would not work on that day.
Which countries play Boxing Day cricket?
In Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Test cricket matches are played on Boxing Day. For more details see Boxing Day Test. In Australia, the first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race are on Boxing Day.
Which football leagues have Boxing Day?
In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for all top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, and the NIFL Premiership – and the lower ones, as well as the rugby leagues, to hold a full programme of football matches on Boxing Day.
Where did Boxing Day originate?
It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. Boxing Day is on 26 December, although the attached bank holiday or public holiday may take place either on that day or one or two days later (if necessary to ensure it falls on a weekday).
Why is Boxing Day celebrated in Australia?
Boxing Day is a tradition in Australia due to our English heritage. However over the years Australia has made some rather *unique* traditions of our own to do with Boxing Day.
When is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is the 26th December and is a national holiday in the UK and Ireland.
What is a Christmas box?
A ‘Christmas Box’ in Britain is a name for a Christmas present.
What is the largest cricket ground in Australia?
MCG is the largest ground in Australia. To accommodate all the people looking to witness a good game of cricket, you need space! That's the only reason I can think of.
What would happen if a sailing ship had a sealed box?
Great sailing ships when setting sail would have a sealed box containing money on board for good luck.If the voyage were a success the box was given to a priest, opened at Christmas and the contents given to the poor.
Where was the box to collect money for the poor placed on Christmas Day?
A box to collect money for the poor was placed in Churches on Christmas day then opened the next day.
Is Boxing Day a public holiday?
Yes it is still a public holiday. People celebrate Boxing Day still. It is no longer a day for the servants to have off because it is rare to have servants these days. Traditionally the servants had the day off (hence we eat “cold cuts” on Boxing Day - no cooking!) and received their “Christmas Box” - a small bonus from their employer.
How much money do Australians spend on Boxing Day?
Australians spend up to $2.4 million at Boxing Day sales. (Getty) In Australia, Boxing Day is a federal public holiday and some mad cash is spent during ‘Boxing Day Sales’ by those who have money left after the annual Christmas splurge.
Why is Boxing Day called Boxing Day?
One theory is that the name derived from Britain in the 1830s and signifies the first week day after Christmas, the first possible date postal services can resume including the arrival of packages in boxes. Alternatively, the name could refer to charity collections ...
What movies opened on Boxing Day 1984?
Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman 1984. (Supplied) Boxing Day is also a huge day at the box office in Australia, with big ticket movies opening on December 26. This year movies opening on boxing day include Wonder Woman 1984, Nomadland, How to Be a Good Wife and The Croods: A New Age.
What is the name of the holiday in Australia?
Escape will cancel and close the window. End of dialog window. Boxing Day is a public holiday in Australia, falling on December 26, the day after Christmas. It originated in the UK and is celebrated around the world. There are a few theories as to why it is called ‘Boxing Day ’. One theory is that the name derived from Britain in ...
Why was the Sydney to Hobart yacht race cancelled?
This year the event was cancelled for the first time in 76 years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
How long is Boxing Day?
Test matches can last for up to five days.
Where is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race?
The Sydney to Hobart yacht race happens each Boxing Day. (Getty) The Sydney to Hobart yacht race also takes place on Boxing Day in Australia, covering a distance of 630 nautical miles between Sydney Harbour and Hobart in Tasmania.
What is Boxing Day and how did it get its name?
Naturally, there's more than one theory about how the day came to be – three to be exact. The first, suggests that the day was coined back in Britain during the 1830s; signifying the first weekday after Christmas that postal services could resume including the arrival of packages in boxes.
Why do people shop on Boxing Day?
No one actually knows how Boxing Day became a day of shopping, but it's no secret that it's one of the biggest sales days of the year. Of course, the tradition originated as an in-store event, but thanks to the internet, we can now fill our carts from the comfort of our own home.
What is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is the fabulous next day after Christmas Day and in Australia it is enjoyed as a day of rest, activities and sales. After the feast of Christmas, Boxing Day has a feast of activities like test cricket in Melbourne and Yacht racing in Sydney.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day Sale suggestions over the End of Year period. Christmas Specials galore!

Is Boxing Day A Public Holiday?
What Do People do?
- Many important sports events are held on Boxing Day. The Boxing Day test match is a cricket game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game is between the Australian National cricket team and other national teams touring Australia. The match starts on Boxing Day and may last up to five days. Between 1999 and 2007, the Australian cricket team won all of the Boxing Day Test m…
Public Life
- Boxing Day is a public holiday. Schools, other educational establishments and many organizations are closed. In some states, all stores are allowed to open. In others only certain types of stores are open. Many shops are open in tourist areas. Most public transport systems operate a reduced service. However, in some areas, there is no public transport on Boxing Day.
Background
- Boxing Day is a holiday in many countries, such as Australia, in the Commonwealth of Nations. It was traditionally a day for employers in England to give bonuses of money, leftover food or old clothing to their employees, or for lords to give agricultural tools and seeds for the coming year to their tenants. These gifts were presented in a box. Som...
Overview
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated after Christmas Day, occurring on the second day of Christmastide (26 December). Though it originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor, today Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. It originated in Great Britain and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. The attached bank holiday or publi…
Status by country
In Australia, Boxing Day is a public holiday in all jurisdictions except the state of South Australia, where a public holiday known as Proclamation Day is celebrated on the first weekday after Christmas Day or the Christmas Day holiday. Both the Boxing Day Test cricket match held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race begin on Boxing Day.
In Canada, Boxing Day (French: le Lendemain de Noël) is a federal statutory holiday. Governmen…
Etymology
There are competing theories for the origins of the term, none of which is definitive.
The European tradition of giving money and other gifts to those in need, or in service positions, has been dated to the Middle Ages, but the exact origin is unknown; it may reference the alms box placed in the narthex of Christian churches to collect donations for the poor. The tradition may come from a custom in the late Roman/early Christian era wherein alms boxes placed in churche…
Date
In recent years, the day after Christmas Day, 26 December, is termed "Boxing Day" even when this falls on Sunday, though traditionally Monday 27 December would be Boxing Day. Saint Stephen's Day, a religious holiday, also falls on 26 December.
Unlike the contemporary understanding of Boxing Day itself, the bank holiday or public holiday associated with the observance always falls on a weekday. Where 26 December falls on a Sund…
Shopping
In the UK, Canada, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, and New Zealand, Boxing Day is primarily known as a shopping holiday. Boxing Day sales are common and shops often allow dramatic price reductions. For many merchants, Boxing Day has become the day of the year with the greatest revenue. In the UK, it was estimated in 2009 that up to 12 million shoppers appeared at the sales (a rise …
Sport
In the United Kingdom, it is traditional for all top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland – the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, and the NIFL Premiership – and the lower ones, as well as the rugby leagues, to hold a full programme of football matches on Boxing Day. Originally, matches on Boxing Day were played against local rivals to avoid teams and their fans havin…
Boxing Day Tsunami
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami occurred the day after Christmas, and therefore has been referred to as "the Boxing Day Tsunami".
External links
• The Origins of Boxing Day at Snopes