What's open on Boxing Day 2026?
Saturday, 26 December 2026 · Mondayised to Monday, 28 December
Stores and services
About Boxing Day 2026
Boxing Day 2026 is a public holiday across New Zealand, on Saturday, 26 December. Because it falls on a Saturday, people who don't usually work that day get the public holiday on Monday, 28 December instead ("Mondayisation").
No law makes shops close on Boxing Day, so each store sets its own hours. Hours vary from store to store, so check your local store before you go.
NZ Post says mail isn't delivered on public holidays; mail due that day comes on your street's next delivery day.
Sources: Employment New Zealand: Public holidays and anniversary dates (2026 and 2027) · NZ Post: Your mail delivery days ("Mail isn't delivered on public holidays")
The rules for this day
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Public holiday? | Yes, nationwide Mondayised day: Monday, 28 December |
| Shops must close? | No: shops may open |
| Alcohol from off-licences? | Normal licence hours |
Sources
- Employment New Zealand: Public holidays and anniversary dates (2026 and 2027) · checked 16 October 2026
- NZ Post: Your mail delivery days ("Mail isn't delivered on public holidays") · checked 16 October 2026
Questions
When is Boxing Day 2026?
Boxing Day 2026 is on Saturday, 26 December 2026. Because it falls on a Saturday, people who don't usually work that day get the public holiday on Monday, 28 December.
Is Boxing Day 2026 a public holiday?
Yes, it's a public holiday across New Zealand.
Are shops closed on Boxing Day 2026?
No law makes shops close on Boxing Day, so each store sets its own hours.
Is there mail on Boxing Day 2026?
NZ Post says mail isn't delivered on public holidays, and Boxing Day (Saturday, 26 December) is a public holiday. Mail due that day comes on your street's next delivery day. Whether letterbox delivery also stops on the Mondayised day (Monday, 28 December) isn't stated. NZ Post hasn't published its 2026–27 Christmas and New Year delivery days yet. Over the last holiday period it ran no mail or rural services on 25–28 December 2025 and 1–4 January 2026.