Boxing Day in Gibraltar
Boxing Day is listed in Gibraltar’s employment law as a public holiday and falls on 26 December. The law sets out how the holiday applies to employees, while the Government’s holiday calendar can identify a day in lieu when applicable.[1][2]
A public holiday under Gibraltar law
Gibraltar’s Employment (Annual and Public Holidays) Order names Boxing Day among the territory’s public holidays. The Order dates from 1968 and took effect on 1 January 1969; it forms part of Gibraltar’s employment legislation.[1]
The Order does not make every worker’s arrangements identical. It excludes employees in the Dock Labour Pool and certain official employers covered by the Official Employers Joint Industrial Council. For other employees, employers and workers may agree to substitute another day in some circumstances where observing the listed holiday is not customary or usual in that employment.[1]
Time off and pay
An employee who is not required to work on a public holiday is entitled to one day’s holiday pay under the Order, subject to its eligibility conditions. These include having been employed for the six days immediately before the holiday and working on the last available working day before it and the next available working day after it, unless excused for proved sickness.[1]
An employee who is required to work may receive a day off in lieu within the period set out in the Order, or additional pay if no day in lieu is allowed. The law therefore provides for time off or compensation, rather than guaranteeing that every employee will be away from work on 26 December.[1]
Date, local customs and practical planning
Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day. The official Gibraltar sources cited here establish its legal status and employment treatment, but do not document a distinct Gibraltar origin, ceremony, regional custom or traditional Boxing Day meal. Claims about particular family routines, foods or events should not be assumed from the holiday’s name.[1]
Gibraltar’s official holiday calendar can list a Boxing Day in lieu, so check the Government’s published calendar for the relevant arrangements; check individual businesses and transport operators for opening times and service information.[1][2]
Boxing Day in Gibraltar: FAQs
When is Boxing Day in Gibraltar?
Boxing Day is observed on 26 December, the date named in Gibraltar’s Employment (Annual and Public Holidays) Order.[1]
Is Boxing Day a day off for employees?
The Order provides holiday pay for eligible employees who are not required to work. Some employees are excluded, and the law also sets out compensation arrangements when an employee is required to work.[1]
Is there always a substitute day if 26 December falls on a weekend?
Are shops, banks and public transport open?
The Employment Order does not set shop, bank or transport opening hours. Check the specific business or service provider before travelling or planning a purchase.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Gibraltar:
- Employment (Annual and Public Holidays) Order- Government of Gibraltar
- Bank Holidays 2026- HM Government of Gibraltar