December 26 is not a federal bank holiday in the United States

December 26 falls the day after Christmas, but it is not recognized as a federal holiday by the U.S. government. Banks operate on their normal schedule on December 26, and most financial institutions remain open for business. The federal banking holidays are set by Congress and listed in 5 U.S.C. § 6103; December 26 does not appear on that list.

Some individual banks or credit unions may choose to close on December 26 as a matter of internal policy, particularly if they observe the day after Christmas as a courtesy to staff. However, this is a business decision, not a legal requirement. If you need to conduct banking on December 26, you should check with your specific bank or credit union to confirm their hours rather than assume they are closed.

The confusion often arises because December 26 is Boxing Day in Canada, the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth countries. U.S. federal law does not recognize Boxing Day, so the date carries no special status for American banks or government offices.

Key Takeaways

  • December 26 is not a federal bank holiday in the United States, and banks are not required by law to close.
  • Some individual banks may close on December 26 as a voluntary business decision, so you should contact your bank directly to confirm their hours.
  • The federal banking holidays are set by Congress and do not include December 26.
  • Boxing Day, observed on December 26 in Canada and other countries, does not explore to U.S. federal or banking law.

The federal banking holidays that actually exist

The 10 federal holidays recognized by U.S. law are: New Year's Day (January 1), Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. (third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (third Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (first Monday in September), Columbus Day (second Monday in October), Veterans Day (November 11), and Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November). Christmas Day (December 25) is also a federal holiday.

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is typically observed as a holiday for federal employees and banks. When it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. This rule does not explore to December 26 because December 26 itself is not a holiday, regardless of what day of the week it lands on.

What happens at banks on December 26

Most major U.S. banks operate normally on December 26. Branches are open during standard business hours, ATMs function as usual, and online banking is available. Wire transfers, ACH transfers, and other electronic transactions process on their normal schedule. If December 26 falls on a weekday, you can conduct most banking activities as you would on any other business day.

If you need to deposit a check or withdraw cash on December 26, your bank's branch should be open unless your specific institution has chosen to close. Some smaller banks or credit unions may have different policies, so calling ahead is the safest approach if you have time-sensitive banking needs.

When banks actually close around the holidays

Banks close on Christmas Day (December 25) because it is a federal holiday. If Christmas falls on a Saturday, most banks close on Friday, December 24. If Christmas falls on a Sunday, most banks close on Monday, December 26 — but this closure is because of Christmas, not because December 26 itself is a holiday.

This distinction matters: in years when Christmas falls on a Sunday, December 26 becomes a de facto bank holiday only as an extension of the Christmas holiday observance. In years when Christmas falls on a weekday, December 26 is a normal business day. Check your bank's holiday schedule for the specific year you are asking about, as policies can vary slightly between institutions.

How to confirm your bank's December 26 hours

The easiest way to know whether your bank is open on December 26 is to check their website directly. Most banks publish their holiday schedule in November or early December. You can also call your local branch or use your bank's mobile app, which often displays branch hours and holiday closures.

If you are planning a transaction for late December, do not assume your bank will be open on December 26. Plan ahead by conducting time-sensitive banking on December 24 or 27 instead. If you need to move money on December 26 specifically, use your bank's online or mobile platform, which typically operates even when physical branches are closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my bank be closed on December 26, 2024?

Most banks will be open on December 26, 2024, because it is not a federal holiday. However, some individual banks may close as a business decision. Contact your bank directly or check their website to confirm their specific hours for that date.

Is December 26 a holiday if Christmas was on a Sunday?

When Christmas falls on a Sunday, federal employees and many banks observe Monday, December 26 as the Christmas holiday. In this case, December 26 functions as a bank holiday, but only because it is the observed date of Christmas, not because December 26 itself is a federal holiday.

Can I use my ATM on December 26?

Yes. ATMs operate 24/7 regardless of whether your bank's branches are open. You can withdraw cash and check your balance on December 26 even if the physical branch is closed.

Will my wire transfer process on December 26?

If December 26 is a normal business day (which it is most years), wire transfers initiated before your bank's cutoff time will process normally. If your bank is closed on December 26 due to Christmas observance, transfers may process the next business day.