Boxing Day

Boxing Day History

Boxing Day is observed the day after Christmas Day and serves as an extra day to spend time with family and friends, enjoy festive feasts, and distribute gifts to loved ones and those in need. For many, it is also a day to enjoy sporting events, particularly football matches, and hunt events, while others take advantage of the post-Christmas sales.

The origins of Boxing Day date back to the Middle Ages in England, when alms boxes were placed in churches for parishioners to make donations, which were then distributed to the poor on December 26th, also known as St. Stephen's Day. This tradition of giving has continued over the centuries, with Boxing Day becoming a public holiday in the 19th century. In The Netherlands, the holiday carries no religious or historical significance, but it is known as Tweede Kerstdag, or Second Christmas Day, and is an additional day to extend the Christmas festivities and spend time with family.

In The Netherlands, Boxing Day is observed as a public holiday. It is an opportunity for people to continue enjoying seasonal activities such as ice skating, visiting Christmas markets, and attending festive performances. Additionally, festive dinners with family and friends are common, while some use the day to relax or take part in outdoor activities. Boxing Day occurs on December 26th in The Netherlands, providing a day of leisure and enjoyment after the busy Christmas holiday.

Top facts about Boxing Day

• 26 December is also St Stephen’s Day; commemorating the first Christian martyr Saint Stephen. According to the Acts of the Apostles Stephen was a deacon accused of blasphemy for his teachings. He was stoned to death and is now venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches.
• Boxing Day is one of the 6 bank holidays in the UK. The others are Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter, Whit Monday and the August Bank Holiday.
• Many Dutch people use Boxing Day as an opportunity to take part in winter activities, such as ice skating or visiting Christmas markets.
• In the Netherlands, attending church services on Boxing Day is not as common as Christmas Eve (Kerstavond) or Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag).

In the News and Trending in Netherlands for Boxing Day

Boxing Day Top Things to Do

• Watch some sport! There is top-tier football and rugby throughout the weekend and in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa cricket Test matches begin. The King George VI Chase, a horse race at Kempton Park also runs; it is known as the 2nd most prestigious race in the calendar.
• In the UK, it is tradition to take a walk in the crisp winter air and enjoy the outdoors. If you happen to be in the UK try the Snowdonia range (Wales), the Lake District (northern England), the Peak District (the English Midlands) or just round the local streets. You’ve probably eaten a lot over the last few days, so maybe go easy.
• A lot of Dutch people like to have a festive meal in a restaurant on Boxing Day. Some places also serve Boxing Day brunch.
• The Netherlands has several beautiful national parks that stay open throughout the winter, including De Hoge Veluwe National Park and Schiermonnikoog National Park.