January 2026 Calendar: Key Dates, Bank Holidays & What's On
January 2026 marks the start of a brand new year. With New Year's Day falling on a Thursday, it is a month that begins with a bank holiday and offers a fresh slate for planning the months ahead. Here is everything you need to know about the January 2026 calendar, from key dates and bank holidays to notable events and practical planning tips.
January 2026 at a Glance
- Month: January 2026
- Days in month: 31
- Starts on: Thursday 1st January
- Ends on: Saturday 31st January
- Bank holidays: 1 (New Year's Day, Thursday 1st January)
- Weekdays: 21
- Weekends: 10 days (5 full weekends)
January 2026 Bank Holidays
England & Wales
New Year's Day: Thursday 1st January 2026 is a bank holiday throughout England and Wales. As it falls on a Thursday, many employees may choose to take Friday 2nd January as annual leave to create a four-day weekend, easing the return to work after the festive break.
Scotland
Scotland enjoys an additional bank holiday on Friday 2nd January 2026 — a longstanding tradition that gives Scottish workers an extra day to recover from Hogmanay celebrations. This creates a four-day weekend north of the border without needing to use annual leave.
Northern Ireland
New Year's Day on Thursday 1st January is also a bank holiday in Northern Ireland.
Key Dates in January 2026
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year's Day (Bank Holiday) |
| 2 January | Friday | New Year Holiday (Scotland only) |
| 5 January | Monday | Most UK schools return after Christmas |
| 6 January | Tuesday | Epiphany (Twelfth Night) |
| 19 January | Monday | Blue Monday (traditionally the most depressing day of the year) |
| 25 January | Sunday | Burns Night (Scotland) |
| 28 January | Wednesday | Chinese New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse) |
Chinese New Year in January 2026
Chinese New Year 2026 falls on Wednesday 28th January, ushering in the Year of the Horse. This is one of the most significant dates in the Chinese lunar calendar and is celebrated in cities across the UK, particularly in London's Chinatown, Manchester, and Birmingham. Festivities typically include dragon parades, fireworks, lantern displays, and traditional food.
If you live near a major city with a Chinatown, it is well worth attending the celebrations — many of which are free and open to the public.
Burns Night 2026
Burns Night on Sunday 25th January celebrates the life and poetry of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. Traditionally, a Burns Supper involves haggis, neeps and tatties (turnip and potatoes), recitations of Burns' poetry including the famous "Address to a Haggis," and toasts washed down with whisky. In 2026, Burns Night falls on a Sunday, making it ideal for a relaxed evening celebration or formal Burns Supper event.
Planning Tips for January 2026
New Year Annual Leave Strategy
With New Year's Day on Thursday 1st January, taking Friday 2nd as annual leave gives you a four-day weekend to start the year. This is one of the most efficient uses of annual leave in the entire year — just one day of leave produces a four-day break.
Back to School
Most schools across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland return in the first week of January 2026, typically Monday 5th January. Scottish schools may return slightly later depending on the local authority. Check your local school's specific term dates for confirmation.
Dry January
Many people in the UK participate in "Dry January" — abstaining from alcohol throughout the month as a health reset after the festive season. The campaign is run by Alcohol Change UK and has millions of participants each year.
January Sales
High street and online retailers typically continue their January sales well into the month. If you missed the Boxing Day sales, the early weeks of January often still offer significant discounts on clothing, electronics, and home goods.
Weather in January 2026
January is typically the coldest month of the year in the UK. Average temperatures range from around 2°C to 7°C across England, with Scotland often dipping below freezing. Daylight hours are short in early January but gradually lengthen as the month progresses. The UK can experience frost, snow, and strong winds throughout January, so it is worth checking weather forecasts if you have travel plans.
What Comes Next: February 2026
After January, February brings Valentine's Day on Saturday 14th February, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) on 17th February, and the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday 18th February. Read our full February 2026 calendar guide for more details.