St. Stephen’s Day: History, Traditions & Boxing Day Explained

St. Stephan’s Day, according to Christian traditions, is celebrated to commemorate the memory of Saint Stephan, who is considered the first martyr of Christianity. This day is also known as the Feast of Saint Stephen and Wren Day. 

It is observed on the 26th of December every year, immediately after Christmas Day in Western Christianity (such as Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, etc.) and December 27 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Although some churches observe it in January according to the Julian calendar. In the Western Christian calendar, this day is considered the second day of Christmastide 

The day is considered an important religious and cultural day in many European countries.

St. Stephen’s Day 2026

Also visit our page UK Bank Holidays 2026 and Ireland Bank Holidays 2026

Historical Background

Stephen’s name originates from the Greek term “Stéphanos,” which means “crown.” He is believed to have been a Hellenistic Jew, someone familiar with Greek culture and language. In the early Christian community in Jerusalem, he is considered one of the Seven Deacons who were assigned to care for the poor and those in need.

According to the Bible, Stephen was“full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” He was deeply devoted and spiritually empowered. Besides serving the poor, he also preached actively. His teachings and preaching angered certain religious groups, who then accused him of blasphemy and false beliefs.

Martyrdom

Stephen’s long speech recorded in Acts 7 explains how the people repeatedly rejected God’s prophets. After this address, he was taken outside Jerusalem and stoned to death. Because of this, Stephen is known as the Protomartyr, meaning the first martyr of Christianity. According to tradition, his martyrdom took place sometime between 33 and 36 CE.

When is St. Stephen’s Day celebrated?

St. Stephen’s Day is observed on different dates in various churches and countries. In Western Christian traditions such as Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, it is celebrated on 26 December, also known as the Feast of Saint Stephen or the Second Day of Christmas.

Eastern Orthodox churches, following the Gregorian calendar, observe it on 27 December. Those following the Julian calendar also mark it on 27 December, which corresponds to about 9 January in the Gregorian calendar.

In the Armenian Church, commemorations related to St. Stephen may fall around 25 December or 7 January, depending on local tradition. Because of these differences, St. Stephen’s Day is internationally associated with either 26 December or 27 December.

Public Life 

On St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland, most banks, post offices, and government offices remain closed. While retail stores and pubs typically stay open, their opening hours may be shorter than usual, often opening later and closing earlier. Public transportation schedules can also vary depending on your location and travel plans.

In which countries is St. Stephen’s Day celebrated?

Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the date is a bank holiday known as Boxing Day, officially as Boxing Day, though some Christian communities also recognize it as St. Stephen’s Day. It is also called Wren Day in Ireland, where local people take out processions wearing traditional clothes and perform various cultural activities.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom,26 December is mostly known as Boxing Day. But in Christian tradition, it is also the Feast of Saint Stephen. This is why the Christmas carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’ mentions ‘the Feast of Stephen.’ While some Christian communities and people in Northern Ireland still celebrate it as St. Stephen’s Day, most people think of it simply as Boxing Day.

Europe

In Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Austria, and Croatia, 26^th December is celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day

St. Stephen’s Day Traditions

Wren Day (Lá an Dreoilín) and the Wren Boys in Ireland

A significant cultural tradition of St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland and the Isle of Man is Wren Day, also known as the Day of the Wren or Lá an Dreoilín. This celebration combines folklore, music, dance, and community rituals, making it a unique part of Irish heritage.

Wren Boys – Traditional Procession

Traditionally, men and boys called Wren Boys dressed in old clothes, straw costumes, and masks. They carried a small wren bird, or in modern times a fake or stuffed version, mounted on a pole decorated with holly and ribbons. The Wren Boys would parade through villages and towns, singing, dancing, and collecting donations from locals. This lively procession was a key part of Wren Day festivities and brought communities together in celebration.

Origins and Legends

The Wren Day tradition is deeply rooted in pre-Christian Celtic customs, folklore, and the later Christianization process. According to various legends:

• The wren betrayed Saint Stephen by revealing his hiding place.
• It betrayed Irish soldiers to the Vikings.
• In Celtic mythology, the wren outsmarted the eagle, the “king of all birds.”

These stories helped shape the symbolic importance of the wren in Irish culture and gave rise to the Wren Boys tradition.

Modern Practices

Today, the wren is not physically hunted in most regions. Instead, it is celebrated symbolically through songs, decorations, and community events. Wren Boys festivals continue to take place in towns such as Dingle and Carrigaline, preserving this centuries-old tradition for new generations.

Connection between Boxing Day and St. Stephen’s Day

In the UK and Ireland, 26 December is widely known as Boxing Day, but at the liturgical and religious level, the same date is observed as the Feast of Saint Stephen. This dual identity highlights both the cultural and religious significance of the day.

Because of these practices, some sources associate the day with St. Stephen’s Day from a religious perspective and Boxing Day from a cultural and social perspective.

In Ireland, St. Stephen’s Day(26 December) is a fixed date as a public holiday under Irish law. If 26 December falls on a weekend, workers are entitled to a substitute day.

Religious Significance of St. Stephen’s Day

In Catholic and other Christian traditions, St. Stephen’s Day is seen not just as a historical event but also as a reminder of charity, forgiveness, and martyrdom.

The timing of the holiday is symbolic:

• Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Christ → representing love, generosity, and self-giving.
• The following day, St. Stephen’s martyrdom → symbolizes faithfulness even to the point of sacrificing one’s life.

Many churches mark the day with:

• Charity work
• Aid to the poor
• Sermons about the life and witness of St. Stephen

Upcoming St. Stephen’s Day Holidays

Are Cinemas in Ireland open on St Stephen’s Day, 26 December?

Yes, Cinemas remain open on St. Stephan’s Day in Ireland. Sometimes they operate for reduced hours in some locations.

You can also see the Complete list of UK Bank Holidays in Different Regions at home page.

FAQs — Common Questions