St. Stephen’s Day (December 26): History & Traditions
The day after Christmas is St. Stephen’s Day, celebrated on December 26 in honour of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. In Ireland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Catalonia, Croatia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Finland and other countries it is a public holiday — the second day of Christmas.
| Name | St. Stephen’s Day |
|---|---|
| When | Every year on December 26 |
| Next date | Saturday, December 26, 2026 · in 63 days |
| Type | Public Holidays |
| Observed in | 🇦🇹 Austria🇭🇷 Croatia🇨🇿 Czech Republic |
| Topic | ReligiousSeasons & Festivals |
| Public holiday? | Yes |
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 26 (Western churches); December 27 in Eastern Orthodox churches |
| Honours | Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr |
| Also known as | Lá Fhéile Stiofáin (Ireland), Stefanitag (Austria), Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag (Germany), Santo Stefano (Italy), Sant Esteve (Catalonia), Tapaninpäivä (Finland) |
| Same date as | Boxing Day in the UK and Commonwealth |
Who Was Saint Stephen?
According to the Acts of the Apostles (chapters 6–7), Stephen was one of seven deacons chosen by the early Church in Jerusalem to care for widows and the poor. Known for his wisdom and faith, he was accused of blasphemy and stoned to death, praying for forgiveness for those who killed him. He is the patron saint of deacons, stonemasons and horses.
Traditions Around Europe
| Country | Tradition |
|---|---|
| Ireland | “Wren Boys” in straw costumes go from house to house singing and collecting money; a big day for horse racing (Leopardstown) |
| Wales | The old custom of “Hunting the Wren” and holly-beating |
| Austria | Stefaniritt — horses are blessed and ridden in parades |
| Germany | A quieter second Christmas holiday, visiting relatives |
| Italy | Santo Stefano — family lunches and visits to nativity scenes |
| Catalonia | Canelons (cannelloni) made from Christmas leftovers |
| Finland | Tapaninpäivä sleigh rides and dances |
| Poland & Czech Republic | Second Christmas Day — visiting, carolling and sprinkling grain or water for good luck |
“Good King Wenceslas”
The famous carol begins “Good King Wenceslas looked out, on the Feast of Stephen…” Written by John Mason Neale in 1853, it tells of a Bohemian duke who braves the cold to bring food and firewood to a poor man — a story that captures the day’s spirit of charity.
St. Stephen’s Day and Boxing Day share the same date and the same idea: generosity toward those in need.
Ways to Celebrate
- Visit relatives you didn’t see on Christmas Day.
- Enjoy leftovers in a new recipe.
- Go to a horse race, football match or a long winter walk.
- Donate food or clothes — in keeping with Stephen’s care for the poor.
- Sing carols with friends or neighbours.
👉 Same day: Boxing Day
👉 Same day: Kwanzaa begins
When is St. Stephen’s Day?
St. Stephen’s Day is observed every year on December 26. Here are the dates for the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | in 63 days |
| 2027 | December 26, 2027 | Sunday | in 428 days |
| 2028 | December 26, 2028 | Tuesday | in 794 days |
| 2029 | December 26, 2029 | Wednesday | in 1159 days |
| 2030 | December 26, 2030 | Thursday | in 1524 days |
| 2031 | December 26, 2031 | Friday | in 1889 days |
FAQ
St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated on December 26 in Western churches and on December 27 in Eastern Orthodox churches.
He was a deacon of the early Church in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr, described in the Acts of the Apostles.
They fall on the same date. Ireland calls it St. Stephen’s Day, while the UK and many Commonwealth countries call it Boxing Day.
In Ireland, Wren Boys dress in costumes, often made of straw, and go from house to house singing and collecting money on St. Stephen’s Day.