St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen’s Day is the Christian feast of Saint Stephen, traditionally observed on 26 December, immediately after Christmas Day. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Stephen was one of the first deacons of the early Christian community in Jerusalem and is remembered as Christianity’s first martyr. The feast developed in the early Church as a day for honoring his faith, charity, and courage, and it remains part of the Christmas season in Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and other Christian traditions.

In Australia, 26 December is generally known as Boxing Day rather than St. Stephen’s Day, reflecting British colonial customs and the wider English-speaking tradition of giving gifts or charitable boxes to workers and people in need after Christmas. Although some churches and Christian communities observe the religious feast as St. Stephen’s Day, it is not usually the official public-holiday name. In 2026, 26 December falls on a Saturday, so a substitute public holiday is generally observed on Monday, 28 December, although the precise arrangements and naming vary by state and territory. Australian Boxing Day culture includes major sporting events, end-of-year travel, retail sales, and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Religious observance of St. Stephen’s Day in Australia may include attending Mass or a church service, hearing readings about Stephen’s martyrdom, and reflecting on Christian service, generosity, and care for vulnerable people. Some congregations organize food drives, donations, community meals, or visits to people who are isolated. Appropriate greetings include “Happy St. Stephen’s Day,” “Blessed St. Stephen’s Day,” or, in the country’s more common public-holiday usage, “Happy Boxing Day.”

For most Australians, the day is celebrated as Boxing Day with relaxed gatherings, visits to family and friends, outdoor activities, and meals made from Christmas leftovers such as ham, turkey, seafood, salads, and pavlova. Popular national traditions include watching the Boxing Day Test cricket match, following the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, shopping during Boxing Day sales, and spending time at beaches, parks, or holiday destinations. When 26 December falls on a weekend, Australians should check their state or territory’s official public-holiday calendar for the applicable substitute day and any workplace-specific arrangements.