2 January

In the United Kingdom, the 2nd of January is not a nationwide public holiday, but it holds special significance in Scotland as an official bank holiday. This stems from the Scottish tradition of Hogmanay, the celebration of the New Year, which historically extended over several days. The origins of Hogmanay date back to Viking and Norse winter solstice festivals, later blended with Gaelic customs of welcoming the new year with fire, feasting, and community gatherings. Because Christmas was suppressed in Scotland for centuries after the Protestant Reformation, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day became the most important winter celebrations. The 2nd of January was formally designated as a public holiday in Scotland to allow for extended family time and recovery, reflecting the deep cultural importance of the Hogmanay period.

On 2 January, many Scots enjoy a quiet day of rest after the exuberant Hogmanay festivities. Typical traditions include visiting friends and relatives for ‘first-footing’ – the first person to enter a home after midnight – though this activity peaks on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Foods associated with the period include steak pie, shortbread, and black bun (a rich fruitcake wrapped in pastry). Greetings remain the same as those used for New Year: “Happy New Year” or the Scots phrase “Lang may yer lum reek” (Long may your chimney smoke). In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, 2 January is a normal working day, though some people use the day for leisurely activities or taking down Christmas decorations. Overall, the day serves as a gentle coda to the New Year celebrations, especially in Scotland where it is a cherished public holiday.