New Year's Holiday
2031Thursday, January 2
Quick Facts
- Date
- Thursday, January 2, 2031
- Observed in
- Bosnia & Herzegovina, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Montenegro, New Zealand +3 more
- Type
- Cultural Holiday
What is New Year's Holiday?
New Year's Holiday is a public holiday celebrated on January 2nd in several countries, extending the New Year celebrations beyond January 1st. This additional day off allows people to recover from New Year's Eve festivities, spend more time with family and friends, and ease back into regular routines.
Countries that observe January 2nd as a public holiday include:
- Slovenia (known as "Novo leto" - second day)
- Scotland (part of the UK, where January 2nd is a bank holiday)
- Romania (second day of New Year)
- Serbia (part of extended New Year holidays)
- Montenegro (part of extended New Year holidays)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (in some entities)
- Switzerland (in some cantons like Zurich)
- New Zealand
The holiday provides an opportunity for continued celebrations, visiting relatives, or simply enjoying a longer break at the start of the new year.
When is New Year's Holiday 2031?
New Year's Holiday is on Thursday, January 2 in 2031. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
The tradition of extending New Year celebrations beyond January 1st has various historical roots depending on the country.
In Scotland, the celebration of Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) was historically more important than Christmas. The Scottish Reformation in the 16th century discouraged Christmas celebrations as "too Catholic," making New Year the main winter holiday. The festivities were so extensive that an extra day off became customary and eventually official.
In Slovenia and other Central European countries, the tradition of a two-day New Year holiday reflects the importance placed on family gatherings and extended celebrations. After the fall of communism, when religious holidays like Christmas were suppressed, New Year became the primary winter celebration, often lasting multiple days.
In Romania and the Balkans, the extended New Year holiday connects to Orthodox Christian traditions and the Julian calendar, where some communities celebrate "Old New Year" on January 14th. The January 2nd holiday provides a bridge for these extended celebrations.
Many countries added January 2nd as a holiday during the 20th century to accommodate modern work schedules and allow workers adequate time to travel and celebrate with distant family members.
How It's Celebrated
Continued Celebrations: Many families continue the festivities that began on New Year's Eve and January 1st. This might include:
- Extended family gatherings and meals
- Visiting friends and neighbors
- Outdoor activities like winter walks or skiing
Traditional Foods: In many countries, the special foods prepared for New Year continue to be enjoyed on January 2nd:
- Slovenia: Potica (nut roll), roasted meats, and mlinci (flatbread pasta)
- Scotland: Black bun (fruit cake), shortbread, and haggis from Hogmanay
- Romania: Sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread)
First-Footing (Scotland): The tradition of "first-footing" continues into January 2nd. The first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve brings gifts symbolizing prosperity, warmth, and good fortune.
Recovery Day: For many, January 2nd is a day of rest and recovery from the New Year's Eve celebrations. It's common to:
- Sleep in and relax
- Take leisurely walks
- Watch traditional New Year's Day sports broadcasts
- Begin preparing for the return to work
Traditional Events: Some regions hold specific events on January 2nd:
- Scotland: The Loony Dook (cold water swim) in South Queensferry near Edinburgh
- Various countries: Extended concerts, festivals, and cultural events
Where It's Observed
New Year's Holiday is a public holiday in 8 countries. In 2031, it falls on Thursday, January 2.
π§π¦Bosnia & Herzegovina(Drugi dan Nove godine)Public Holidayπ¨πSwitzerland(Berchtoldstag)Public Holidayπ¬π§United Kingdom(New Year's Holiday)Public Holidayπ²πͺMontenegro(Drugi dan Nove godine)Public Holidayπ³πΏNew Zealand(Day after New Year's Day)Public Holidayπ·π΄Romania(A doua zi de Anul Nou)Public Holiday
Fun Facts
- Scotland is one of the few places where January 2nd has been a bank holiday since 1871, reflecting the historical importance of Hogmanay celebrations
- In Slovenia, the two-day New Year holiday became established during the Yugoslav era when religious holidays like Christmas were downplayed
- Romania adopted January 2nd as a public holiday to allow families scattered across the country to travel and celebrate together
- The Scottish tradition of Hogmanay celebrations often lasts until January 2nd because festivities traditionally continued until the first person ('first-foot') crossed the threshold after midnight
- In Switzerland, whether January 2nd is a holiday depends on the canton - Zurich observes it, but other cantons do not
- New Zealand also observes January 2nd as a public holiday, ensuring a long weekend for New Year celebrations in the Southern Hemisphere summer
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is January 2nd a holiday in some countries?
January 2nd is a public holiday in several countries to extend New Year celebrations, allowing people time to recover from New Year's Eve festivities, travel to visit family, and ease back into work routines. The tradition has different historical roots in each country, from Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations to Slovenia's emphasis on family gatherings.
Which countries celebrate January 2nd as a public holiday?
Countries with January 2nd as a public holiday include Slovenia, Scotland (UK), Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina (in some entities), New Zealand, and some Swiss cantons. Each country has its own traditions for this extended celebration.
Is January 2nd a holiday throughout the UK?
No, January 2nd is only a bank holiday in Scotland, not in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This reflects Scotland's unique Hogmanay traditions, where New Year celebrations have historically been more important than Christmas.
What is first-footing in Scotland?
First-footing is a Scottish tradition where the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve brings symbolic gifts for good luck in the coming year. Traditional gifts include coal (for warmth), bread (for food), salt (for flavor), and whisky (for good cheer). The tradition can continue through January 2nd.
Are shops open on January 2nd in these countries?
Generally, January 2nd is treated as a public holiday, so banks, government offices, and many shops are closed. However, supermarkets, restaurants in tourist areas, and some retail shops may be open with reduced hours. It's best to check specific store hours in advance.
What traditional foods are eaten on January 2nd?
Many families continue enjoying New Year foods on January 2nd. In Slovenia, this includes potica (nut roll) and roasted meats. In Scotland, black bun, shortbread, and leftover Hogmanay feast items are common. In Romania, sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread) are traditional.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around New Year's Holiday? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
