Banks, building societies and credit unions follow official bank holiday calendars, which can differ from the days shops close. Customers need a clear, trustworthy notice showing when branches open, when phone banking is available, and which days are bank holidays. This A4 template presents that information in a confident, professional style. A deep green header with a gold rule holds the logo frame, gold holly, and the title Christmas and New Year with BRANCH OPENING TIMES in gold capitals. A short paragraph explains that online banking remains available, followed by a table of dates with branch and phone banking hours, a note about the substitute bank holiday and a friendly seasonal wish above a green footer.
Bank Holiday Dates in 2026
In the UK, Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, so Boxing Day falls on Saturday, December 26. Because Boxing Day is on a weekend, the substitute bank holiday is Monday, December 28. New Year’s Day 2027 is a Friday. The sample table reflects these dates, showing branches closed on December 25, 26 and 28 and on January 1. Always check the official bank holiday calendar for your country or region before printing.
The Opening Times Table
The table has three columns: Date, Branches, and Phone banking. It covers Thursday, December 24 to Saturday, January 2. Closed days appear in bold red so customers can spot them immediately. Double-click the table to edit the dates, hours, and column names. You might rename the third column to Contact centre or Mortgage advice if that better suits your services.
Explaining the Substitute Bank Holiday
Many customers do not realise that a bank holiday moves when it falls on a weekend. The green line under the table explains that Monday 28 December is the substitute bank holiday for Boxing Day. This short note prevents customers from arriving at a closed branch on a weekday they expected to be normal.
Digital Banking Messages
The introduction reassures customers that online banking, the mobile app and cash machines remain available during the holidays. You can expand it with a reminder about card payments, scam warnings, or the timing of payments made on bank holidays, which may not process until the next working day.
Professional Green and Gold Design
Deep green and gold suggest stability and tradition, qualities customers associate with financial institutions. The gold holly adds a gentle seasonal touch without looking playful. The clean table and serif title give the notice the authority of an official communication.
Adding Your Logo and Branch Details
Click the logo frame in the header and choose Replace Image to upload your logo. Update the footer with your institution’s name, branch address, and customer service number. For multiple branches with different hours, duplicate the page for each branch.
Displaying the Notice in Branches
Display the notice in the branch window, at the counter, beside the cash machine, and on the door. Include the same information on your website’s branch finder, in your app, and in a message on your phone system.
Printing on A4 Paper
The template is set to A4, 210 x 297 mm. Download a PDF and print at actual size. The green header and footer use more ink, so a laser printer gives an even finish. Laminate window copies to protect them from condensation.
Adapting the Notice for Credit Unions
Credit unions and community banks can use the same layout with a more personal tone. Change the paragraph to thank members for their support, and mention any member events or savings promotions in January.
Using the Notice Outside the UK
For Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or other countries, update the bank holiday dates and the substitute note to match local calendars. In Australia, for example, Boxing Day public holidays are also moved when they fall on weekends.
Customer Service During the Holidays
Holidays can be stressful for customers who face money problems, lost cards, or fraud. Make sure emergency card cancellation numbers are easy to find, and consider adding a line pointing customers to support services. A helpful notice builds trust.
Notices for Building Societies and Post Offices
Building societies, post offices and money transfer agents also change their counters over the holidays. Adapt the column names to Counter and Self-service, and include the last posting dates or transfer cut-off times if they apply. One clear notice prevents long queues of disappointed customers on the days after a bank holiday.
Bank Notice Questions
Can I change the date format to US style?
Yes. Edit the dates in the table to Month Day format.
Can I print it on US Letter?
Yes, with fit to page selected.
Can I add more branches?
Yes. Add columns or duplicate the page for each branch.
Payments and Transfers Over Bank Holidays
Customers often worry about when payments will arrive during the holidays. Payments made on a bank holiday may not be processed until the next working day, and standing orders due on a holiday may move. A short sentence on the notice, or a link to your website, explaining how holiday payments are processed can prevent many phone calls in January.
Scam Warnings for the Festive Season
Fraudsters increase their activity during busy shopping periods. Many banks add a short reminder to holiday notices, such as we will never ask you to move money to a safe account, alongside the fraud reporting number. A simple warning beside the opening times reaches customers when they are paying attention.
Branch Staffing and Cash Supplies
Before printing the notice, confirm staffing for each opening day and plan cash machine replenishment before long closures. Customers withdraw more cash before Christmas, and empty machines over a bank holiday weekend lead to complaints that a clear notice cannot fix.
Opening Times for Business Banking Customers
Business customers often need to deposit takings after the busy Christmas trading days. Mention when business deposit services and night safes are available, so shop owners can plan their banking around the closures.
Keep Customers Informed This Festive Season
Confirm your bank holiday dates, add your logo, and print the notice for every branch. A clear, professional opening times notice helps customers plan their banking and builds confidence in your service.
