January can feel long, dark and expensive — but it's also packed with fresh starts and reasons to celebrate. Here are the key dates in January 2027 in the UK, from bank holidays to awareness campaigns, with ideas for marking each one.
Bank holidays in January 2027
- Friday 1 January — New Year's Day (all of the UK).
- Monday 4 January — 2 January substitute day (Scotland only), because 2 January 2027 falls on a Saturday.
See the full list of UK bank holidays 2027.
Key dates in January 2027
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day |
| 5 January | Twelfth Night — traditional day to take down Christmas decorations |
| 6 January | Epiphany |
| 18 January | Blue Monday (third Monday of January) |
| 25 January | Burns Night |
| 25 January | St Dwynwen's Day — the Welsh day of love |
| 27 January | Holocaust Memorial Day |
| All month | Dry January and Veganuary |
New Year's Day (1 January)
The year starts with a bank holiday across the UK. Many people spend it on a long walk, at a New Year's Day swim at the coast or recovering on the sofa with leftovers. It's also a popular day to set resolutions. Looking for words? Our Happy New Year wishes cover texts, cards and messages for colleagues.
Twelfth Night and Epiphany (5–6 January)
Tradition says Christmas decorations should come down by Twelfth Night to avoid bad luck. Epiphany on 6 January marks the visit of the Magi in the Christian calendar.
Blue Monday (18 January 2027)
The third Monday of January is often called the "most depressing day of the year". It began as a marketing campaign rather than a scientific fact, but it's a good prompt to check in on friends, get outside in daylight and plan something to look forward to.
Burns Night (25 January)
Scotland celebrates the poet Robert Burns with a Burns Supper: haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky and readings of his poetry, including the "Address to a Haggis". It's a lovely excuse for a themed dinner wherever you live.
St Dwynwen's Day (25 January)
Wales's patron saint of lovers is celebrated on the same day as Burns Night. Couples exchange cards and small gifts — a cosy alternative to Valentine's Day.
Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January)
A day to remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, and the victims of Nazi persecution and later genocides. Many schools, councils and community groups hold events and moments of reflection.
Dry January and Veganuary
Millions of people in the UK take part in Dry January (no alcohol for the month) or Veganuary (a month of plant-based eating). If you're joining in, plan some alcohol-free drinks for social plans and stock up on easy vegan recipes.
Coming up in February 2027
- Lunar New Year: Saturday 6 February — the start of the Year of the Goat. See our guide to the Chinese zodiac.
- Pancake Day: Tuesday 9 February.
- Valentine's Day: Sunday 14 February.
Planning ahead? Browse the rest of our UK calendar, our gift ideas and our holiday messages.
