Various courts and tribunals will operate under altered opening hours during the Christmas and New Year period.
Closure Dates for the Holiday Period
The scheduled closure dates for this year are as follows:
- Thursday 24 December 2026
- Friday 25 December 2026
- Monday 28 December 2026
- Friday 1 January 2027
On Thursday 24 December 2026, only county and family courts, Crown Courts, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal (Royal Courts of Justice and Rolls Building), along with certain tribunals, will be closed. However, magistrates’ courts and tribunal offices in Scotland will remain open on this day. It is important to note that all tribunal offices in Scotland will close on Monday 4 January 2027.
Availability for Remand Hearings
Some magistrates’ courts will be open solely for remand hearings on the following dates: Saturday 26 December and Monday 28 December 2026, as well as Friday 1 January and Saturday 2 January 2027.
Format of Hearings
Hearings scheduled during the Christmas period may be conducted in person or via video or telephone. The details of your hearing format will be specified in your hearing notice.
Checking Court Arrangements
It is advisable to check the specific opening arrangements of smaller courts or hearing venues, as they may differ. For further information, please reach out directly to the relevant court or tribunal.
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