9:45 AM IST – The last week of December always looks quiet on the calendar. In real life, it rarely is. Once Christmas week starts, bank working hours tighten. Branch counters slow down. Small tasks often move into January. That phase has already begun.
If you are checking how many bank holidays are left in 2025, there isn’t one clear number. It depends on where your bank branch is.
As per the official holiday list issued by the Reserve Bank of India, there is only one nationwide bank holiday left this year. Christmas is on 25 December. Every other closure between 22 and 31 December is regional. And those regional differences are big enough, actually, to change outcomes.
As highlighted in Business Standard’s recent banking coverage, December bank holidays vary widely by state, and customers are advised to check their local branch calendar before planning any year-end transactions.
What most people get wrong
December holidays don’t spread out like other months. They come close together. Christmas Eve, Christmas celebrations, local anniversaries, and the fourth Saturday fall in the same week. Metro cities feel less impact. Other regions feel it much more.
Between 22 and 31 December, extra RBI-recognised bank holidays apply in some cities:
- Gangtok is closed on 22 December for Losoong or other name – Namsoong.
- Aizawl, Kohima, and Shillong are closed on 24 December for Christmas Eve.
- The same cities close again on 26 December for Christmas celebrations.
- Kohima also observes 27 December as Christmas.
- Shillong is closed on 30 December for U Kiang Nangbah’s death anniversary.
- Aizawl, Imphal, and Shillong observe 31 December as a bank holiday.
This means two people using the same bank can face different delays. The only reason is the branch location.
Metro cities vs holiday-heavy regions
| Factor | Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru) | Holiday-heavy cities (Aizawl, Kohima, Shillong) |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide holiday | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
| Extra RBI holidays | Very few | Several |
| Working days left | Limited but usable | Very limited |
| Delay risk | Medium | High |
Online banking has limits
UPI works. IMPS works. Even RTGS runs online. That part is fine.
The problem starts with branch work. Locker visits, account closure, KYC updates, cheque clearing, and physical forms don’t move on holidays. Traditional banks still depend on branch days, especially at year-end.
Earlier this month, banks also warned about year-end settlement pressure after multiple holidays. This happens every December. This year, the gap between holidays is smaller.
Quick insight
Most delays don’t happen because banks shut down. They happen because everyone waits till the last few days. By then, even open branches are overloaded.
Who should act early?
- Small business owners clearing payments.
- Anyone waiting for a cheque or credit.
- Customers in the North-East and hill states.
- People planning locker or branch-level requests.
There is no single number for bank holidays left in 2025. Christmas is common for all. The rest depends on your state. Metro branches still have some room. Holiday-heavy states don’t.
Plan assuming fewer working days. That saves time and stress.
January brings fresh holidays and backlog. If something matters financially, finish it before Christmas week ends. The last open day often feels open only on paper.
