Lidl has announced a complete shutdown of its entire UK store network for three days during the upcoming festive season, granting its workforce a seasonal break. The discount supermarket chain, a major rival to Aldi, Tesco, and Asda, will close all of its approximately 1,000 British branches on three key public holidays.
Key Closure Dates for Shoppers
The retailer has confirmed that all Lidl stores in Great Britain will be closed on Christmas Day (25th December) and Boxing Day (26th December 2025). They will also remain shut on New Year's Day, Thursday 1st January 2026.
To accommodate last-minute festive preparations, stores will operate with special hours on the eves of these holidays. On Christmas Eve, doors will be open from 7am until 6pm. Similarly, on New Year's Eve, trading hours will be from 8am to 6pm. Customers are advised to plan their shopping around these times to avoid disappointment.
Festive Price Cuts and Company Context
The closure announcement coincides with a significant nationwide price promotion. Lidl has slashed the price of a selection of its vegetables to just 5p, a move it claims makes it one of the most lucrative options for shoppers this season.
The supermarket stated that its ability to offer such value stems from long-term agreements with producers, ensuring promotional prices do not negatively impact the farmers' pay. This specific 5p vegetable range is available in stores from Thursday 18th December until Christmas Eve, the 24th, subject to stock availability.
A Growing Force in UK Retail
This operational pause affects a substantial and growing business. Lidl GB now employs over 35,000 people across more than 980 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland, and Wales. This includes numerous branches across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.
Globally, the Lidl group is a retail giant, with over 382,400 employees, around 12,600 stores, and more than 230 logistics centres operating across 31 countries. The UK arm prides itself on providing high-quality products at low prices from locations spanning from Kirkwall in Scotland to the Isle of Wight.
