Major UK supermarkets have now confirmed their festive opening schedules for Christmas 2025, helping shoppers avoid a last-minute panic. While all large stores will grant their staff a well-deserved break by closing on Christmas Day, many will operate on the surrounding days for essential purchases.
Key Festive Dates and Store Closures
It is crucial to remember that opening times can vary significantly depending on the retailer and the specific location of the store. Shoppers are strongly advised to check their local branch's details online before making a special trip. The information provided here is based on current announcements and was correct at the time of writing.
All major supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December. This includes Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Lidl, Iceland, M&S Food, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose. Most chains will resume their normal hours from Thursday 2 January 2025.
Supermarket-by-Supermarket Guide for 2025
Here is a detailed breakdown of the announced hours for the key festive dates. Remember that local convenience stores, especially those run by Co-op, may have extended or different hours.
Aldi
Christmas Eve (24 Dec): 7am - 6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
New Year's Eve (31 Dec): 8am - 6pm
New Year's Day: Closed
Asda
Christmas Eve: 5am - 7pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 9am - 6pm
New Year's Eve: 7am - 7pm
New Year's Day: 9am - 6pm
Co-op
Larger stores on Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve: 7am - 8pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day & New Year's Day: 10am - 7pm
Lidl
Christmas Eve: Normal hours
Christmas Day & New Year's Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed in England & Wales; limited hours in Scotland
New Year's Eve: 8am-6pm (England & Wales), 8am-7pm (Scotland)
Iceland
The chain advises customers to check locally for hours on Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
M&S Food
Christmas Eve: 6am - 7pm
Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year's Day: Closed
Morrisons
Stores will be open throughout the period except for Christmas Day, but hours vary by location. A local check is essential.
Sainsbury's
Christmas Eve: 6am - 7pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 9am - 6pm
New Year's Eve: 10am - 7pm
New Year's Day: 8am - 6pm
Tesco
Extra stores on Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve: Close at 7pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Extra stores open 9am - 6pm
New Year's Day: Extra stores 9am-6pm (England & Wales), 11am-6pm (Scotland)
Waitrose
The retailer has stated that branches will be closed on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Customers must check locally for specific festive hours.
Planning Ahead for a Stress-Free Festive Season
With these varying schedules, planning your essential shopping trips is more important than ever. The consensus across retailers is clear: always verify the opening times of your nearest store via their official website or app before you set out. This simple step can save wasted journeys and ensure you have everything you need to enjoy the holiday period.
The early announcement of these hours allows households across the UK to organise their festive food shopping and other essentials efficiently, minimising disruption during the busy holiday season.
