Christmas Day 2025: UK Opening Hours & Last-Minute Tips
As we approach Christmas 2025, here’s a helpful overview of when all the big supermarkets in the UK are closed and when you should get organised. Use this guide to plan your last-minute food shop and avoid a festive panic.
Major Supermarkets & Their Christmas Day Status
In line with Christmas Day , large supermarkets and major grocery chains across England and Wales will be closed on Christmas Day (25 December 2025).
Here’s a breakdown for the major supermarkets you’re likely familiar with:
| Supermarket | Christmas Day (25 Dec 2025) | Christmas Eve / Other relevant days* |
|---|---|---|
| Tesco | Closed | Christmas Eve: 6 am–7 pm (Express stores may stay open later). Boxing Day: some stores re-open. |
| Sainsbury's | Closed | Christmas Eve: 6 am–7 pm (convenience stores may open to 9 pm). Boxing Day: many stores re-open (9 am–6 pm). |
| Asda | Closed | Christmas Eve: 5 am–7 pm; Boxing Day: opens (usually 9 am–6 pm). |
| Morrisons | Closed | Christmas Eve: early morning–early evening; Boxing Day: re-opens around 9 am–6 pm. |
| Aldi | Closed | Christmas Eve: 7 am–6 pm; many stores closed on Boxing Day. |
| Lidl | Closed | Christmas Eve: 7 am–6 pm; many stores also closed on Boxing Day. |
| Co-op | Closed (large stores) | Smaller convenience-style shops may have more flexible hours — check locally. |
| Waitrose | Closed (majority of branches) | Some motorway-service or Shell forecourt branches may remain open for limited services. |
| Marks & Spencer (M&S Food) | Closed | Christmas Eve: typical hours until early evening; fewer stores reopen until after Boxing Day. |
What to Know Before & After Christmas
- Most major supermarkets shut on Christmas Day, and stay closed on Christmas Eve after evening — meaning 24–25 December is a blackout period for big grocery shopping.
- Convenience-style shops (e.g. smaller “local” or “Express” format stores, petrol-station forecourts, etc.) may have more flexibility but you should check locally.
- After Christmas Day, many supermarkets reopen on Boxing Day (26 December) though hours may be reduced (e.g. 9 am–6 pm).
Tips for a Smooth, Stress-Free Christmas 2025
- Do your main grocery shop before Christmas Eve: ideally a few days earlier to avoid the rush.
- If you need last-minute essentials or forgotten items (medicines, batteries, ingredients, etc.) rely on small convenience-style stores, petrol station shops, or “local” format branches that may be open.
- Check for loyalty schemes: you can check the major loyalty schemes to save here
- Check online store locators for exact local opening times (especially for “Local”, “Express”, or petrol station variants) because hours can differ widely even within the same supermarket brand.
- Plan meals carefully: with supermarkets closed on 25 Dec, it’s safer to have everything ready in advance especially if you host guests or have a traditional Christmas dinner.
- Use Boxing Day for top-up groceries: if you run out of anything, many supermarkets re-open on 26 December (though quieter hours).
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Don’t rely on delivery: Delivery slots are usually full well before Christmas; plus, supermarkets that deliver may not operate on 25 December.
If you live in a smaller town or a rural area:
- Big supermarkets will almost certainly be closed on Christmas Day so don’t count on them for last-minute needs.
- For last minute items your best bet is to check if a local convenience store, petrol station shop, or small supermarket branch is open if those are nearby.
- For a stress-free Christmas: plan ahead, do your food shopping early, and maybe treat Boxing Day as the emergency refill day.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Christmas 2025
Christmas Day 2025 in the UK will see all major supermarkets — from Tesco and Sainsbury’s to Aldi and Asda — closed in line with trading laws, meaning your festive food shop needs to be finished by Christmas Eve. With smaller convenience stores and petrol-station shops being your only backup options, it pays to plan early.
Make your list, check it twice, and shop ahead to avoid the holiday rush. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or simply stocking up for a quiet Christmas at home, being prepared will help you enjoy the day itself: relaxed, well-fed, and completely stress-free.
