As the festive frenzy reaches its peak, UK shoppers are making their final dashes to the supermarket aisles. With Christmas Day fast approaching, knowing when your local store shuts its doors is crucial for anyone still needing to grab those last-minute sprouts, parsnips, or a forgotten bottle of brandy butter.
Key Festive Dates for Major Supermarkets
Most of the nation's major supermarket chains will operate reduced trading hours on Christmas Eve, with the vast majority remaining firmly closed on Christmas Day itself to allow staff to enjoy the holiday. Hours then vary significantly for Boxing Day and the New Year period. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your essential trips.
Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda Schedules
Tesco will welcome customers from 6am until 7pm on Christmas Eve, though its Express stores will stay open later, until 10pm. All branches are closed on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, main stores open from 9am to 6pm.
Sainsbury's follows a similar pattern, with main stores open 6am to 7pm on the 24th, while its convenience stores trade until 9pm. After the Christmas Day closure, Boxing Day hours are 9am to 6pm for larger stores.
Asda gets an early start on Christmas Eve, opening at 5am and closing at 7pm. Its Boxing Day hours run from 9am until 6pm.
Discounters Aldi and Lidl: Shorter Festive Hours
The discount supermarkets are adopting more limited schedules. Both Aldi and Lidl will be open from 7am to 6pm on Christmas Eve. Notably, both chains will then be closed for both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They will reopen on New Year's Eve from 8am to 6pm.
Other Major Retailers: M&S, Morrisons, Co-op and Waitrose
Marks and Spencer plans hours from 6am to 7pm on the 24th, closing for both Christmas and Boxing Day. Morrisons says the majority of its stores will trade between 6am and 6pm on Christmas Eve, reopening at 9am on Boxing Day.
Co-op convenience stores will be a key resource, with many open from 6am or 7am until 8pm on Christmas Eve and from 9am on Boxing Day. Waitrose will be open on Christmas Eve but closed on Boxing Day, except for stores at Welcome Break service stations and Shell forecourts.
The message for last-minute shoppers is clear: check your local store's specific hours online before you travel, as times can vary for smaller convenience formats and local stores. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure your festive table has everything it needs.
