As the festive season reaches its peak, shoppers across the UK are making their final preparations. Knowing when your local supermarket is open is crucial for grabbing those last-minute essentials or taking advantage of seasonal deals. Major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose have all announced adjusted trading hours for the Christmas and New Year period.
Operating times can vary significantly between different store formats and locations, so it's always wise to double-check with your local branch using their online store finder. Remember to show appreciation for the hard-working staff keeping the shelves stocked during this exceptionally busy time.
Major Supermarket Schedules for Christmas 2025
Here is a detailed breakdown of the festive opening hours for the UK's leading supermarket chains. All stores will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25.
Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Asda
Sainsbury's will see most of its larger stores open from 6am to 7pm on Christmas Eve. Its convenience stores may stay open slightly longer, until 9pm. On Boxing Day, main supermarkets will trade from 9am to 6pm, with convenience stores typically open 9am to 9pm. For New Year's Eve, larger stores are likely to be open 10am-7pm, and on New Year's Day from 8am to 8pm.
Waitrose has confirmed that only a select few stores at Welcome Break service stations will maintain regular hours on Christmas Day. Most branches will be closed on Boxing Day, with a handful open for Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat orders only. On New Year's Day, most shops will again be open for delivery orders via these platforms.
Several Asda outlets will operate from 5am to 7pm on Christmas Eve and from 9am to 6pm on Boxing Day. For the New Year, some stores will open 7am-7pm on New Year's Eve and 9am-6pm on New Year's Day. Asda advises customers to check locally as times will vary.
Tesco, M&S, and Morrisons
Shoppers can expect many Tesco supermarkets to be open from 6am to 7pm on Christmas Eve, while Tesco Express branches may trade from 7am until 10pm. On Boxing Day, most Tesco supermarkets will reopen from 9am to 6pm, with Express stores from 9am to 7pm. For New Year's Eve, hours mirror Christmas Eve, and on New Year's Day, main stores will be open 9am-6pm, with Express potentially open 8am-10pm.
Most M&S stores will be open from 6am to 7pm on Christmas Eve. The vast majority of branches are expected to be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On New Year's Eve, stores will open at 8am and close early at 7pm, before remaining closed throughout New Year's Day.
Morrisons opening times on Christmas Eve will differ by location, with most stores operating between 6am and 6pm. All will be closed on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, most will run from 9am until 6pm. For New Year's Eve, stores are scheduled for 7am-7pm, returning to a 9am-6pm timetable on New Year's Day.
Discount Retailers and Convenience Stores
Lidl has confirmed a detailed schedule: stores will be open from 7am to 10pm from Saturday, December 20 through to Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24). They will then be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. On New Year's Eve (Wednesday, December 31), hours are 8am to 6pm, with stores closed on New Year's Day.
Aldi has confirmed closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Many branches will open on Christmas Eve from 7am to 6pm, and on New Year's Eve from 8am to 6pm, though these times may vary by store.
The Co-op has noted that many stores will have shorter hours over the bank holidays. On Christmas Eve, some supermarkets will close at 7pm, while convenience stores could be open 6am-8pm. All are shut on Christmas Day, with many open 10am-7pm on Boxing Day. Most will close early at 7pm on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
With schedules subject to last-minute changes, using each supermarket's official online store finder is the most reliable way to confirm precise times for your local shop. Planning ahead will ensure a smoother and less stressful festive shopping experience.
