Shoppers across the UK are being urged to plan ahead as Sainsbury's confirms its festive trading schedule. The supermarket giant, which has enlisted the BFG for its 2025 Christmas advertising campaign, will operate reduced hours over the key holiday dates.
Sainsbury's Festive Opening Hours: Key Dates
The detailed schedule reveals a mix of early closures and special arrangements to allow staff time off during the Christmas period. The main changes affect both large supermarkets and smaller Sainsbury's Local convenience stores.
On Christmas Eve, Wednesday 24 December 2025, most Sainsbury's supermarkets will be open from 6am until 7pm. For those needing last-minute essentials, Sainsbury's Local stores will offer extended service, staying open until 9pm.
As expected, all Sainsbury's stores will be closed on Christmas Day. The chain will reopen on Boxing Day, Friday 26 December, with supermarkets trading from 9am to 6pm. Once again, convenience stores will provide longer hours, remaining open until 9pm.
New Year Opening Arrangements
The schedule for the New Year period also features adjusted timings. On New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31 December 2025, supermarkets will open from 10am to 7pm. Sainsbury's Local stores will open at the earlier time of 6am and close at 9pm.
For New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January 2026, supermarkets will operate from 8am to 8pm. Local convenience stores will run from 9am to 9pm, giving customers ample opportunity to stock up after the celebrations.
Planning Your Essential Shops
These altered hours are standard across the UK retail sector during the festive season. Customers are advised to check their local store's exact details via the Sainsbury's store locator, as there may be minor variations in some locations.
The announcement of the hours coincides with the launch of Sainsbury's 2025 Christmas advert, which features a festive twist on Roald Dahl's beloved character, the BFG. The advert marks the continuation of the supermarket's high-profile seasonal marketing campaigns.
With the confirmed schedule, shoppers can now effectively plan their grocery trips, ensuring they have all the necessary supplies for Christmas dinners, Boxing Day leftovers, and New Year gatherings without facing unexpected closed doors.
