Are shops open on Christmas and Boxing Day?
12/16/2024 08:56 AM
CHRISTMAS is the busiest time of any retailer’s year.
However, many high-street chains will be reducing their hours over Christmas to give their hard-working staff a well-earned break. So when is your favourite store closing its doors?
Tesco
Tesco is always popular in the run-up to Christmas as shoppers look to snap up Clubcard deals.
However, you’ll need to get to the shop before it closes early on December 24 and stays closed until December 26.
The shop will also operate under reduced hours on January 1, 2025.
Asda
Most Asda branches will close at 7pm on Christmas Eve and will reopen on Boxing Day.
They will close early on New Year’s Day too, at 6pm.
Shoppers are advised to use the store locator tool on Asda’s website to check their local shop’s opening hours.
Aldi
Aldi is the perennial favourite of British shoppers, thanks to its shockingly low prices.
The shop will close early on Christmas Eve and will only reopen on December 27, so that their workers can spend time with their families.
Aldi will then close early on New Year’s Eve and will not reopen until January 2, 2025.
Lidl
Ahead of the Christmas period, Lidl announced their plans to make shopping even easier.
Their Lidl Plus app will tell customers when they should shop if they would like to avoid the huge crowds.
Most Lidl branches outside of the M25 will be shut for Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Opening times for Lidl in London may differ so check the app for more information.
Co-op
Co-op will be open until 8pm on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
However, all of their stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
They will also have reduced hours on Boxing Day and will only welcome customers until 7pm.
Waitrose
Waitrose is known for its luxury food and even holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirit Merchants to The King.
Ahead of the busy Christmas period, the supermarket revealed their changed opening times.
They said: "All our shops will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with the exception of certain Shell sites.
“For New Year's Day, some shops will be opening as normal for trading with reduced hours."
Morrisons
Morrisons is known for its low prices and high quality food.
The supermarket will close its doors on Christmas Day but will remain open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day (albeit with reduced hours).
Some of McColl’s stores – which are now owned by Morrisons – might be staying open on Christmas Day.
Ask for more details in your local branch.
Asda
Most branches of Asda will be closed on Christmas Day.
They will also be closing at 7pm on Christmas Eve and 6pm on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Some of their stores may stay open for 24 hours but it is important to check with your local shop ahead of time.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s will only fully close on Christmas Day and will be open to customers on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
The supermarket will also remain open on New Year’s Day.
However, check the Sainsbury’s app for more information as local shops may operate under different hours.
M&S
M&S has made a name for itself through its high-end food and fashion-forward clothing.
The high-street favourite will close at 7pm on Christmas Eve and will not reopen until December 27.
M&S will also give its workers some time off on New Year’s Day, when it will shut once again.
Home Bargains
Home Bargains was the first chain to confirm its Christmas opening hours in 2024.
The budget-friendly shop confirmed that it will close at 5pm on Christmas Eve and will remain closed until December 27.
The store will also close on New Year’s Day.
Home Bargains was first launched in Liverpool and grew to over 600 stores in the UK.
B&Q
B&Q shoppers hoping to do some DIY may be disappointed to hear that their favourite shop will be closing at 4pm on Christmas Eve.
The store will remain closed until the day after Boxing Day.
However, anyone looking to do some DIY in the new year will be happy to know that B&Q will be open on January 1, 2025 (albeit with reduced hours).
Ikea
Ikea has become legendary for its easy-to-assemble furniture and quirky approach to design.
The Swedish store will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will reopen on Boxing Day.
Ikea will also remain open on New Year’s Day.
Screwfix
Screwfix have announced that they will be closed in all UK countries on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
They also confirmed that they would open under reduced hours on New Year’s Eve and would be closed entirely on New Year’s Day.
However, some of their London stores will have extended hours.
