Shoppers across the UK can now finalise their festive plans as Tesco confirms its operating schedule for the crucial Christmas and New Year period. The supermarket giant has released detailed opening times for its network of large stores and smaller Express outlets, ensuring customers know exactly when they can visit.
Tesco's Christmas Schedule: Key Dates and Times
The retailer will follow a special timetable over the holidays, with significant adjustments on the main bank holidays. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December 2025, most large Tesco supermarkets will be open from 6am until 7pm. For those needing last-minute essentials, Tesco Express stores will offer extended hours, trading from 7am until 10pm.
As expected, all Tesco stores will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday 25 December, giving staff a well-deserved break. The much-anticipated Boxing Day openings will see main stores welcome customers from 9am to 6pm on Thursday 26 December. Once again, Express stores will provide longer shopping opportunities, operating from 9am to 7pm.
New Year Opening Arrangements
The altered hours continue into the New Year's celebrations. For New Year's Eve, Wednesday 31 December 2025, the standard supermarket hours will mirror Christmas Eve, from 6am to 7pm. Express stores will also repeat their 7am to 10pm schedule.
On New Year's Day, Thursday 1 January 2026, main Tesco stores will open from 9am until 6pm. Tesco Express outlets will have the most generous hours of the holiday period for a major day, trading from 8am right through until 10pm, perfect for those stocking up after the celebrations.
Planning Your Essential Festive Shops
These confirmed hours allow households to plan their grocery shopping strategically around family commitments and celebrations. The pattern shows that while larger stores have reduced hours on the bank holidays, the convenience-focused Express network provides crucial extended access, especially on evenings and New Year's Day.
Customers are advised to check their local store's page on the Tesco website for any last-minute local variations, though the times released are expected to be consistent nationwide. With this schedule, Tesco aims to balance customer convenience with providing its staff with time off during the core holiday periods.
