As the festive season reaches its peak, shoppers across the UK are making their final preparations. With bustling aisles and packed trolleys becoming the norm, knowing when you can visit your local supermarket is crucial. All major supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day itself, so any last-minute supplies must be bought in advance.
Major Supermarket Festive Opening Hours
To help you navigate the holiday period, we have compiled the essential opening times for the nation's leading grocery chains. Planning ahead is key to avoiding disappointment.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda Schedules
Tesco will keep its main stores shut on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, they will open from 9am until 6pm, while Express stores will trade from 9am to 7pm. For New Year's Eve, main stores are open 6am to 7pm, with Express stores extending hours from 7am to 10pm. On New Year's Day, main stores open 9am-6pm, and Express stores from 8am to 10pm.
Sainsbury's follows a similar pattern, closed on Christmas Day. Boxing Day sees main stores open 9am-6pm, with convenience stores open longer, from 9am to 9pm. On New Year's Eve, main stores are open 10am-7pm (convenience stores 6am-9pm). For New Year's Day, main stores operate from 8am to 8pm, and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm.
Asda will also be closed on the 25th of December. Its Boxing Day hours run from 9am to 6pm. On New Year's Eve, stores will welcome customers from 7am until 7pm, and on New Year's Day, from 9am to 6pm.
Aldi, Lidl, and Other Key Retailers
The discount supermarkets have more limited openings. Both Aldi and Lidl will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. They will, however, open on New Year's Eve from 8am until 6pm.
Morrisons mirrors Asda's schedule: closed Christmas Day, then open 9am-6pm on Boxing Day, 7am-7pm on New Year's Eve, and 9am-6pm on New Year's Day.
Co-op stores will be shut on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, most stores open 10am-7pm, though convenience stores may open from 9am. For New Year's Eve, standard stores are open until 7pm, with convenience stores opening from 6am or 7am until 8pm. New Year's Day hours are 10am-7pm (convenience stores 9am-8pm).
Marks and Spencer food halls will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. They will trade on New Year's Eve from 8am to 7pm.
Waitrose will close its main stores on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day, with the exception of its Welcome Break service stations and Shell forecourts. Stores will be open on New Year's Eve.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and hours can vary by location. It is always wise to check your local store's website for the most accurate and specific information before you travel. With this guide, you can plan your essential trips and ensure your festive celebrations are fully stocked.
