As the festive season reaches its climax, UK shoppers are making their final preparations for New Year celebrations. With Christmas Day now behind us, attention turns to stocking up for parties and quiet nights in. Major supermarket chains have announced their adjusted trading hours for the pivotal dates of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, with significant variations between larger stores and local convenience outlets.
Key Supermarket Schedules for New Year's Eve
On Tuesday, 31st December 2025, most major supermarkets will operate reduced hours to allow staff to celebrate. However, shoppers will still have ample opportunity to grab essentials and celebratory fare.
Tesco will open its large stores from 6am until 7pm, while its smaller Express stores will welcome customers for longer, from 7am until 10pm.
Asda and Morrisons have aligned their hours, both trading from 7am to 7pm. Sainsbury's main supermarkets will open from 10am to 7pm, but its convenience network will start much earlier at 6am, closing at 9pm.
Discounters Aldi and Lidl will both be open from 8am until 6pm. Marks and Spencer will also trade from 8am to 7pm. Waitrose has confirmed it will be open, though shoppers are advised to check local branch times. The Co-op will see its stores close at 7pm, with convenience shops operating from 6am or 7am until 8pm.
New Year's Day Opening Arrangements
Wednesday, 1st January 2026, sees a more mixed picture, with several retailers choosing to remain closed for the bank holiday.
Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, and Marks and Spencer will all be closed for New Year's Day.
For those needing supplies, Tesco will open its large stores from 9am to 6pm, with Express stores open from 8am until 10pm. Sainsbury's main stores will operate from 8am to 8pm, with convenience stores open 9am to 9pm.
Asda and Morrisons will both be open from 9am until 6pm. The Co-op will open its stores from 10am to 7pm, while its convenience outlets will trade from 9am to 8pm.
Planning Your Essential Shop
These altered schedules highlight the importance of planning your grocery run in advance during the holiday period. While convenience stores and smaller formats often offer longer hours, larger stores provide fuller ranges. Shoppers are urged to check their local store's exact times via retailer websites or apps, as there can be exceptions, particularly in Scotland where trading laws differ.
The festive period always brings a shift in retail patterns, and this year is no exception. With these timings in mind, you can ensure your fridge is stocked and your New Year celebrations go off without a hitch.
