While many Britons enjoy the holiday festivities on December 26th, UK supermarkets follow varied opening schedules for Boxing Day shopping.
The major chains have established distinct patterns for the 2025 holiday season, with some maintaining limited operations while others close completely to give staff time off.
Tesco plans to open its superstores from 9am to 6pm on Boxing Day, while Express locations will operate slightly longer hours from 9am to 7pm.
These reduced hours represent a significant cutback from normal operating times, with a similar pattern expected for New Year’s Day.
Sainsbury’s will match Tesco‘s superstore hours of 9am to 6pm, though its convenience stores will remain open until 9pm, providing additional shopping time for last-minute needs.
Some locations may vary slightly, with reports of 8am to 8pm schedules at select sites.
Asda and Morrisons both plan to operate their stores from 9am to 6pm on December 26th, maintaining consistent hours across most UK locations.
Both chains will follow similar reduced schedules for New Year’s Day, with variations occurring primarily on Christmas Eve. All major supermarkets maintain altered trading hours throughout the holiday season, starting from Christmas Eve.
In contrast, Lidl and Aldi have opted to close all stores on Boxing Day.
Lidl will shutter most locations nationwide, with some exceptions outside London and Wales, while Aldi will close all branches across the UK without exception. Aldi’s decision reflects their commitment to providing staff rest during the holiday season.
Both discount retailers will resume normal operations on December 27th, with Aldi stores opening from 8am to 8pm on this date.
M&S joins the trend of complete Boxing Day closures, with all foodhalls and most stores remaining shut.
However, some M&S petrol locations may operate limited hours for essential purchases.
The Co-op takes a middle approach, with convenience stores open from 9am to 7pm or 10am to 7pm, depending on location.
Waitrose generally aligns with the full-closure approach, similar to Aldi and M&S, providing employees with an extended holiday break before resuming normal hours after Boxing Day.
