Stores Open on Christmas Day in the UK – 25 December
Happy Christmas! Today, Thursday 25 December 2025, is a major bank holiday across the UK, and under trading laws (especially in England and Wales), large shops over 280 square metres must close. This means virtually all major supermarkets, department stores, and high street retailers are shut for the day, giving staff precious time with family. Big chains observe this fully, but a few essentials like small convenience outlets, petrol stations, and pharmacies may still be available for urgent needs such as milk, snacks, batteries, fuel, or medicines.
Here's the up-to-date breakdown based on confirmed policies:
Major Supermarkets: Fully Closed Today
No large grocery shopping today — the key chains are all shut:
- Tesco — All main supermarkets, Extra, and Superstores closed nationwide.
- Sainsbury's — All supermarkets and most convenience stores closed.
- Asda — Larger superstores closed (some petrol station-linked Express may vary).
- Aldi — All stores closed.
- Lidl — All stores closed.
- Morrisons — All larger stores closed.
- Marks & Spencer (M&S) — All main stores and food halls closed.
- Waitrose — Most stores closed (rare exceptions at some motorway services).
- Co-op — Most branches closed (some small convenience may differ locally).
- Iceland — Closed.
Stock up completely by Christmas Eve (24 December), when many stores extended hours into the evening!
What’s Still Open? Essentials & Allowed Exceptions
Options focus on small-format, exempt, or essential services (hours often reduced — always check locally via store locators, apps, or phone calls):
- Petrol stations & forecourt shops — Many BP, Shell, Esso, and independent sites stay open (often 24/7 or extended) for fuel, plus snacks, drinks, milk, ice, batteries, and basics. These are one of the most reliable options!
- Convenience stores & corner shops — Small independents, some Tesco Express, Sainsbury's Local, Asda Express, or Co-op branches under 280m² may open (limited hours, e.g., mornings to afternoon). Many choose to close, so verify your local one.
- Pharmacies — Rota systems mean select Boots, local independents, or others open for prescriptions, painkillers, and health essentials (check NHS pharmacy finder for your area — coverage is patchy).
- Motorway service stations — Required to operate 24/7 year-round (e.g., Welcome Break, Moto). Expect forecourts, travel shops, and limited convenience retail open, though food outlets may have reduced hours.
- Fast food & takeaways — Some McDonald's, KFC, Greggs (in services), or independents may trade, especially in travel hubs or urban areas. Apps often show real-time openings.
- Small specialist shops — Rare independents (e.g., some bakeries or local stores) might open, but this is very location-specific.
Major shopping centres, The Range, B&Q, Argos, and similar big retailers are all closed. No large bottle shops or department stores today.
Quick Tips for Today’s Shoppers
- Plan ahead — Complete your main shop by Christmas Eve to avoid stress.
- Check locally first — Use store apps, websites, Google Maps ("open now"), or call ahead — hours vary hugely by location and owner.
- Regional notes — Rules are strictest in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have similar patterns but fewer large-store restrictions.
- Stay safe & enjoy — Prioritise family time, and if you're out, drive carefully!
Looking Forward: Boxing Day (26 December)
Most major stores reopen tomorrow! Expect sales and deals — supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons typically open from around 9am (some earlier), though hours may be reduced. Aldi, Lidl, and M&S often stay closed on Boxing Day in many areas. Shopping centres usually reopen too.
