After the Christmas Day feast, many households across the UK will be looking to restock their fridges and cupboards. For those in need of last-minute supplies or hoping to grab some seasonal bargains, knowing which shops are open the day after Christmas is essential.
Which Major Supermarkets Are Closed on Boxing Day?
Several leading grocery chains have confirmed they will give their staff a complete break on Friday, 26 December 2025. Aldi has announced it will not open any of its stores on Boxing Day. Rebecca Heley, Communications Director at Aldi, emphasised the company's commitment to its staff, stating the closure allows colleagues time to relax with loved ones during the special festive period.
Similarly, Lidl will keep all its branches shut. The discount retailer advised customers to use its online store finder or the Lidl Plus app for the most accurate local information, though no stores will trade.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) stores will also be closed to shoppers. Operations Director Jayne Wall noted the importance of Christmas at M&S and expressed gratitude for employees' hard work. Some staff will still be working behind closed doors to prepare for re-opening on Saturday, 27 December.
Most Waitrose shops will be closed, though a small number will operate solely to fulfil orders placed through Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat platforms.
Revised Opening Hours for Open Supermarkets
Shoppers will find that many major supermarkets are open for business, but with significantly reduced trading hours compared to a standard day.
Tesco will open its larger stores from 9am until 6pm. Its smaller Tesco Express convenience outlets will have slightly longer hours, trading from 9am to 7pm. The company urges customers to check specific timings for their local store online, as some smaller locations may differ.
Asda will also operate reduced hours, with stores open between 9am and 6pm across the country.
Sainsbury's supermarkets will follow a similar pattern, opening from 9am to 6pm. However, hours for Sainsbury's Local convenience stores may vary, so checking ahead is recommended.
Morrisons stores in England and Wales will be open from 9am to 6pm. In Scotland, branches will trade from 8:30am until 6:30pm. The chain advises using its Store Finder tool for precise local details.
The Co-op will open its supermarkets from 10am to 7pm, while its convenience stores will open an hour earlier at 9am, closing at 7pm. The business reminded shoppers that hours can vary during bank holidays.
Planning Your Essential Boxing Day Shop
With a clear split between stores that are closed and those operating on limited hours, planning is key for anyone needing essentials on 26 December. The overarching advice from all retailers is to always check the specific opening times for your nearest branch before travelling.
This can easily be done via supermarket websites or their dedicated store locator apps. This simple step can save a wasted journey and ensure you can pick up everything you need during the festive break.
