The festive season is well underway as December progresses, and attention is already shifting toward Boxing Day traditions once Christmas passes. With only 20 days to go until the 26th, high streets are set to fill with shoppers chasing seasonal deals and picking up extra supplies.
Whether it’s restocking after Christmas dinner or grabbing the usual bread and milk, multiple visits are likely before the month ends. As many of us are aware, supermarkets nationwide often adjust their regular opening hours for Boxing Day, with some choosing to open later, while others remain closed entirely to give staff a well-deserved break. To ensure no one finds themselves without essential items this year, we’ve compiled the confirmed opening hours for supermarkets across the UK during Boxing Day.
Tesco
Tesco stores will open on Boxing Day from 9am until 6pm, while Express branches are scheduled to trade slightly longer, from 9am until 7pm. According to Insider Media, “Tesco opening hours over the festive period from Christmas to New Year’s Day vary depending on the store and its location”.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s supermarkets plan to open on Boxing Day between 9am and 6pm, and their convenience stores will remain open later, running from 9am until 9pm. However, the official website warned: “Our opening times over the bank holiday, will vary dependent on each store.”
Aldi
Aldi will not open any of its stores on Boxing Day, giving staff the entire day off. Rebecca Heley, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is a special time, and we want to ensure all of our colleagues have the opportunity to relax and enjoy it with their loved ones. That’s why all Aldi stores will be closed on Boxing Day this year.”
Lidl
Lidl stores will also remain fully closed on Boxing Day, with no branches operating that day. A spokesperson from Lidl shared: “Most stores will also remain closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, but customers are encouraged to check their local store’s opening hours on the online store finder or through the Lidl Plus app.”
Asda
Asda is set to open on Boxing Day, with stores trading from 9am until 6pm.
Co-op
Co-op stores will open on Boxing Day from 10am to 7pm, and their convenience sites will operate from 9am to 7pm. The store stated: “During bank holidays and special times of year some of our stores may open later and close earlier than normal.”
Waitrose
Waitrose will not open any of its main stores on Boxing Day, although a small number of Welcome Break and Shell-linked locations may continue trading.
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer will keep all of its stores closed on Boxing Day. According to the Guardian, Jayne Wall, operations director for M&S, said: “Christmas at M&S is very special and we are grateful to our hardworking colleagues who make our stores great places for our customers to shop.
“Like most retailers, we always have some colleagues in our stores and depots on Boxing Day to help reset. However, this year we will have more colleagues working than previously so we are in great shape to welcome customers on December 27.”
Morrisons
Morrisons is expected to follow last year’s Boxing Day pattern, with stores in England and Wales likely opening from 9am to 6pm, and Scottish branches operating from around 8.30am until 6.30pm.
