Boxing Day often comes with the post-Christmas hustle, leftover cravings, forgotten ingredients, or just the urge to do a quick grocery run. But what many don’t expect is that several UK supermarkets either stay shut or open with reduced hours on 26 December. As festive schedules vary across supermarket chains, it can be frustrating to arrive at a store only to find it closed.
Whether you’re after essentials or planning a spontaneous shopping trip, knowing which supermarkets are open on Boxing Day helps you avoid unnecessary detours. From Tesco to Aldi, and Sainsbury’s to Lidl, this guide outlines who’s open, who’s closed, and what to expect.
With information sourced from trusted UK media and retailer announcements, this post will help you plan your day better and make the most of your holiday time. So before you grab your shopping bags, check below for accurate details and timings.
Why Are Some Supermarkets Closed on Boxing Day in the UK?
Boxing Day has evolved into both a retail event and a day of rest across the UK. Over the last few years, there’s been a growing trend among major supermarkets to close on 26 December to prioritise employee wellbeing.
Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, M&S, and Iceland have made public their commitment to allowing staff an additional day off after the Christmas rush. This decision is widely supported by the public, especially as retail workers often sacrifice personal time during the lead-up to Christmas.
While some brands like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s continue to trade on Boxing Day with reduced hours, others choose to pause operations entirely. The closure isn’t due to a lack of customer demand but rather to acknowledge the mental and physical load on supermarket teams during the busiest season of the year.
These closures are part of a larger shift in how UK retailers view work-life balance. Shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead, check store hours in advance, and understand that more businesses now prioritise people over profits, especially during national holidays.
Which Supermarkets Are Open on Boxing Day?
Not all supermarkets shut their doors on Boxing Day. Several major chains remain open with reduced hours to accommodate those needing last-minute items. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and the Co-op are among the few that continue to trade, although hours differ depending on store format and location.
Some smaller branches or petrol stations may have slightly extended or reduced hours. Tesco typically opens its superstores from 9am to 6pm and Express stores until 7pm. Asda follows a similar schedule with stores open from 9am to 6pm.
Sainsbury’s operates slightly longer from 8am to 8pm. Morrisons keeps to a 9am to 6pm schedule for all locations, and the Co-op varies widely by location but remains one of the more accessible options for local shopping.
Here’s a full breakdown of UK supermarket openings on Boxing Day:
| Supermarket | Status on Boxing Day | Typical Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco | Open | 9am to 6pm (Superstores) 9am to 7pm (Express) | Check store locator for exceptions |
| Asda | Open | 9am to 6pm | Hours may differ slightly by store |
| Sainsbury’s | Open | 8am to 8pm | Applies to most stores nationwide |
| Morrisons | Open | 9am to 6pm | All stores open unless otherwise stated |
| Co-op | Open | Varies by location | Local convenience stores only |
Always confirm timings using official store finders before heading out.
Are Any Co-op Stores Open on Boxing Day?
Yes, many Co-op convenience stores open on Boxing Day, but hours are often shorter than usual. Co-op is one of the few chains that maintains a presence in local communities during the holiday, especially in residential and suburban areas.
While its supermarkets may remain shut or work limited hours, smaller branches continue to operate with flexible holiday schedules.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Most Co-op food stores are open on 26 December
- Opening times vary, usually between 8am and 8pm
- Some stores may open earlier or close later based on demand
- Co-op petrol station shops may also remain operational
- Use the online store locator to check your specific branch
Despite the variability, Co-op remains a reliable option for picking up essentials when other chains are closed. Always verify before heading out as times may change due to local staffing or weather conditions.
Which Supermarkets Are Closed on Boxing Day in the UK?
Several well-known UK supermarket chains close completely on Boxing Day, prioritising staff rest after the busy Christmas period. Aldi leads this list, consistently closing every store nationwide.
Lidl also follows suit, although a few branches within London’s M25 may open. Marks & Spencer’s food halls generally stay closed too, with only limited petrol or travel-based stores open.
Iceland is another major retailer that remains shut on Boxing Day. Waitrose, known for its premium grocery offering, also keeps most of its doors closed during this time. These closures reflect a growing trend in retail, placing people over profits, particularly in the post-Christmas window.
Here’s a quick glance at the major supermarkets not operating on Boxing Day:
| Supermarket | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aldi | Closed | All UK branches shut on 26 December |
| Lidl | Closed | Some London stores may operate limited hours |
| M&S | Closed | Only petrol or travel service stores open |
| Waitrose | Closed | Almost all locations closed |
| Iceland | Closed | No stores open nationwide |
Plan your shopping before Christmas Eve if you rely on these stores.
How to Find Your Local Supermarket’s Boxing Day Hours
Store hours can vary not just by supermarket brand, but also by region and store size. The most reliable way to check whether your local branch is open on Boxing Day is by using the retailer’s store locator tool online. All major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Lidl, Aldi, Co-op, and M&S, publish holiday hours for individual stores.
Simply visit the store’s website or use their mobile app, input your postcode or town, and view exact Boxing Day hours. Most retailers update their festive schedules by mid-December and may issue last-minute changes due to weather or staffing.
It’s recommended to double-check hours on the morning of your planned visit. This reduces the chances of wasted trips and helps you plan effectively around reduced operations. Using locator tools ensures that your trip is both timely and productive.
Other Stores & Places Open on Boxing Day in the UK
While many supermarkets remain closed, several other retailers and eateries are open for Boxing Day. This includes select fast-food outlets, pubs, and high-street favourites.
McDonald’s has limited branches open across the UK, including central London and select Midlands locations. Wetherspoons will open more than 600 pubs on Boxing Day, offering drinks only.
Popular non-grocery retailers such as Primark, Matalan, Superdrug, and Boots also open, often as part of Boxing Day sales. However, store hours can vary based on location and mall guidelines. John Lewis opens only two branches on Boxing Day, one in Westfield Stratford City and another in Manchester Trafford Centre.
| Open on Boxing Day | Notes |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s (selected) | Open in areas like Hackney, Coventry, and Islington |
| Wetherspoons | Drinks only from 11am to 3pm |
| Primark | Most branches open |
| Matalan | Standard opening hours |
| Superdrug | Available in select shopping centres |
| Boots | Select high street stores open |
| B&M | Open nationwide |
| H&M, New Look | Majority open during regular holiday hours |
| John Lewis (2 locations) | Only Westfield Stratford City and Trafford Centre |
Always verify before you go, as opening times are not guaranteed.
Tips for Stress-Free Boxing Day Shopping
Boxing Day can be hectic, with crowds, traffic, and last-minute dashes. To avoid stress and make the most of your time, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re buying essentials or just taking advantage of a quiet supermarket trip, these tips will help streamline your experience.
- Make a shopping list before you leave the house
- Use online store locators to confirm holiday hours
- Visit during early morning hours to avoid crowds
- Look for discounts, but only buy what you truly need
- Use trusted voucher platforms like VoucherCodes for deals
- Bring reusable bags to avoid added charges
- Stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases
Shopping smart means more than finding deals. It’s about saving time, reducing stress, and ensuring your post-holiday errands don’t turn into frustration. The key is preparation.
Conclusion
Boxing Day shopping doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By knowing which supermarkets are open and which are closed, you can avoid the hassle and plan your day efficiently. While Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Co-op offer shopping options, others like Aldi, Lidl, and M&S give their teams a well-deserved break.
Use store locators, go early, and shop mindfully. Whether you’re after essentials or just popping out for something you missed, having the right information ensures you won’t be caught out by unexpected closures. Take a few minutes to plan, and you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the holiday with less stress.
FAQs
Is Tesco open on Boxing Day in the UK?
Yes, Tesco is open on Boxing Day with reduced hours. Most superstores open from 9am to 6pm, and Express stores close at 7pm.
Are all supermarkets closed on Boxing Day in the UK?
No, several supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons remain open. Others such as Aldi and Lidl are closed.
What time does Asda open on Boxing Day?
Asda typically opens from 9am to 6pm on Boxing Day. Times may vary by store and location.
Why do some UK supermarkets close on Boxing Day?
Retailers close to give staff rest after Christmas and support work-life balance. It’s part of a growing trend in UK retail policy.
How can I check if my local Co-op is open on Boxing Day?
Use Co-op’s store locator online or via their app. Enter your postcode to see opening hours for your branch.
Is Aldi ever open on Boxing Day in the UK?
No, Aldi closes all its stores on both Christmas and Boxing Day. Stores reopen on 27 December.
Are any late-night supermarkets open on Boxing Day?
Most supermarkets close early, but some Co-op and Tesco Express branches may stay open until 10pm depending on location.
