Food & Grocery Stores Open on Boxing Day (26 December 2025) in the UK 

Boxing Day (26 December) is a bank holiday across the entire United Kingdom. While many high street retailers, department stores, and non-essential shops remain closed or operate with significantly reduced hours, most supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies stay open to serve the public.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect from major food and grocery retailers on Boxing Day 2025 in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Major Supermarkets – Open with Adjusted Hours

The majority of large supermarket chains operate on Boxing Day, though with shorter trading hours than usual (typically 8am–8pm or 9am–7pm, depending on the store and location).

• Tesco Most Extra, Superstore, and Metro stores open. Many smaller Express stores also open. Typical hours: 8:00am – 7:00pm or 9:00am – 6:00pm (varies by store). Check the Tesco store locator for exact times.
• Sainsbury’s Most larger stores open on Boxing Day. Typical hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm or 9:00am – 7:00pm. Smaller Local and Central stores may have reduced hours or remain closed in some areas.
• Asda Most Asda supermarkets open. Typical hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm (some stores open earlier or close earlier). Use the Asda store finder for specific locations.
• Morrisons Majority of stores open. Typical hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm or 7:00pm (many stores close earlier than usual).
• Aldi Most stores open. Typical hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm (some locations 10:00am start).
• Lidl Most stores open. Typical hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm or 9:00am – 7:00pm.
• Waitrose Most branches open. Typical hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm or 7:00pm (reduced hours common).
• Co-op Many Co-op stores open, especially in urban and residential areas. Hours vary significantly by location — often 7:00am – 10:00pm or shorter.
• Iceland Most stores open. Typical hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm.

Convenience Stores & 24-Hour Options – Widely Open

• Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local, Morrisons Daily, One Stop, Budgens, Spar, Nisa, Premier, and independent corner shops — Generally open, often with normal or extended hours.
• Costco — Most warehouses open with regular hours (usually 10:00am start).
• Marks & Spencer Foodhalls — Many food-only locations open with reduced hours.

Pharmacies – Open for Essential Needs

• Boots, Superdrug, LloydsPharmacy, and independent chemists — Many branches open with reduced hours. Larger Boots and Superdrug stores in shopping centres often open 9:00am – 6:00pm or similar.

What’s Typically Closed or Very Limited on Boxing Day?

• Many city/town centre shops, department stores (John Lewis, Debenhams-style stores), and smaller high street retailers remain closed.
• Some rural or smaller supermarket branches may choose to close.
• Petrol stations with attached convenience stores usually remain open.

Important Note: Boxing Day opening hours can vary significantly even within the same chain depending on location, local management decisions, and whether the store is in a large retail park or high street. Always check your specific store using the official website/app store locator or by calling ahead.

Shopping Tip: Boxing Day is one of the biggest sale days of the year in the UK. Supermarkets often offer excellent deals on festive leftovers, party food, alcohol, chocolates, and clearance items.