As December unfolds its festive season in the UK, understanding supermarket schedules becomes paramount for smooth holiday shopping. With Christmas and New Year’s around the corner, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on bank holidays and opening times for major supermarkets.
Here are the general opening hours for major UK supermarkets over the Christmas period:
- Christmas Eve: 6am to 6pm
- Christmas Day: Closed
- Boxing Day: Closed
- Tuesday, December 27: 8am to 8pm
- Wednesday, December 28: 8am to 8pm
- Thursday, December 29: 8am to 8pm
- Friday, December 30: 8am to 8pm
- New Year’s Eve: 7am to 7pm
- New Year’s Day: 10am to 4pm
Please note that these are just general guidelines, and individual stores may vary. It is always best to check with your local supermarket for their specific opening hours.
Bank Holidays in December
The UK observes three bank holidays during the festive season – Christmas Day (25th Dec), Boxing Day (26th Dec), and New Year’s Day (1st Jan), with Scotland enjoying an extra day on 2nd Jan. On these dates, supermarkets may close or operate on reduced hours. Prioritize checking their official websites or using tools like Store Locator and Opening Times for accurate details and convenience.
Supermarket Opening Times in December
Supermarkets exhibit varying opening times based on factors like location, store size, and demand. Here’s an insight into popular supermarkets:
Tesco
Tesco’s array of stores caters to diverse needs. Expect Tesco Express and Tesco Metro to boast longer hours than Tesco Superstore and Tesco Extra. Key dates: Christmas Eve – most close at 7 pm, except Tesco Express and Tesco Metro (10 pm). Christmas Day – all closed. Boxing Day – most open 10 am to 5 pm, Tesco Express and Tesco Metro (8 am to 10 pm). New Year’s Eve – most close at 7 pm, Tesco Express and Tesco Metro (10 pm). New Year’s Day – most open 10 am to 5 pm, Tesco Express and Tesco Metro (8 am to 10 pm).
Asda
Asda’s diverse store types include Supermarket, supercenters, Living, and Petrol. General trends include Christmas Eve closing at 7 pm (Supermarket and Supercentre at 8 pm), Christmas Day closure, Boxing Day hours ranging from 9 am to 6 pm (Supermarket and Supercentre at 8 am to 8 pm), New Year’s Eve closing at 7 pm (Supermarket and Supercentre at 8 pm), and New Year’s Day opening from 10 am to 5 pm (Supermarket and Supercentre at 9 am to 6 pm).
Aldi
Aldi adopts a uniform store format with all branches sharing the same opening times. Expect Christmas Eve closure at 6 pm, Christmas Day closure, Boxing Day closure, New Year’s Eve closure at 6 pm, and New Year’s Day closure.
Lidl
Lidl echoes Aldi’s store format, ensuring identical opening times. On Christmas Eve, doors close at 6 pm, followed by closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve (6 pm), and New Year’s Day.
Morrisons
Morrisons spans various store types like Local, Daily, Supermarket, and Market Street. Notable times include Christmas Eve closing at 6 pm (Local and Daily at 10 pm), Christmas Day closure, Boxing Day opening from 9 am to 6 pm (Local and Daily at 7 am to 10 pm), New Year’s Eve closing at 6 pm (Local and Daily at 10 pm), and New Year’s Day opening from 9 am to 6 pm (Local and Daily at 7 am to 10 pm).
Supermarket Special Offers in December
Embrace the spirit of December with a sleigh-full of special offers and discounts generously sprinkled across supermarkets, turning your seasonal shopping into a merry affair. Let’s explore the treasure trove of deals awaiting you:
Tesco: Unveiling a Wonderland of Savings
Tesco, a retail haven, beckons with enticing offers – envision half-price delights on selected Christmas food, the joy of 3 for 2 on chosen Christmas gifts, a festive 25% off on 6 or more bottles of wine, and the allure of Clubcard prices on select items. Savvy shoppers can amass Clubcard points and vouchers, elevating the art of savings to new heights.
Asda: Where Savings Meet Celebration
Asda paints December with savings galore, offering rollback prices on handpicked Christmas food, the charm of 3 for 2 on selected Christmas gifts, a delightful 25% off on 6 or more bottles of wine, and the added perk of George Rewards on selected items. For a queue-free experience, the Asda app comes to the rescue, allowing you to scan and pay for your shopping seamlessly.
Aldi: Unwrap Unbeatable Deals
Aldi, the epitome of affordability, unwraps an array of offers, including special buys on chosen Christmas essentials, from delectable food to thoughtful gifts and decorations. Everyday amazing prices on selected items and Aldi vouchers on specific magazines sweeten the deal. Navigate this bargain wonderland effortlessly with the Aldi app, offering online browsing, shopping, and free delivery on orders exceeding £30.
Lidl: Elevate Your Shopping Experience
Lidl, your pocket-friendly destination, unveils weekly deals on Christmas essentials, featuring food, drinks, gifts, and decorations. The pick of the week on selected items and Lidl Plus rewards add an extra layer of joy to your shopping journey. Maximise your savings with the Lidl app, unlocking exclusive discounts, coupons, and the excitement of a scratch card with every purchase.
Morrisons: A Symphony of Savings
Morrisons orchestrates a symphony of savings, introducing a price crunch on selected Christmas indulgences. Revel in 3 for 2 delights on chosen Christmas gifts, a festive 25% off on 6 or more bottles of wine, and the allure of Morrisons More points on selected items. For a seamless experience, the Morrisons app beckons, enabling online orders with free delivery on orders surpassing £40.
Here are some tips for planning your supermarket shopping during the Christmas period:
- Plan ahead and do your main shopping early. This will help you avoid the crowds and last-minute stress.
- Stock up on non-perishable items that you will need over the Christmas period. This will save you time and money.
- Check your local supermarket’s website or app for their latest opening hours. This will help you avoid any surprises.
- Be prepared for crowds. The supermarkets will be busier than usual over the Christmas period.
- Be patient and understanding. Supermarket staff will be working hard to serve everyone as quickly as possible.
Read More: Guide to the Best Christmas Gift Ideas for 2023 in the UK