Customers planning ahead are urged to check the upcoming schedule and the exact times for their nearest store
With the kids heading back to school and fall approaching, a lot of shoppers are already looking forward to winter and Christmas. Customers who like to get a jump on their holiday plans will want to know when the shops will be closing – and stores such as Home Bargains and B&M have already shared their Christmas hours.
In line with others, Sainsbury’s has officially announced to the Daily Mirror when it will close in December – including one entire day across the country. In the UK, stores are closed on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004..
This legislation stops large retailers from opening, allowing employees to take a day off. It benefits everyone, including retail staff, so they can celebrate the holiday and spend time with their loved ones.
Many people in the UK see Christmas Day as a big deal, both culturally and religiously. This law recognises that importance by requiring businesses to shut down and allowing retail workers to have some time off.
In a chat with the Daily Mirror, a spokesperson from Sainsbury’s shared the Christmas schedule for 2025 that the supermarket will stick to this December. They said: “The vast majority of supermarkets and convenience stores will be open from 6am to 11pm from December 18-23.”
They continued: “Supermarkets will be open from 6am to 7pm on Christmas Eve and convenience stores from 6am to 9pm.” In confirmation of its 2025 Christmas Day plans, the spokesperson said: “All stores will be closed on Christmas Day.”
Regarding when shops will re-open, the spokesperson said: “On Boxing Day, supermarkets will be open from 9am to 6pm and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm. From December 27-30, stores will operate normal hours.”
On New Year’s Eve, Sainsbury’s supermarkets will be open from 10am to 7pm, while convenience stores will operate from 6am to 9pm. On New Year’s Day, supermarkets will be available from 8am to 8pm, and convenience stores will be open from 9am to 9pm.
Regarding Sainsbury’s Petrol filling stations, they will open 30 minutes before the main store and close 30 minutes after. However, on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, they will start an hour later.
The spokesperson concluded: “Scotland stores will be open from 8am to 8pm on January 2nd, with convenience stores operating normal hours. Opening hours can vary though, so we advise customers check our store locator for the latest details for their area: https://stores.sainsburys.co.uk/.”
This schedule is very similar to last year, when Sainsbury’s also closed all stores on Christmas Day. On Boxing Day, most Sainsbury’s stores were open, though hours varied by location. Between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve all stores followed their usual trading hours, with some local variations.
At a glance:
- Christmas Eve – Supermarkets open from 6am to 7pm / convenience stores from 6am to 9pm.
- Christmas Day – All stores closed
- Boxing Day – Supermarkets open from 9am to 6pm / convenience stores from 9am to 9pm.
- New Year’s Eve – Supermarkets open from 10am to 7pm / convenience stores from 6am to 9pm.
- New Year’s Day – Supermarkets open from 8am to 8pm / convenience stores from 9am to 9pm.
This year, Christmas Eve is on Wednesday, December 24. Then, Christmas Day comes next on Thursday, December 25. Boxing Day is on Friday, December 26. New Year’s Eve will be on Wednesday, December 31. Finally, New Year’s Day is on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
How to find your specific store’s hours
- Visit the Sainsbury’s website.
- Use the store locator to find your local store.
- Check the store’s individual page for the most accurate and up-to-date Christmas and New Year opening times once they are published.
