What Are the Boxing Day 2025 Opening Times for Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury’s?

As the festive season winds down, many are looking to restock their food and drink supplies after indulging in Christmas dinners. For those planning to shop on Boxing Day 2025, supermarkets have announced their holiday opening times, with various stores offering different hours. While major chains like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's will be open, others like Aldi, Lidl, and M&S will remain closed to give staff a well-deserved break. It's essential for shoppers to check their local store's specific timings before heading out.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Christmas festivities conclude, many consumers are eager to replenish their food and drink supplies on Boxing Day. Supermarkets across the UK have made their holiday opening hours public, allowing shoppers to plan their visits accordingly. With a mix of stores open and closed, it's crucial to know which supermarkets are accessible for additional shopping and at what times. This year, Aldi, Lidl, and M&S have opted to keep their doors closed on December 26, prioritising their staff's time off. Meanwhile, larger chains like Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's will be welcoming customers back with adjusted hours.

Key takeaways

Aldi, Lidl, and M&S will be closed on Boxing Day 2025.
Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's will be open but with different operating hours.
Some Waitrose locations may offer delivery services on Boxing Day.

Timeline: how we got here

As we approach December 2025, supermarkets have begun to announce their holiday schedules. Here’s a brief timeline of notable announcements:

1 December 2025: Major supermarkets start releasing their Christmas and Boxing Day opening hours.
10 December 2025: Aldi and Lidl confirm their closures for Boxing Day.
15 December 2025: M&S announces they will be closed to allow staff time off.
20 December 2025: Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's confirm their Boxing Day hours.
25 December 2025: Christmas Day closures across all major retailers.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest updates confirm the closures of Aldi, Lidl, and M&S on Boxing Day. This decision has been emphasised by company representatives as a gesture of appreciation for their employees' hard work during the festive season. In contrast, Tesco, Asda, and Sainsbury's will be reopening their doors, providing shoppers with opportunities to stock up on essentials.

What was already established

It has been a tradition for some supermarkets to remain closed on Boxing Day, prioritising employee wellbeing. This year, the trend continues with several major retailers opting not to open. The decision to close on December 26 reflects a growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance, particularly during the holiday season.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, the varying opening hours mean that planning is essential for those wishing to shop on Boxing Day. While larger supermarkets will be available, the closure of Aldi, Lidl, and M&S may impact those who rely on these stores for post-Christmas deals and supplies. Shoppers should also be aware of reduced hours at many locations, which may affect their usual shopping patterns.

Businesses and jobs

The decision by certain supermarkets to close on Boxing Day reflects a shift in corporate culture towards valuing employee time off. For businesses, this could lead to a temporary decrease in sales but may improve staff morale and retention in the long run. As some supermarkets prioritise employee welfare, it may encourage others to follow suit.

Policy and regulation

No specific regulatory changes or policies have been introduced regarding Boxing Day trading hours this year. However, the trend of closing on such holidays may prompt discussions around retail regulations and employee rights in the future.

Numbers that matter

3: Major supermarket chains (Aldi, Lidl, M&S) closing on Boxing Day.
5: Supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Co-op) open on Boxing Day.
27: December 2025 – reopening date for closed stores.

Definitions and jargon buster

Boxing Day: The day after Christmas Day, traditionally a public holiday in the UK.
M&S: Marks & Spencer, a major British retailer known for food and clothing.
ASDA: A subsidiary of Walmart, ASDA is a British supermarket retailer.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

With Christmas approaching, shoppers should prepare their lists early and consider alternative shopping plans for Boxing Day. Ensure to check local store opening hours regularly as they may change.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the new year begins, the focus may shift to sales and promotions as businesses seek to clear stock. Keep an eye on January sales, which typically follow the holiday period.

Signals to watch

Monitor local store announcements regarding opening hours as Christmas approaches.
Watch for promotions from supermarkets in the lead-up to January sales.
Check employee satisfaction reports from major retailers concerning holiday policies.

Practical guidance

Do

Check local store hours before heading out to shop on Boxing Day.
Consider planning your shopping trips around peak hours to avoid crowds.
Take advantage of online shopping options if available.

Don’t

Assume all stores will have regular hours; check ahead.
Leave shopping until the last minute; stock may run low.
Forget to consider delivery options for convenience.

Checklist

Confirm the opening hours of your local supermarkets.
Make a shopping list to focus on essential items.
Explore online shopping alternatives if stores are closed.
Plan for potential delays in restocking shelves.
Consider using delivery services if available.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While most supermarkets have announced their Boxing Day plans, it’s worth noting that local variations may exist. Smaller branches may have differing hours, and unforeseen circumstances could lead to changes in opening times. Furthermore, customer demand may affect stock availability, especially for popular items after Christmas.

Bottom line

The holiday shopping landscape for Boxing Day 2025 reflects a blend of tradition and changing workplace culture. While major supermarkets will welcome shoppers back, many will remain closed to honour employee downtime. For UK consumers, understanding these schedules is vital for effective shopping and ensuring access to necessary supplies during this festive period.

FAQs

Will Aldi be open on Boxing Day 2025?

No, Aldi will be closed on Boxing Day 2025 to allow staff to spend time with their families.

Which supermarkets are open on Boxing Day 2025?

Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Co-op will be open on Boxing Day, though their hours may vary.

Are there any special promotions for Boxing Day shopping?

While many supermarkets will have promotions, it’s best to check specific stores for details on deals available on Boxing Day.