With Christmas 2024 just around the corner, UK supermarkets are gearing up for the festive rush, adjusting their opening hours to cater to last-minute shoppers. It’s the season of merriment, but it can also be the season of panic, as people scramble to gather essentials for holiday meals and gifting. To help you prepare, here’s everything you need to know about supermarket opening times this holiday season, including details for Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl, and more.
Sainsbury’s Christmas Eve Opening Times
Sainsbury’s will have shortened hours on Christmas Eve, closing most stores by 7 PM. Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment, particularly if they need to stock up on items for Christmas dinner.
Tesco Christmas Eve Opening Times
One of the UK's largest supermarket chains, Tesco, will also modify its hours. Larger Tesco Extra stores will operate until 7 PM on Christmas Eve, whereas smaller Tesco Express locations may shut down earlier at approximately 4 PM. Checking specific store hours is advised to avoid last-minute surprises.
ASDA's Christmas Eve Hours
ASDA has announced plans to close by 6 PM on Christmas Eve. With most stores shutting their doors earlier than usual, it’s important to keep track of the clock when shopping for those final holiday essentials.
Morrisons Christmas Eve Hours
Morrisons will also be observing early closing times, with the majority of stores closing at 6 PM on December 24. Customers should check with local branches for precise hours, as some larger stores may stay open slightly longer.
Aldi and Lidl Christmas Eve Hours
Both Aldi and Lidl will significantly shorten their hours on Christmas Eve, closing at 4 PM. Shoppers are advised to complete their grocery runs early to avoid issues finding last-minute items.
B&M Christmas Eve Hours
Discount retailer B&M plans to operate until 5 PM on Christmas Eve. If you’re hunting for last-minute gift items or decorations, make sure to visit earlier on the day of!
Additional Christmas Eve Opening Times:
- Sainsbury’s: Closes at 7 PM
- Tesco: Tesco Extra closes at 7 PM; Tesco Express may close around 4 PM
- ASDA: Closes at 6 PM
- Morrisons: Closes at 6 PM
- Aldi: Closes at 4 PM
- Lidl: Closes at 4 PM
- B&M: Closes at 5 PM
Shopping Tips for Christmas Eve
With many supermarkets closing their doors early, shoppers should strategize their plans accordingly. Making a detailed shopping list can help prevent forgetting any last-minute items you'll need for your Christmas feast. To avoid the last-minute rush, visiting stores early in the day is recommended.
It’s also wise to check individual stores or their websites for any unique hours, as some locations may offer extended service hours for click-and-collect or online orders, allowing you to complete your grocery list without needing to step inside the shop.
Knowing when your local Sainsbury’s, Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, and B&M are closing is imperative for ensuring you gather all the necessary ingredients and treats for the holidays. So, don’t procrastinate—be sure to check the opening hours for your specific locations and plan accordingly!
Happy holidays—and happy shopping!
