With the return of children to school and the approach of autumn, many individuals are already looking ahead to the winter season and the festive period of Christmas. Those who are early in their holiday planning are eager to know the operating hours of stores as the season approaches. Retailers such as Home Bargains and B&M have disclosed their schedules for Christmas.
Sainsbury’s has now confirmed to the Daily Mirror its closing times for December, including a full-day closure across the UK on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, which mandates the closure of stores on that day. The law ensures that employees have the opportunity to take a break and spend time with their families during the holiday.
Christmas Day holds significant cultural and religious importance for many people in the UK. The legislation recognizes this by requiring businesses to remain closed, allowing retail workers to rest and celebrate the holiday.
According to a Sainsbury’s spokesperson, the supermarket chain will follow a specific schedule during December 2025. The majority of supermarkets and convenience stores will operate from 6am to 11pm between December 18-23. On Christmas Eve, supermarkets will close at 7pm, and convenience stores at 9pm, with all stores closed on Christmas Day.
For Boxing Day, supermarkets will open from 9am to 6pm, and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm, before returning to normal hours from December 27-30. On New Year’s Eve, supermarkets will be open from 10am to 7pm, and convenience stores from 6am to 9pm, while on New Year’s Day, supermarkets will operate from 8am to 8pm, and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm.
Sainsbury’s petrol filling stations will align their opening hours with the main stores, opening 30 minutes before and closing 30 minutes after, except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when they will open an hour later.
The spokesperson also noted that in Scotland, stores will operate from 8am to 8pm on January 2, with convenience stores following regular hours. Customers are advised to check the store locator on Sainsbury’s website for updates on specific opening hours in their area.
In 2025, Christmas Eve falls on Wednesday, December 24, followed by Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, Boxing Day on Friday, December 26, New Year’s Eve on Wednesday, December 31, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026.