The supermarket has confirmed its Christmas opening hours
With youngsters returning to school and autumn approaching rapidly, countless families are already looking ahead to the winter months and Christmas festivities. Shoppers who begin their holiday preparations early will be eager to discover when retailers will be shutting their doors.
Stores such as Home Bargains and B&M have already revealed their Christmas trading hours. Following this trend, Sainsbury’s has now exclusively disclosed to the Daily Mirror its closure dates throughout December – including one complete day when all branches across Britain will remain shut.
Throughout the UK, retailers close on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. This legislation prohibits large stores from trading, ensuring staff members can enjoy a day of rest.
The arrangement benefits everyone, particularly retail employees, allowing them to mark the occasion and spend precious moments with loved ones. As numerous Brits regard Christmas Day as a vital cultural and religious observance, this law recognises its importance by mandating that companies remain closed, providing retail staff with an opportunity for respite.
In conversation with the Daily Mirror, a Sainsbury’s representative disclosed the 2025 Christmas timetable the chain will implement this December. They explained: “The vast majority of supermarkets and convenience stores will be open from 6am to 11pm from December 18-23.”
The spokesperson continued: “Supermarkets will be open from 6am to 7pm on Christmas Eve and convenience stores from 6am to 9pm.” In a statement about its 2025 Christmas Day plans, the spokesperson confirmed: “All stores will be closed on Christmas Day.”
In terms of when shops will re-open, the spokesperson stated: “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 and convenience stores from 6am to 9pm. On New Year’s Day, supermarkets will be open from 8am to 8pm and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm.
Regarding Sainsbury’s Petrol filling stations, these will open 30 minutes before and close 30 minutes after the main store. Except on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when they will open an hour later.
The spokesperson said: “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/.”
Sainsbury’s 2025 Christmas hours at a glance:
- Christmas Eve – Supermarkets open from 6am to 7pm / convenience stores from 6am to 9pm.
- Christmas Day – All stores closed.
- 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 falls on Wednesday, 24 December. The following day, Thursday, 25 December, is Christmas Day. Boxing Day comes next on Friday, 26 December. New Year’s Eve will be celebrated on Wednesday, 31 December, with New Year’s Day landing on Thursday, 1 January 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.
