Sainsbury's UK-wide closure scheduled with all stores to shut for one day

With the kids back to school and autumn just around the corner, many people will already be thinking ahead to winter and Christmas. Customers starting their festive planning early will be keen to find out when the shops will be closing - and retailers like Home Bargains and B&M have already announced their Christmas opening and closing times.

Following suit, Sainsbury's has now exclusively confirmed to the Daily Mirror when it will be shut during December - including for one full day across the UK. In Britain, shops shut down on Christmas Day because of the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004.

The law prevents big stores from opening so that employees can have a day off. This helps everyone, including shop workers, celebrate the holiday and enjoy time with their families.

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Many people in the UK view Christmas Day as an important cultural and religious celebration. This legislation acknowledges its significance by ensuring that businesses stay closed, giving retail workers a chance to take a break.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, a Sainsbury's spokesperson revealed the 2025 Christmas schedule the supermarket will follow 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 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.

As for 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 finally added: " 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/."

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 lands on Wednesday, December 24. Christmas Day will follow on Thursday, December 25. Boxing Day is on Friday December 26. New Year's Eve will be on Wednesday December 31. New Year's Day falls 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.