Are all shops closed during Christmas?

Almost all major shops and supermarkets are closed on Christmas Day in the UK, as the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004 prohibits large stores (over 280 sq meters) from opening. However, small independent, convenience, and petrol station stores may remain open to serve customers.

Are all shops closed on Christmas Day?

No, not all stores close on Christmas Day, but the vast majority of large supermarkets and high street retailers do, especially in the UK and US, to give staff a holiday, though you can often find smaller convenience stores, pharmacies (like CVS), and some petrol stations open for limited hours for last-minute needs; always check local listings, as rules and specific closures vary by location and retailer.
 

Does anything open on Christmas Day?

There are no trading restrictions for hospitality, meaning cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets can open on Christmas Day. However, many shut their doors to give staff the day off. Several major fast-food chains open a handful of stores on Christmas Day under select hours.

What is normally open on Christmas Day?

Several national restaurant chains usually operate on Christmas Day, though hours vary by location. Commonly open options include Starbucks, McDonald's, IHOP, Waffle House, Dunkin', Denny's, Krispy Kreme and select fast-food chains. Many locations run shorter hours, so checking online before heading out is key.

Will everything be open on Boxing Day?

No, not everything will be open on Boxing Day (December 26th); many major retailers, especially supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and M&S, close to give staff a break, while others (like Tesco, Asda, Primark) open with reduced hours, so you must check individual store hours online before you go shopping. Entertainment venues, pubs, and parks usually remain open, but it's best to verify specific times. 

What’s Open on Christmas Day? Retail Stores, Theaters, More

Is Primark open Boxing Day?

Yes, Primark is generally open on Boxing Day (December 26th) across the UK, but with reduced or varied hours, so you must check your specific local store's times on their website as they often open later and close earlier than usual for the post-Christmas sales. Most stores participate in Boxing Day sales, making them popular destinations, but always use the official Primark store locator to confirm hours before visiting. 

Is 25 and 26 December a bank holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

Do McDonald's close on Christmas Day?

No, not all McDonald's locations close on Christmas; many remain open with reduced hours, but it varies by franchise, so you must check your local store using the McDonald's app or restaurant locator on their website to confirm if your specific restaurant will be open on Christmas Day. 

Is it against the law to open on Christmas Day?

Provisions. It prevents shops over 280 m2 from opening on Christmas Day in England and Wales. The act exempts convenience stores, shops at airports, railway stations and motorway service stations, farm shops and pharmacies for the sale of medicine.

What should I do on Christmas Day?

Just choose your favorite from those below or use them to inspire an idea all your own.

• Take a Holiday Card Photo. ...
• Visit A Christmas Tree Farm. ...
• Decorate a Gingerbread House. ...
• Bake Unique Christmas Cookies. ...
• Plan a Family Photoshoot. ...
• Host a Holiday Game Night. ...
• Host a Christmas Craft Party. ...
• Write Letters to Santa.

Do you get paid on Christmas Day?

Friday, December 25th, is a federal banking holiday. The Federal Reserve pauses ACH payments on all federal holidays, which can delay direct deposit payments. If your payday falls on or immediately after this holiday, you may need to run payroll one business day early to avoid paying employees late.

Are supermarkets closed during Christmas?

Christmas Day is a public holiday, as is Boxing Day on the 27th (more often called the 2nd day of Christmas in Germany), so you should expect that supermarkets and most businesses will remain closed.

Is December 24 a holiday?

in October 2024, the following are declared holidays for months of December 2025 and January 2026: December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception Special non-working holiday December 24 - Christmas eve Special non-working holiday December 25 - Christmas Day Regular Holiday December 30 - Rizal Day Regular Holiday ...

What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?

On Christmas Day, small shops (under 280 sq meters), petrol stations, pharmacies, and businesses in airports/rail stations/motorway services, plus hospitality venues (restaurants, pubs, takeaways), are generally allowed to open in the UK, while large supermarkets and high-street stores (over 280 sq meters) must remain closed in England and Wales due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004. However, many smaller businesses and hospitality venues choose to close to give staff the holiday, so checking local times is always best. 

Is December 24th a working day?

Yes, December 24th (Christmas Eve) is generally a working day, not an official public holiday in most countries like the UK or Ireland, but many businesses close early or offer flexible time off as it's the day before Christmas. Official holidays are typically Christmas Day (Dec 25th) and Boxing Day (Dec 26th), with some variations by location. 

Do Wetherspoons open on Christmas Day?

Yes, many Wetherspoons pubs are open on Christmas Day, but typically with limited hours (around 11 AM to 3 PM) and for drinks only, with food usually unavailable except in airport locations. You'll need to check the specific pub's listing on the JD Wetherspoon website or local news for exact times and confirmation, as not all branches participate. 

Can I get sacked for refusing to work on Christmas Day?

Check your employment contract

However, if Christmas Day falls on one of your normal working days, and your employer opens for business on public holidays and expects you to work, then you are likely to be contractually obliged to work unless you have been granted annual leave.

Why was Christmas once illegal?

In 1647, the Puritan-led English Parliament banned the celebration of Christmas, replacing it with a day of fasting and considering it "a popish festival with no biblical justification", and a time of wasteful and immoral behaviour.

Do shops open on Christmas Day in the UK?

Virtually all major UK shops, including supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Aldi, M&S) and high street retailers, are closed on Christmas Day by law, but you might find some exceptions like petrol station shops, motorway service station outlets, pharmacies, and very small, independent convenience stores (like some Tesco Express/Sainsbury's Local) open for limited hours, though many of these also close. Always check locally, as smaller shops are the most likely to operate, but even they may close, with food delivery apps running but restaurants setting their own hours. 

What is the 90 second rule at McDonald's?

Hi, the standard order preparation time is 90 seconds. Enjoy your next meal!

Is KFC open on Christmas Day in the UK?

Yes, some KFCs in the UK are open on Christmas Day, but the majority are closed, so you must check the "Find a KFC" page on their website for your specific location's seasonal hours, as it varies significantly, with about 80-90 branches typically opening for limited dine-in, drive-thru, and sometimes delivery (via apps like Uber Eats/Deliveroo). 

Does McDonald's pay double on Christmas Day?

No, McDonald's generally does not pay double on Christmas Day; most employees receive their standard hourly rate, as the company (especially in the UK) has a policy against extra holiday pay, though individual franchise owners in the U.S. might offer time-and-a-half, so it depends on the specific location and contract. 

Is Christmas Day a paid day off?

Yes, Christmas is generally a paid holiday, but it depends on your employment contract and location, as laws vary; in many places like the UK, it's a bank holiday, and while most employers offer paid time off or extra pay, it's not a universal legal right unless specified in your contract or company policy, so always check your terms. 

Which country has the most public holidays?

10 countries with the most public holidays; India ranks no. 1

• 1/10. India (42 public holidays) ...
• 2/10. Nepal (35 public holidays) ...
• 3/10. Iran (26 public holidays) ...
• 4/10. Myanmar (26 public holidays) ...
• 5/10. Sri lanka (25 public holidays) ...
• 6/10. Malaysia (24 public holidays) ...
• 7/10. Fiji (23 public holidays) ...
• 8/10.

How do banks make money?

Commercial banks provide financial services to people and businesses. They make money by providing and earning interest from loans such as mortgages, auto loans, business loans, and personal loans. Customer deposits provide banks with the capital to make these loans.