In the UK, almost all shops are closed on Christmas Day (December 25th) due to trading laws and tradition, including major supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Sainsbury's. Small convenience stores, petrol stations, or pharmacies may remain open with limited hours. Boxing Day (Dec 26th) sees many shops reopen for sales, though some retailers now stay closed.
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.
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.
While nearly everything is closed on December 25th, a lot of shops, markets, and other businesses open again on the 26th. The same can be true of Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.
All the events and attractions in our guide to London at Christmas are closed on Christmas Day. Additionally, all the museums, tourist attractions, shops and most pubs will be closed. West End theatre, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and the London Pantomimes also take the day off 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.
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.
London takes on a special charm during the festive season, with each neighbourhood offering its own take on tradition and celebration. Whether you're a London local or new to the city, the perfect Christmas day balances unique experiences and familiar rituals.
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.
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 ...
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.
Most stores and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day so employees can spend time with their loved ones, but there are a few that remain open on Christmas.
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.
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.
🎵 Listen to carols - there are free events in Trafalgar Square, as well as at St Paul's Cathedral ✨ See the Christmas lights, including crowns around Bond Street, shooting stars at Oxford Street, angels on Regent Street and winter lights installations on the South Bank and at Canary Wharf 🎁 Browse a Christmas market - ...
Christmas Day activities range from relaxing at home with movies, games, baking, and gift opening to getting out for winter walks, attending services, enjoying festive city tours (like London's lights), visiting historic homes decorated for the season, or catching a ballet like The Nutcracker. Volunteering, like helping at a community meal for the elderly, offers a meaningful alternative.
For the ultimate Christmassy feel in London, head to Covent Garden for its giant tree and lights, Regent Street for its iconic angel lights, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for a massive festive market and carnival; while Chelsea's Sloane Square offers charming local lights and markets, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
Primark is owned by Associated British Foods. Primark offers products including: baby, children's, women's and men's clothing, accessories and footwear; beauty products; housewares and confectionery. The company is known for its fast fashion and lower prices than competitors.
No, B&M stores are generally not shut on Boxing Day; they typically open with reduced hours, often from 8 am to 6 pm, unlike some other retailers like Home Bargains or Aldi that close for the day. However, opening times vary by location, so it's always best to check your specific store's hours on the B&M stores website.
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.
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).
