Do shops legally have to close on Christmas Day?

Yes, in England and Wales, large shops (over 280 sq m) legally must close on Christmas Day due to the Christmas Day (Trading) Act 2004, but smaller shops under that size, and those in specific locations like airports or motorway services, can stay open, as can pharmacies for medicine. Scotland has no such trading restrictions, while Northern Ireland follows different rules, and the general trend for large retailers is to close regardless of the law.

Is it illegal for shops to be open on Christmas Day?

[[It is *not* illegal for shops to trade on Christmas day, and in fact Sainsbury's and other retailers have piloted short opening (4-6 hours) in areas with a predominantly non-Christian population.]]

Is it a legal requirement to have Christmas Day off?

Check your employment contract

Whether or not you have to work on Christmas Day will depend on your contract of employment. This is usually a written document but it does not have to be; the terms can also be found in what is implied through custom and practice.

Are shops shut on Christmas Day?

Restaurants, pubs and more to visit in the capital. London will be eerily silent on Christmas Day because most shops, restaurants and transportation services will be closed. Planning is therefore essential if you need to buy something or eat in the capital.

Is it legal to trade on Christmas Day?

The public holidays in New South Wales are Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25), Boxing Day (Friday, December 26) and New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1). Under the Retail Trading Act 2008, New South Wales businesses cannot open unless they have an exemption from NSW Fair Trading.

Most grocery stores closed Christmas Day. Here's what's open

Is 25th December a trading holiday?

On account of Christmas, all segments, equity, F&O, currency, and commodity markets will remain closed on December 25, 2025. Keep track of trading and settlement holidays here.

Is it legal to sell alcohol on Christmas Day near me?

It's generally legal to sell alcohol on Christmas Day in the UK, but with restricted hours for pubs/bars (typically 12:30 PM to 10 PM) and off-licenses (shops) often closed, though hotels providing accommodation for guests are exempt and can sell alcohol anytime. Specific local laws vary, but the main rule is pubs have limited hours, and shops usually can't sell alcohol at all on Christmas Day in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so always check your local premises license. 

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. 

Why do sunday trading laws exist?

Sunday Trading regulations date back to the Sunday Fares Act of 1488, when the last day of the week was traditionally a religious day of rest.

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. 

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

If an individual's employment contract obligates them to work on Christmas day, they generally cannot refuse. Doing so could lead to their employment being terminated due to a breach of contract. Instead, the employee could request the day off as annual leave or attempt to swap shifts with a colleague.

Do people work on the 26th of December?

Only federal agencies will be closed on those days, but some employees may still have to report to work at the discretion of agency leaders, according to Trump's order. Private businesses can decide to give their employees time off, but they are not obligated to by law.

Can you get fired for refusing to work on your day off?

Firing an employee during his or her day off is a complicated question in employment law. Unfortunately for most workers the answer is: yes. You can be fired on your day off for refusing to show up at work if your employer asks you to come.

Do businesses close on Christmas Day?

If you're thinking about doing some shopping on Christmas Day, keep in mind that the options of where you can go will be limited. Many retailers and grocery stores, including Aldi, Walmart and Costco, will be closed on Dec. 25.

Do Tesco staff work on Christmas Day?

No, working on all of the designated Bank Holidays over Christmas and New Year is voluntary for all staff (whether day or night staff) in all Tesco stores, irrespective of their start date with the Company. You can choose to book off any contracted shifts that fall on a Bank Holiday using your holiday allowance.

Does my employer have to pay me for Christmas Day?

The employer does not have to agree to this. A worker cannot get paid in lieu of bank holidays. This is unless they're part of holiday entitlement they have not used when they leave their job. If someone works on a bank holiday, they must still get their full 5.6 weeks of statutory holiday entitlement as paid time off.

What shops are exempt from Sunday trading?

Some categories of large shops are exempt from the Sunday Trading Act 1994:

• Airport shops.
• Pharmacies.
• Goods from exhibition stalls.
• Farm shops that sell their own produce (including fishmongers)
• Petrol filling stations.
• Railway stations.
• Motorway service stations.

What does the Bible say about shopping on Sunday?

In the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament, the people were taught to observe the Sabbath with the following instruction: “And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day.”

Can you be open on Christmas Day?

While the majority of shops will be closed on Christmas Day, shoppers may notice some smaller stores still operating. Smaller shops in England and Wales, which measure up to 280 square metres, can open on any day of the year and at any hour, according to the law.

Is alcohol allowed on Christmas?

If you're after a glass of mulled wine on 25 December, make sure you double-check before heading to your neighbourhood bar. News reports suggest that Christmas is a dry day in many cities across India. A dry day is when the sale and public consumption of alcohol are prohibited.

Is 25 and 26 December a public holiday?

UK bank holidays between 2025 and 2026

There are two remaining bank holiday dates in 2025: 25 December (Thursday): Christmas Day. 26 December (Friday): Boxing Day.

What is the 1/2/3 rule for drinking?

The 1-2-3 drinking rule is a moderation guideline: no more than 1 drink per hour, 2 drinks per occasion, and 3 alcohol-free days per week, helping to pace consumption and reduce risk, though it's important to know that no level of alcohol is completely risk-free, and other guidelines (like the 0-1-2-3 rule or official dietary recommendations) also exist. A "standard drink" is key: 12 oz regular beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz spirits, and it's crucial to avoid mixing alcohol with medications or while driving.
 

Can a 16 year old drink in a pub with parents?

However, if you're 16 or 17 and accompanied by an adult, you can drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal. If you're 16 or under, you may be able to go to a pub (or premises primarily used to sell alcohol) if you're accompanied by an adult.