Is it against the law to open on Christmas Day?

1Prohibition of opening of large shops on Christmas Day (1)A large shop must not be open on Christmas Day for the serving of retail customers. (2)Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the shops mentioned in paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 1 to the 1994 Act (shops exempt from restrictions on Sunday trading).

Is it illegal to 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.]] So, just to clarify, all big stores (that's ALL of them) will be shut (that's SHUT-not open) on Christmas Day. By law.

Do you legally have to work on Christmas Day?

Many employees won't have to work on Christmas day, but this isn't a legal entitlement for all. Ultimately, it will depend on several factors, including an employee's contract of employment.

What is allowed to open on Christmas Day?

Are shops open on Christmas Day in the UK?

Rules for large shops in England and Wales

can open on Sundays but only for 6 consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm. must close on Easter Sunday. must close on Christmas Day.

What are the stores open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Why might the shops be open on Christmas Day?

Smaller shops are unaffected by the Act. A small shop could open twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year, including Christmas Day, if the owner so wished. The 2004 Act originated as a Private Members' Bill with Government support, introduced in the House of Commons by Kevan Jones MP.

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.

How many hours can a pub open on Christmas Day?

60Permitted hours in licensed premises

(b)on Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday the hours from twelve noon to half past ten in the evening, with a break of five hours beginning at two in the afternoon.

What day do you open Christmas?

In the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, most families traditionally open gifts on Christmas Day. However, even this comes with controversy. What is this? Some insist it's more acceptable to wait until after the morning church service and before lunch to open the presents under the tree.

Can we work on Christmas Day?

Entitlement to be absent

The National Employment Standards provide all employees with the right to not work on a public holiday. While an employer can reasonably request that an employee work on a declared public holiday, the employee can refuse on reasonable grounds, such as family commitments or responsibilities.

Can I refuse to work on Christmas Day on religious grounds?

There is no legal requirement for employers to allow time or facilities for religious reasons. But where possible you should try to accommodate any requests. It could be discrimination if you unreasonably refuse.

Will I get paid on Christmas Day?

Thursday, December 25th, 2025, 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.

What is it illegal to do on Christmas Day?

Under Section 3 of the Game Act 1831, it is a criminal offence to kill or take any game on Christmas Day. 5. The Postal Services Act 2000 makes it illegal to open a parcel that is not intended for you, or to intentionally delay a parcel. When those deliveries arrive with you, make sure your name is on the envelope!

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.

Is it illegal to gamble on Christmas Day?

S.

183 applies a condition to all premises licences that facilities for gambling must not be provided on Christmas day, namely the period of 00.01 hours on 25 December until 00.00 hours on 26 December.

Can you open one present on Christmas Eve?

Open a gift

Well for some families, it's a Christmas Eve tradition to get a little preview by opening just one gift on Christmas Eve. You can designate a specific gift or just pick from under the tree.

What day are you supposed to take down Christmas?

Traditionally, all Christmas tree decorations are removed on the twelfth night after December 25, between January 5 and 6. This date corresponds to the journey of the Three Wise Men, who didn't arrive until 12 days after Christmas Day to bring their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Do restaurants open on Christmas Day in the UK?

Restaurants open on Christmas Day are likely to have limited opening hours so it's worth double-checking with them directly. Here is a list of the places that will be open: Sofra, Turkish, various locations. Strada, Italian, various locations.

Do shops legally have to close on Christmas Day?

1Prohibition of opening of large shops on Christmas Day

(1)A large shop must not be open on Christmas Day for the serving of retail customers. (2)Subsection (1) does not apply to any of the shops mentioned in paragraph 3(1) of Schedule 1 to the 1994 Act (shops exempt from restrictions on Sunday trading).

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

(3) From and after the passing of this Act it shall not be lawful for any person to sell or expose for sale any intoxicating liquor or to open or keep open any premises for the sale of intoxicating liquor on Christmas Day, Good Friday or St. Patrick's Day.

What are licensed hours?

A licence is required for the following premises: Pubs and night-clubs. Off licences and shops selling alcohol. Restaurants serving alcohol. Businesses selling hot food and drinks from 23:00 hours (11pm) to 05:00 hours (5am)

Who is exempt from Sunday trading laws?

Small shops with a retail area of less than 280 square metres can open when they want on Sundays and do not need a Sunday trading licence. Other exemptions include: public houses, off-licences and takeaways (opening hours for these are governed by their licence requirements)

Is it illegal for shops to be open on Sunday?

The current Sunday trading laws, which only permit larger shops to open for a maximum of six consecutive hours between 10am and 6pm whilst allowing smaller shops longer opening hours to maintain their economic viability, have proven to be a good compromise.

What happens if you break Sunday trading laws?

If you have a large shop, you must clearly display your Sunday hours inside and outside your shop. Retailers who break Sunday trading laws could be fined up to £50,000.

Are all shops closed during Christmas?

On Christmas Day almost everything is closed for business. Public transport does not operate but you might be able to book a taxi. In big cities, this is the unofficial start of the post-Christmas sales, but in smaller towns most shops will remain closed.