Will Supermarkets Be Open on New Year’s Day?

New Year’s Shopping: Which Supermarkets Will Be Open?

As 2026 draws closer, many households are planning their New Year’s Eve and early January shopping. This article provides a comprehensive guide to supermarket opening hours for the upcoming holiday period.

Tesco

Tesco will be open on both New Year’s Eve from 6am to 7pm (Express stores 7am to 10pm). On New Year’s Day, their operating times are slightly reduced at 9am to 6pm for regular stores and 8am to 10pm for Express stores. This extended service is a boon for those looking to stock up on essentials.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s will also be open on New Year’s Eve from 10am to 7pm, with convenience stores operating between 6am and 9pm. On the following day, they will remain open until 8pm for regular stores and 9pm for convenience stores. This longer operating window caters well to last-minute shoppers.

Aldi and Lidl

Aldi will operate from 8am to 6pm on New Year’s Eve, but the store will be closed on New Year’s Day. Similarly, Lidl has set its opening hours for New Year’s Eve at 8am to 6pm with no plans to open on January 1st. These stores prioritize their employees’ holidays while still offering services during the festive season.

Asda

Asda will be open from 7am to 7pm on New Year’s Eve and from 9am to 6pm on New Year’s Day. This makes it one of the more accessible options for those looking for late-night shopping.

Co-op

The Co-op will maintain its usual opening hours until 7pm on New Year’s Eve, with convenience stores operating from 6am to 8pm. On New Year’s Day, their stores will be open from 10am to 7pm and convenience stores from 9am to 8pm. This schedule ensures that members can still access essential goods even during the holiday period.

Waitrose

Unlike most supermarkets, Waitrose will remain closed on New Year’s Day. However, they will be open on New Year’s Eve from regular hours. For those who prefer their food to come from this upscale grocer, alternative options such as Tesco or Sainsbury’s are recommended.

Marks and Spencer

Mark and Spencer will operate from 8am to 7pm on New Year’s Eve but remain closed on the holiday itself. This means shoppers should plan their purchases accordingly.

Morrisons

Morrisons’ opening hours are similar to Tesco, operating from 7am to 7pm on New Year’s Eve and 9am to 6pm on New Year’s Day. This provides a convenient option for late-night shopping.

Planning Your Shopping List

To avoid the crowds or unexpected closures, it is wise to check your local supermarket’s opening hours well in advance of these critical days. Whether you need last-minute essentials or just want to stock up before festivities begin, having this information can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

With New Year’s Day and the early January holiday period ahead, supermarkets have adjusted their operating schedules to cater to the needs of shoppers. By understanding which stores will be open and when, you can plan your shopping trips accordingly and avoid any last-minute stress.

Note: This information is valid for the 2025-2026 holiday period as stated in the original article. For the latest updates or specific store details, please refer to the official supermarket websites.