With Christmas Eve just around the corner, shoppers across the UK are rushing to complete their festive preparations, from last-minute presents to essential groceries. Knowing which shops are still open, and for how long, has become increasingly important, as most retailers shorten their trading hours before Christmas Day.
Online searches often highlight US retailers like Walmart and Target, but these results can mislead British shoppers. Neither chain operates physical stores in the UK, though their holiday schedules frequently appear online due to international media coverage and social sharing. Costco is the only brand among them with a physical presence across the UK.
As one of the busiest retail days of the year, Christmas Eve brings long queues, packed stores and early shutdowns that add pressure to final shopping trips. Planning ahead can help shoppers avoid empty shelves, limited choices and unnecessary stress.
Christmas Eve Trading Hours for Walmart, Target and Costco in the US and UK
Across the United States, Walmart and Target usually shorten their hours on 24 December and shut completely on Christmas Day, although exact times can differ by location. Costco follows a consistent approach, closing early on Christmas Eve and remaining closed on 25 December in all regions.
For UK shoppers, Costco warehouses generally shut by around 5pm on Christmas Eve, in line with national retail practices, and do not open on Christmas Day. Anyone relying on American store information should double-check local UK hours to avoid confusion.
UK Retailers Operating on Christmas Eve
Throughout the UK, most large supermarkets continue trading on Christmas Eve but with reduced opening times. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons often close between 5pm and 7pm depending on the branch, while Aldi and Lidl typically finish by 4pm. Marks & Spencer food halls usually shut at around 6pm, and many high-street shops close by mid-afternoon.
On Christmas Day itself, almost all major supermarkets and high-street chains remain closed. This reflects UK trading regulations and long-standing retail customs, unlike the US where limited Christmas Day trading is more common.
Shopping Choices Available on Christmas Day
Despite widespread closures on 25 December, a small number of convenience stores do remain open. Some Co-op, SPAR and Londis branches may trade for limited hours, especially in city centres. Petrol station shops, such as Tesco Express locations and BP M&S Food outlets, can also offer basic essentials.
Availability and stock levels differ widely, so these stores should not be relied upon for a full grocery shop. They are best suited for emergency purchases or forgotten essentials.
Online Orders and Final Delivery Deadlines
Well before Christmas Day, most UK retailers stop offering guaranteed festive delivery. Although same-day delivery or click-and-collect services may still operate on Christmas Eve morning, slots are limited and often sell out quickly. Retail experts note that footfall peaks during Christmas Eve afternoon, with transport delays and low stock levels adding to the challenge.
Because nearly all major stores close early, Christmas Eve represents the final major shopping opportunity before the holiday. Christmas Day remains largely free of retail activity, making advance planning essential. While convenience stores and petrol stations can help in a pinch, they cannot replace careful preparation ahead of time.
