Lidl is a go-to destination for many shoppers during the festive season, offering quality products at affordable prices.
However, with varying holiday schedules across the UK, it’s common for customers to wonder: is Lidl open on Boxing Day this year? This guide provides the latest updates on Lidl’s 2025 Christmas and Boxing Day opening hours across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute shop or looking to avoid unnecessary trips, this updated store guide will help you plan your festive grocery shopping efficiently.
What Are Lidl’s Christmas Opening Hours for 2025?
Lidl has published its official 2025 Christmas and New Year store opening times for England, Wales, and Scotland.
These timings are based on factors such as regional laws, expected customer traffic, and employee considerations.
Lidl’s approach to festive opening hours has been relatively consistent in recent years, often keeping stores closed on major holidays like Christmas Day and selectively open on Boxing Day depending on location.
Christmas trading hours typically start shifting from 22 December onwards, with extended or altered hours to accommodate the seasonal demand.
It’s common for stores to open earlier and close later in the days leading up to Christmas. The most significant changes, however, occur between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
To offer clarity, here’s a table outlining Lidl’s confirmed Christmas opening times for 2025 across the UK:
Lidl Christmas 2025 Opening Hours (England, Wales, Scotland)
| Date | England (Inside M25) | England (Outside M25) | Wales | Scotland |
| Mon 22 Dec | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal |
| Tue 23 Dec | 07:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 – 22:00 | 07:00 – 22:00 |
| Wed 24 Dec | 07:00 – 19:00 | 07:00 – 18:00 | 07:00 – 18:00 | 07:00 – 18:00 |
| Thu 25 Dec | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Fri 26 Dec | 10:00 – 18:00 | Closed | Closed | 11:00 – 17:00 |
| Sat 27 Dec | 08:00 – 21:00 or 22:00 | 08:00 – 21:00 or 22:00 | 08:00 – 21:00 or 22:00 | 08:00 – 21:00 or 22:00 |
| Sun 28 Dec | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal |
| Mon 29 Dec | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal |
| Tue 30 Dec | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal |
| Wed 31 Dec | 08:00 – 19:00 | 08:00 – 18:00 | 08:00 – 18:00 | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Thu 01 Jan | 10:00 – 18:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Fri 02 Jan | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal | Open as normal |
Lidl typically includes a note that many stores offer early browsing about 30 minutes before the official opening time. These browsing sessions are especially helpful for vulnerable shoppers or those looking to beat the rush.
Is Lidl Open on Boxing Day 2025 in the UK?
Boxing Day store openings can differ significantly based on region. Lidl is partially open on Boxing Day 2025 — but not everywhere.
Lidl Store Hours in England
- Inside M25: Open from 10:00 to 18:00
- Outside M25: Closed on Boxing Day
This means shoppers within the London area (inside the M25) have access to stores, but outside this area, locations will not operate on 26 December.
Lidl Opening Times in Wales
Lidl stores in Wales will remain closed on Boxing Day. This mirrors past years and allows staff additional time off after Christmas.
Lidl Boxing Day Hours in Scotland
For shoppers in Scotland, Lidl will be open from 11:00 to 17:00 on Boxing Day. This provides a short window for those needing essentials post-Christmas.
Which Lidl Stores Are Open Inside and Outside the M25 on Boxing Day?
The distinction between stores located inside the M25 and those outside it is crucial. Lidl uses the M25 motorway as a geographical marker for opening decisions.
The M25 encircles Greater London. Locations such as Croydon, Wembley, Enfield, and Hounslow are within the M25 boundary and thus expected to operate on Boxing Day.
Areas like Reading, Slough, Luton, and Maidstone, despite being close to London, lie outside the M25 and therefore fall under the closure rule.
Customers should use the Lidl store locator on their official website to verify the opening status of their local branch. This helps avoid confusion, especially for those residing in areas that straddle the M25 corridor.
How Does Lidl’s Boxing Day Schedule Compare with Other Supermarkets?
Lidl is not alone in adjusting its Boxing Day opening strategy. Many UK supermarkets follow a similar pattern, although some are more open than others. Here’s a comparison of major chains:
Supermarket Opening Hours on Boxing Day 2025
| Supermarket | Boxing Day Status | Notes |
| Lidl | Partially open | Open inside M25 and in Scotland only |
| Aldi | Closed | Nationwide closure |
| Tesco | Limited hours | Varies by store type |
| Sainsbury’s | Selected stores open | Mostly large supermarkets |
| Asda | Most stores open | Reduced hours |
| Waitrose | Closed | Majority of stores shut |
| Morrisons | Open | Reduced hours nationwide |
Lidl’s approach aligns closely with Aldi, which typically remains closed nationwide. Larger chains such as Tesco and Asda tend to keep bigger stores open with limited hours, while more premium outlets like Waitrose and M&S often close completely.
This variety means that consumers planning to shop on 26 December should always confirm local hours regardless of the retailer.
Are Lidl Opening Hours Different in Scotland for the Festive Season?
Yes, Lidl stores in Scotland operate under slightly different opening hours during the festive season.
This distinction is partly due to devolved regulations and differing public holiday structures in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK.
Some of the key differences include:
- Boxing Day: Stores are open from 11:00 to 17:00
- New Year’s Day: All Lidl stores in Scotland are closed
- 2 January 2026: Stores reopen with normal trading hours
In addition, Lidl stores in Scotland tend to follow more uniform opening hours on 24 and 31 December, often closing at 18:00 or 19:00 depending on the location.
This tailored schedule allows Lidl to respect Scottish holiday customs while maintaining operational consistency across its UK network.
What Time Does Lidl Open After Boxing Day?
After Boxing Day, Lidl’s operating hours quickly return to normal. However, the first few days after 26 December are often some of the busiest of the year.
Shoppers typically return to restock everyday essentials, take advantage of post-Christmas offers, or prepare for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
From 27 December onwards, Lidl resumes near-regular hours across all UK locations.
- Saturday, 27 December: Most stores open from 08:00 to 21:00 or 22:00
- Sunday, 28 December: Open as normal, usually 10:00 to 16:00 or 11:00 to 17:00
- Monday, 29 December – Tuesday, 30 December: Standard trading hours apply
On New Year’s Eve (31 December), stores generally close earlier than usual, with most locations shutting between 18:00 and 19:00.
Customers should take note of these earlier closing times to avoid missing out on essential items for the New Year.
Stores inside the M25 area open again on 1 January (New Year’s Day) with reduced hours (10:00 to 18:00).
All other Lidl stores across England, Wales, and Scotland are closed on 1 January, reopening on 2 January 2026 with normal hours.
How Can Shoppers Check Local Lidl Store Opening Times?
Lidl provides a reliable online store locator tool that allows users to find their nearest store and view up-to-date holiday hours.
This tool is particularly useful during the festive period when national announcements may not reflect store-specific variations.
The store finder includes:
- Address and contact details
- Opening and closing times for each day of the week
- Special holiday hours
- Alerts about store refurbishments or temporary closures
Customers can access the tool on the official Lidl website under the “Christmas Store Opening Hours” section. It is regularly updated, especially in the run-up to Christmas and New Year.
Some stores also display printed notices at the entrance or on noticeboards inside, listing upcoming changes to opening hours.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Lidl During the Christmas Holidays?
Shoppers planning to visit Lidl between 22 December and 2 January should consider the following key points:
- Check store times online: As opening hours vary by location, the online tool or in-store signage is essential.
- Expect busy periods: Especially on 24 December, 27 December, and 30 December. Early visits reduce wait times.
- Note early browsing availability: Some stores open 30 minutes before official hours for browsing only.
- Be prepared for closures: All Lidl stores close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (outside the M25).
- Use contactless payments: It speeds up checkout, especially when queues are long.
By staying informed and planning accordingly, customers can make their shopping experience during the holidays as smooth and efficient as possible.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not Lidl is open on Boxing Day depends largely on where in the UK you are. Shoppers inside the M25 and in Scotland will find Lidl open with reduced hours, while stores outside the M25 and across Wales will be closed.
As holiday hours continue to reflect changing retail trends and staff welfare considerations, it’s clear that Lidl is prioritising balance ensuring customer access while giving employees much-needed rest.
To avoid confusion, always check your local Lidl store’s Christmas opening hours online before visiting. A bit of preparation ensures you won’t be caught out by a closed sign when you need it most.
FAQs About Lidl Boxing Day and Holiday Hours
Is Lidl closed in all parts of the UK on Boxing Day?
No, Lidl stores inside the M25 and in Scotland are open with limited hours. Stores in Wales and areas outside the M25 remain closed.
Can I shop at Lidl on Christmas Day?
No, all Lidl stores across the UK are closed on Christmas Day.
Does Lidl offer early browsing on festive days?
Yes, some stores allow early browsing up to 30 minutes before official opening, particularly around the Christmas period.
When is Lidl’s busiest time during the holidays?
Christmas Eve and the days immediately following Boxing Day are usually the busiest. Shopping early in the morning is recommended.
Are Lidl’s hours the same across England, Wales, and Scotland?
No. There are variations, especially on Boxing Day and New Year’s, based on regional laws and company policy.
Will Lidl open later on New Year’s Day?
Only stores inside the M25 will open on 01 January 2026, from 10:00 – 18:00. All other locations will remain closed.
How can I confirm my local Lidl’s holiday hours?
Visit Lidl’s official store locator to get accurate and up-to-date information.
