As the festive season comes to a close and the New Year approaches, it’s essential to know when your local Tesco will be open.
Whether you’re planning to grab last-minute party essentials, stock up on snacks, or collect a forgotten item, understanding Tesco’s New Year’s Eve closing time and overall holiday schedule can help you avoid disappointment.
This guide provides a full breakdown of Tesco’s New Year’s Eve opening and closing hours across the UK, including details for Tesco Express, Metro, and Extra branches.
We’ll also compare these times to other major UK supermarkets and offer some useful tips for shopping during the holidays.
What Are Tesco’s Opening and Closing Times on New Year’s Eve 2025?
Tesco operates a specific trading schedule across the festive period, particularly on New Year’s Eve.
On this day, most Tesco stores reduce their operating hours to give staff time to spend with their families while still offering convenient shopping windows for customers.
Standard Tesco Superstores
Most Tesco Superstores across the UK will open from 6am until 7pm on New Year’s Eve. These hours are designed to accommodate shoppers who may need to pick up last-minute items for parties, meals or general household use.
These larger stores typically carry a broader range of goods including clothing, electronics and groceries, which makes early shopping ideal to avoid queues and ensure stock availability.
While 7pm is the standard closing time, this can vary slightly based on location. For example, some central London branches may stay open slightly later, while those in quieter towns may close earlier if footfall is low. It’s advisable to check individual store hours using Tesco’s online store locator.
Tesco Express Stores
Tesco Express stores are designed for local and quick shopping. Located in city centres, residential areas and transport hubs, these stores offer extended hours.
On New Year’s Eve, most Tesco Express stores remain open from 7am to 10pm, offering more flexibility to customers with busy schedules or those in need of late-evening essentials.
These stores are often used for quick visits rather than full grocery shops. They are stocked with everyday essentials including snacks, drinks, ready meals, toiletries and alcohol.
Due to their longer trading hours, Tesco Express branches become particularly busy in the evening as people make last-minute purchases for New Year celebrations.
Tesco Extra and Metro Branches
Tesco Extra stores, which are hypermarket-style outlets, also typically follow the 6am to 7pm schedule.
These stores combine groceries with general merchandise and serve as one-stop destinations for many customers.
Tesco Metro stores, found in town centres and urban areas, usually operate similar hours but some may close slightly earlier around 6pm depending on local trading patterns.
The following table outlines the New Year’s Eve trading hours by store format:
| Tesco Store Format | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Tesco Superstore | 6:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Tesco Express | 7:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Tesco Extra | 6:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
| Tesco Metro | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
Customers should always double-check these times through Tesco’s official channels or signage at their local store to avoid unexpected closures.
Is Tesco Open on New Year’s Day Across the UK?
New Year’s Day brings another change in Tesco’s operational hours. While not a public holiday that requires closures by law, it is treated similarly by most retailers due to reduced demand and to allow employees additional time off.
Major City Schedules
In major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow, Tesco continues to operate many of its Express and selected larger stores on New Year’s Day. Most Superstores in urban centres will open from 9am to 6pm on 1 January.
These branches are typically better staffed and experience consistent footfall, making them more likely to remain open compared to stores in smaller towns.
Express branches in city locations are usually open from 8am to 10pm, though some may reduce hours slightly to accommodate lower customer traffic.
Stores located in transport hubs or near hospitals may remain open closer to their usual daily schedule to serve key workers and emergency needs.
Rural and Smaller Town Locations
Tesco stores in less populated areas, especially those not classified as Express, are more likely to open later or close earlier.
It’s common to see Superstores in rural locations open from 10am to 4pm or 9am to 6pm, depending on expected footfall.
Some may not open at all on New Year’s Day, especially if demand historically has been low.
Smaller Metro stores may also operate on limited hours, generally opening mid-morning and closing early evening.
The best course of action is to use Tesco’s store locator in advance and plan shopping accordingly.
How Do Tesco’s New Year’s Hours Differ from Christmas Opening Times?
Tesco’s holiday schedule for the festive season is planned to reflect traditional shopping behaviour and operational logistics. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the company’s hours on key holiday dates:
| Holiday | Tesco Superstores | Tesco Express |
| Christmas Eve | 6am – 7pm | 7am – 10pm |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed |
| Boxing Day | 9am – 6pm | 9am – 7pm |
| New Year’s Eve | 6am – 7pm | 7am – 10pm |
| New Year’s Day | 9am – 6pm | 8am – 10pm |
This structure is aligned with industry norms and is influenced by legal regulations, employee agreements, and anticipated customer needs.
Unlike Christmas Day, when all Tesco stores are closed, New Year’s Day allows for partial operations, especially through Express branches.
Can You Use Tesco’s Online Services on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?
Tesco’s online services provide an essential shopping alternative for customers who prefer not to visit physical stores.
These services remain partially available during the New Year period but with some limitations.
Customers using Tesco’s Click+Collect service can expect pick-up slots to be available until late afternoon on New Year’s Eve, typically ending around 5pm or 6pm depending on the store.
These collection times often fill quickly during the festive season, so advance booking is essential.
For home delivery, Tesco generally stops dispatching orders earlier than usual on New Year’s Eve. Final delivery windows tend to fall between 2pm and 6pm.
On New Year’s Day, services are more limited. Some areas will offer no delivery service at all, while others may provide very few time slots due to limited staffing.
Tesco Grocery’s website and mobile app will notify customers of local service availability during checkout. Customers are also advised to monitor their email and text notifications for any changes to delivery or collection.
Key points to note for online services during the New Year include:
- Delivery slots are reduced and may end earlier than standard trading days
- Some locations may not offer any service on New Year’s Day
- Customer service support for online issues may be delayed due to reduced staff availability
Planning ahead by booking slots several days in advance is strongly recommended for those relying on Tesco’s online services.
Where Can You Check Tesco Store Hours Near You?
To avoid confusion or unplanned trips, Tesco provides a reliable digital tool to check specific store hours and services. The Tesco Store Locator is available on the company’s official website and mobile app.
By entering a postcode, city name or street, customers can view detailed information for nearby Tesco stores, including:
- Opening and closing times for upcoming days
- Special trading hours for bank holidays
- Address and contact number
- Available in-store services such as pharmacy, café or petrol station
- Directions and parking options
Tesco updates this information regularly, especially around the holidays. If there are any temporary closures or changes, such as maintenance work or weather disruptions, the store locator reflects those updates immediately.
Printed notices at store entrances also inform customers of holiday trading times in advance. For shoppers without internet access, Tesco’s customer service helpline can assist with local store hours.
What Other UK Supermarkets Have Similar New Year’s Opening Times?
During the festive season, major UK supermarket chains adjust their trading hours to balance customer demand with staff well-being.
While most stores close on Christmas Day, the days surrounding it, particularly New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, feature reduced and varied opening times across different retailers.
The table below compares the Christmas and New Year’s operating hours for Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi:
| Date | Sainsbury’s | Asda | Morrisons | Aldi |
| Christmas Eve | 6am – 7pm (Convenience: 6am – 9pm) | 5am – 7pm | Most stores: 6am – 6pm (varies) | 7am – 6pm |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Boxing Day | 9am – 6pm (Convenience: 9am – 9pm) | 9am – 6pm | 9am – 6pm | Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | 10am – 7pm (Convenience: 6am – 9pm) | 7am – 7pm | 7am – 7pm | 8am – 6pm |
| New Year’s Day | 8am – 8pm (Convenience: 9am – 9pm) | 9am – 6pm | 9am – 6pm | Closed |
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s has adopted a balanced approach to its holiday trading hours. On Christmas Eve, most of its main stores operate from 6am to 7pm, while convenience stores stay open until 9pm.
Interestingly, on New Year’s Eve, the main stores open later in the day at 10am, closing at 7pm. However, Sainsbury’s Local convenience stores provide greater flexibility, opening from 6am to 9pm.
On New Year’s Day, Sainsbury’s supermarkets open from 8am to 8pm, and convenience stores from 9am to 9pm, making it one of the more accessible supermarkets for post-New Year shopping.
Asda
Asda provides a wide window of access throughout the holidays. Most stores open from 5am to 7pm on Christmas Eve and from 7am to 7pm on New Year’s Eve.
Asda also opens on New Year’s Day from 9am to 6pm, offering another option for those who need essentials after the celebrations.
Asda’s consistent Boxing Day hours, from 9am to 6pm, make it a popular choice for shoppers resuming their routines immediately after Christmas.
Morrisons
Morrisons stores mostly follow a standard pattern with slight regional variation. On Christmas Eve, most stores open from 6am to 6pm, though local differences may apply.
Morrisons stores reopen on Boxing Day from 9am to 6pm, and these hours are repeated on New Year’s Day, with full-day closures only occurring on Christmas Day.
Morrisons also maintains 7am to 7pm trading on New Year’s Eve, aligning with most major supermarkets.
Aldi
Aldi operates on the most limited holiday schedule among the major UK chains. Its stores are open on Christmas Eve from 7am to 6pm and New Year’s Eve from 8am to 6pm, but the chain is entirely closed on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Boxing Day is also a non-trading day for Aldi, which means fewer opportunities for shopping between the major holidays.
Due to these closures, Aldi customers are encouraged to plan shopping well in advance to avoid missing essential items during the store closures.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Tesco During the Holidays?
Shopping during the festive period can be challenging due to increased crowds, reduced hours, and limited availability of certain goods. Being prepared can significantly improve the experience and ensure you complete your shop efficiently.
Here are some key tips and considerations:
- Avoid peak hours between 10am and 2pm, when queues and car park congestion are highest
- Plan shopping trips early in the day to maximise product availability
- Bring reusable bags as Tesco may run short of plastic alternatives during high-traffic days
- Pharmacies and customer service desks may operate on different schedules than the store itself
- Contactless payment and self-checkout usage is encouraged to speed up transactions
- Reduced staffing may lead to slower service at fresh counters such as bakery or meat
Customers should also be aware that promotional deals may end before the New Year, so checking expiry dates on vouchers and offers is advised before heading to the store.
Why Do Tesco Stores Operate Reduced Hours During Holidays?
Tesco’s decision to adjust its operating hours around the festive season is driven by several key factors. These include legal considerations, workforce management, customer demand, and operational efficiency.
- Legal trading restrictions apply on certain holidays such as Christmas Day, where all large shops must remain closed
- Employee wellbeing is prioritised, with reduced hours allowing staff time to celebrate with family
- Customer footfall drops significantly during specific periods, making extended hours economically inefficient
- Stock rotation and restocking require more time during peak periods, so early closures assist staff in maintaining product quality and hygiene standards
- Public transport availability can also affect store schedules, particularly in metropolitan areas
These reduced hours reflect Tesco’s efforts to balance customer needs with responsible business practices and employee rights.
Conclusion
For most shoppers, the best time to visit Tesco on New Year’s Eve 2025 is early in the morning, ideally between 6am and 10am.
This ensures access to full stock, shorter queues, and a smoother experience. Express stores offer flexibility with later hours, but larger stores close promptly by 7pm.
Planning ahead using Tesco’s store locator and online services can save you time and help make your New Year celebration stress-free.
FAQs About Tesco’s New Year’s Eve Closing Times
What time does Tesco close on New Year’s Eve?
Most Tesco Superstores close at 7pm on New Year’s Eve, while Express branches typically remain open until 10pm.
Are Tesco petrol stations open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, many Tesco petrol stations are open on New Year’s Eve, though some may operate on different hours than the main store.
Does Tesco offer delivery on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, Tesco offers limited home delivery on New Year’s Eve, with final delivery slots usually by 6pm.
Is Tesco open on New Year’s Day 2026?
Most Tesco stores are open on New Year’s Day with reduced hours, typically 9am to 6pm for larger stores and 8am to 10pm for Express stores.
Can I shop in Tesco Metro stores on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, Tesco Metro stores are open on New Year’s Eve, generally following the 6am to 6pm schedule, depending on location.
Are Tesco pharmacies open on New Year’s Eve?
Pharmacy hours may differ from store hours. It’s recommended to check online or contact the store directly for pharmacy-specific times.
What services are limited at Tesco during the holidays?
During New Year’s and other holidays, services like the pharmacy, bakery, and customer service desks may operate on reduced schedules or be unavailable entirely.
