As the holiday season approaches, shoppers across the UK are looking ahead to their festive preparations. One of the most important updates comes from Aldi, which has confirmed plans to close all its UK stores for three key dates during the Christmas and New Year period.
These closures are part of a larger initiative to prioritise staff wellbeing while ensuring customers have ample time to shop before the break. Let’s explore what this means for you and how to plan accordingly.
Why Is Aldi Closing All UK Stores for Three Days This Christmas?
Aldi has officially announced that all of its UK stores will close for three days over the festive period. This move is a continuation of the retailer’s commitment to giving its employees time off to spend with family and loved ones during the holidays.
The closures are set for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, allowing staff a 72-hour break from the demanding retail environment.
This decision aligns with Aldi’s long-standing values and the appreciation it shows towards its workforce. While many retailers aim to capitalise on Boxing Day sales, Aldi prioritises the wellbeing of its colleagues, recognising their efforts throughout the year.
- These three days are set aside entirely for rest and recovery.
- No stores will be open in England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Aldi confirms the move is based on positive feedback from previous years.
With over 1,050 stores across the UK, this closure represents a major move in UK retail holiday policy and showcases Aldi’s people-first approach.
When Will Aldi Be Closed in 2025 Across the UK?
Aldi has confirmed its store closure dates for the 2025 festive season across the UK. These closures fall on the most significant public holidays, allowing staff time to celebrate with their families. At the same time, customers are given advance notice to plan their shopping accordingly.
Closure Dates:
| Date | Day | Store Status | Occasion |
| 25 December 2025 | Thursday | Closed | Christmas Day |
| 26 December 2025 | Friday | Closed | Boxing Day |
| 27–31 December 2025 | Sat–Wed | Open (Normal Hours) | Festive Period |
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | Closed | New Year’s Day |
| 2 January 2026 | Friday | Open (Normal Hours) | Normal Trading |
This schedule provides both clarity and consistency for shoppers during the busy festive period. By sharing dates in advance, Aldi helps customers avoid last-minute disruptions. Shoppers can plan ahead with confidence, while employees enjoy a well-deserved seasonal break.
Which Aldi Stores Are Affected by Upcoming Closures?
The upcoming holiday closures will affect every single Aldi store in the United Kingdom. Whether you live in a major city or a rural area, the closures apply nationwide without exception.
Aldi currently operates more than 1,050 stores across England, Scotland, and Wales. Each of these locations will observe the three-day closure period.
The table below gives a breakdown of Aldi’s UK store distribution:
| Region | Estimated Store Count | Closure Dates |
| England | 800+ | 25 Dec, 26 Dec, 1 Jan |
| Scotland | 100+ | 25 Dec, 26 Dec, 1 Jan |
| Wales | 100+ | 25 Dec, 26 Dec, 1 Jan |
| Total Stores UK | 1,050+ | Closed all 3 confirmed days |
Every region will be subject to the same closure policy, ensuring uniformity across the country and helping customers prepare with accurate information.
What Is Aldi’s Reason for Closing on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day?
The primary reason behind Aldi’s closure on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is rooted in employee wellbeing. The supermarket giant has prioritised creating a work culture that supports its staff during a season that is often stressful in retail.
According to company leadership, these days off are a way of recognising the dedication shown by colleagues throughout the year.
Aldi’s statement confirms the company’s ethos of appreciation and balance. The decision is also consistent with similar closures in recent years, which have been well-received by both staff and customers.
Here are the key reasons:
- Employee Welfare: Offering much-needed rest after the busy pre-Christmas rush.
- Work-Life Balance: Encouraging time with family and friends.
- Company Tradition; A recurring policy over the past few years.
- Positive Feedback: Past closures resulted in strong approval from staff and shoppers.
By taking this proactive stance, Aldi sets a benchmark for other retailers, highlighting that commercial gain isn’t always the primary goal during the festive season.
How Will Aldi’s Opening Hours Change Before and After Christmas?
In the days leading up to Christmas, Aldi will adjust its operating hours to accommodate increased shopping demand. Shoppers will notice extended trading hours, giving them more flexibility to stock up on essentials, festive treats, and SpecialBuys before the holiday break.
Extended Hours Before Christmas
Aldi will open earlier and close later from Monday, 22 December to Wednesday, 24 December. This ensures customers can beat the rush and avoid last-minute stress.
After Christmas Reopening
All stores will reopen on Saturday, 27 December with regular operating hours through to Wednesday, 31 December. They will close again on New Year’s Day (1 January) and resume normal schedules on Friday, 2 January 2026.
These adjusted hours aim to meet customer needs while providing clarity and consistency across all locations.
How Does Aldi’s Holiday Closure Policy Compare to Other UK Retailers?
Aldi’s decision to shut for three days during the festive period puts it in a select group of retailers prioritising staff wellbeing over commercial trading. While most supermarkets in the UK close on Christmas Day, only a few opt to stay shut on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Other notable retailers following similar policies include:
- Home Bargains: Closed for three days: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
- B&M: Closed on Christmas Day, early closure on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.
- John Lewis: Closed on Boxing Day, with reduced hours before Christmas.
- Ikea: Closed from Christmas Eve through to 27 December in some locations.
Aldi’s approach positions it as a leader in staff appreciation, choosing long-term employee satisfaction over short-term sales surges.
| Retailer | Boxing Day Closure | New Year’s Day Closure | Christmas Eve Hours |
| Aldi | Yes | Yes | Extended |
| Home Bargains | Yes | Yes | Closes 5 PM |
| B&M | Early close | No | Early close |
| John Lewis | Yes | No | Reduced hours |
| Ikea | Yes (some) | Yes (some) | Early close |
This comparison highlights how Aldi stands out among UK retailers, setting a clear example of balancing customer needs with genuine commitment to employee wellbeing.
Is Aldi Planning Any Permanent Store Closures in the UK?
Despite the confirmed holiday closures, Aldi is not planning any permanent store shutdowns in the UK. On the contrary, the supermarket is actively pursuing expansion.
With over 1,050 existing branches, Aldi has publicly stated its aim to increase its UK store count to 1,500 locations in the near future.
The seasonal closures are temporary and part of a holiday-specific policy rather than a sign of financial or operational challenges. The supermarket remains strong in performance, particularly due to its budget-friendly pricing and popular SpecialBuys.
What Should You Do to Prepare for Aldi’s Holiday Closures?
To avoid any last-minute disruptions during the festive period, it’s important to plan ahead for Aldi’s store closures. The extended hours before Christmas offer a great opportunity to shop early and avoid crowded aisles.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Visit stores early in the week before Christmas to secure your holiday essentials.
- Use Aldi’s store locator to check exact local opening times.
- Stock up on SpecialBuys and fresh produce before 24 December.
- Create a shopping checklist to avoid multiple trips.
Being organised will help you navigate the holiday season smoothly and take full advantage of Aldi’s pre-closure deals and promotions.
Conclusion
Aldi’s decision to close all UK stores on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day reflects a thoughtful approach to the holiday season.
By putting employee wellbeing first, Aldi demonstrates its commitment to a balanced, people-focused culture. For shoppers, this means making timely plans and enjoying the convenience of extended hours leading up to the holidays.
With clear dates and consistent policies, preparing for the festive period with Aldi is both simple and stress-free.
FAQs About Aldi Store Closures
Will Aldi have any online or delivery services operating during the closure days?
No, Aldi does not offer direct home delivery services and all in-store operations will be paused during the closure period.
Are there any Aldi petrol stations or partner services that will remain open?
Aldi does not operate petrol stations, and all its services will be closed during the confirmed holiday dates.
Can you return products or request refunds during the closure period?
Product returns and refund requests must be made either before or after the store closures, as no staff will be available.
When will Aldi’s Christmas SpecialBuys be available in 2025?
Aldi typically releases its Christmas SpecialBuys in early December, and they will be available until stores close on Christmas Eve.
Will staff receive full pay during these holiday closure days?
Yes, Aldi has confirmed that colleagues will receive paid time off during the holiday closure dates.
How can customers stay updated on last-minute changes to store hours?
Customers are encouraged to use the Aldi app or visit the store locator page for real-time updates and notifications.
Are other discounters like Lidl and Iceland following the same closure model?
Some discounters like Home Bargains follow a similar model, but Lidl and Iceland have not confirmed identical closure plans yet.
Also Read:
- Superdrug Store Closures 2025 | Full List of Stores Already Shut and Upcoming Closures
- Tesco Store Closures 2025 | Which Stores Are Shutting Across the UK?
- The Original Factory Shop Closures 2025 | Is This the End for Some Town Shops?
- Greggs Store Closures | Why 56 Stores Shut Down Across the UK in 2025?
- Beaverbrooks Store Closures 2025 | Timeline, Reasons, and What’s Next?
