As the festive season approaches, one of the UK’s most popular budget supermarkets has made headlines with a significant operational announcement. Aldi has revealed it will shut all of its 1,000+ UK stores for 62 hours over Christmas 2025.
But why such a lengthy closure during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year? What does this mean for shoppers, staff, and the wider retail landscape?
This blog explores the reasons behind Aldi’s Christmas shutdown, how it compares with other major UK retailers, and what consumers should know as they prepare for the season.
Why Is Aldi Closing for 62 Hours Over Christmas 2025?
Aldi has announced that all UK stores will close for 62 hours over Christmas 2025, shutting at 6pm on Christmas Eve and reopening at 8am on Saturday, 27 December.
This extended break covers both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, continuing the retailer’s longstanding festive closure tradition.
The main reason for the shutdown is staff welfare, with Aldi describing it as a “well-deserved break” for employees who work extremely hard throughout December. The supermarket emphasises that the decision supports a healthier work-life balance during one of the busiest retail periods.
Aldi has reiterated that this move is not commercially motivated but reflects its ongoing commitment to employee satisfaction and allowing staff to spend Christmas with their families.
When Will Aldi Stores Close and Reopen During the Festive Season?
The closure spans three key days: Christmas Eve (after 6pm), Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. All stores are set to resume operations at 8am on Saturday, 27 December, following the 62-hour break. Normal trading hours will then continue up to New Year’s Eve, with another closure on New Year’s Day.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Aldi’s festive store hours:
Aldi Christmas 2025 Opening Times
| Date | Opening Hours |
| Monday, 22 December | 7:00am – 10:00pm |
| Tuesday, 23 December | 7:00am – 10:00pm |
| Wednesday, 24 December (Christmas Eve) | 7:00am – 6:00pm |
| Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day) | Closed |
| Friday, 26 December (Boxing Day) | Closed |
| Saturday, 27 December | 8:00am – 8:00pm |
| Sunday, 28 December | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Monday, 29 December | 8:00am – 8:00pm |
| Tuesday, 30 December | 8:00am – 8:00pm |
| Wednesday, 31 December (New Year’s Eve) | 8:00am – 6:00pm |
| Thursday, 1 January (New Year’s Day) | Closed |
| Friday, 2 January | 8:00am – 10:00pm |
Aldi recommends that shoppers verify local store times via its store locator, as minor differences may exist across regions.
How Does Aldi’s Holiday Schedule Compare to Other UK Supermarkets?
Aldi’s approach to closing for 62 hours is relatively unique in the UK grocery sector, where many retailers typically reopen on Boxing Day to capture post-Christmas sales. While most supermarkets close on Christmas Day, only a select few extend the closure into Boxing Day.
Retailers such as Home Bargains, B&M, and John Lewis have also announced limited trading over the festive period, but Aldi is among the few committing to a blanket nationwide closure for both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. In contrast, many supermarkets, especially larger chains,will continue to open on Boxing Day, albeit with reduced hours.
This divergence in approach reflects broader differences in company policies towards staff welfare, operational strategies, and customer service models during holiday periods.
What Does This Closure Mean for Last-Minute Shoppers?
The 62-hour closure has clear implications for consumers, particularly those who traditionally shop late into the festive period. Aldi’s early closure on Christmas Eve and complete shutdown through Boxing Day means that last-minute purchases will need to be made earlier than usual.
Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and make use of Aldi’s extended hours on the days leading up to Christmas. For those used to dashing out on Boxing Day for forgotten items or discounted goods, this closure is a prompt to adjust their usual routines.
To help manage shopping needs before the closure, Aldi has released tips for pre-holiday preparation:
- Shop early in the week to avoid peak footfall closer to the 24th.
- Use Aldi’s online tools to check stock availability and store hours.
- Review holiday food offers to ensure essentials are covered in advance.
This planned break allows customers to prepare adequately and avoid last-minute stress while supporting a more balanced retail environment for staff and shoppers alike.
What are Aldi’s Full Christmas 2025 Opening Times?
To give a quick visual reference, here’s another view of Aldi’s seasonal hours, including notable closures and early finishes:
Key Holiday Trading Schedule:
| Holiday Period | Opening Status |
| Christmas Eve (24 Dec) | Open until 6:00pm |
| Christmas Day (25 Dec) | Closed |
| Boxing Day (26 Dec) | Closed |
| Reopening (27 Dec) | Open from 8:00am |
| New Year’s Eve (31 Dec) | Closes at 6:00pm |
| New Year’s Day (1 Jan) | Closed |
By checking these hours in advance, you can organise your Christmas shopping smoothly without unexpected surprises.
How Is Aldi Recognising and Supporting Staff This Christmas?
Employee Wellbeing at the Forefront
The extended closure is part of Aldi’s continued effort to reward and respect its employees. By providing a 62-hour holiday period, the supermarket reinforces its commitment to promoting better work-life balance, especially during a time when retail staff are typically under immense pressure.
Statements from Leadership
Aldi’s senior leadership has publicly emphasised that the closure is about more than just operations; it’s about people. The company’s communications team has underlined that the break is a thank-you to colleagues who deliver high performance throughout December.
Public Perception
This initiative has resonated positively with many shoppers, particularly those who value ethical retail practices and fair treatment of workers. It may also influence consumer loyalty, with customers increasingly choosing to support businesses that show genuine care for staff.
What’s Included in Aldi’s 2025 Christmas Food & Festive Range?
Aldi’s closure doesn’t mean customers will miss out on Christmas essentials. The brand has rolled out a broad festive range in the lead-up to the holiday period, with many favourites making a return alongside new launches for 2025.
Highlighted Products:
- Specially Selected Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets – a returning bestseller
- Ultimate Wagyu Fat Roast Potatoes – award-winning side dish
- British Free-Range Whole Turkey – dry-hung for flavour, available from 19 December
- Tofu Roasting Joint, Slow Cooked Wagyu Shin, and Salmon Wellington – alternative centrepieces
- Desserts like the Hazel Nutcracker, Pistachio Yule Log, and Baked Alaska Bar
The range also includes party food, children’s gifts, wooden toys, and seasonal decorations, all launched in stages throughout December.
How Has the Public Reacted to Aldi’s 62-Hour Christmas Closure?
The reaction to Aldi’s decision has been largely positive. Many customers have praised the company for putting people before profit, while others have noted the move aligns with wider calls for better work-life balance across industries.
Positive Sentiment on Social Media
Across platforms, users have applauded Aldi’s stance. Comments highlight appreciation for giving retail workers the opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted time with family during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
However, a small number of shoppers have expressed frustration over the extended closure, particularly those who rely on last-minute access to supermarkets. Nonetheless, this appears to be the minority opinion, with overall sentiment leaning in favour of Aldi’s move.
What Should Customers Do Ahead of the Shutdown?
Preparation is key. With the three-day closure now confirmed, Aldi shoppers should consider the following:
Pre-Closure Checklist:
- Plan meals and grocery lists by mid-December
- Shop early, preferably before 23 December to avoid crowds
- Double-check store-specific hours via the Aldi website
- Stock up on essentials, including baby products, pet food, and medicines
- Review Aldi’s festive promotions and freezer-friendly items for storage
By planning ahead, customers can enjoy a stress-free festive period without the need for emergency dashes to the shop.
Conclusion
Aldi’s decision to close its UK stores for 62 hours over Christmas 2025 sends a strong message about its values, prioritising people over profits.
While it requires some forward planning for customers, the move is largely celebrated for giving hardworking employees a chance to enjoy the festive season with their families.
Shoppers are encouraged to plan early, check local store hours, and take advantage of Aldi’s award-winning Christmas range ahead of time. As the holidays approach, this closure reminds us that sometimes, the best gift is time spent with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Aldi’s Click & Collect service be available during the 62-hour closure?
No, Click & Collect services will be paused during the store closures and resume on 27 December.
How has Aldi’s Christmas closure policy changed over the years?
Aldi has consistently closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The 62-hour break formalises this practice with clearer communication and planning.
Are Aldi’s competitors also closing for multiple days over Christmas?
While a few like Home Bargains and John Lewis close on Boxing Day, most major chains remain open to capture sales.
Can customers return items before the shutdown?
Returns are accepted as usual before 24 December. Services resume on 27 December.
Is Aldi running any special discounts before the holiday break?
Yes, seasonal discounts and multibuy offers are available across festive food and household items.
Will Aldi be restocked after reopening on 27 December?
Yes, Aldi typically restocks overnight and opens fully stocked on 27 December. Fresh and perishable items may vary by location.
What should I do if I need support from Aldi during the closure?
Customer service lines will be unavailable during closure days. Customers can use online FAQs or wait until the 27th to speak with support staff.
