Lidl has confirmed it will shut the majority of its 980 UK stores over Christmas, allowing staff a well-deserved festive break.
The discount supermarket will close all of its UK branches on Christmas Day, and the vast majority will remain shut on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day too.
Lidl to Close Majority of UK Stores This Christmas
“Every Lidl store across the UK will be closed on Christmas Day, with most locations outside London and Wales also closing on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.”
Customers in the capital can expect some stores within the M25 to remain open on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, though these are the exception. Lidl recommends using their store locator or the Lidl Plus app to check local branch opening times in advance.
The supermarket is advising customers to plan their festive shopping early. Lidl expects Monday, 22 December to be its busiest day, and is encouraging shoppers to visit outside peak hours.
According to the retailer, the quietest times tend to be:
- Between 8am and 10am
- After 6pm
Avoiding the lunchtime rush could make for a more pleasant shopping experience, especially in the final days before Christmas.
£250 Million in Price Cuts to Ease Christmas Spending
In the spirit of giving, Lidl has also announced a £250 million investment in price cuts on everyday essentials during the run-up to Christmas.
The chain says this move is part of its commitment to help customers “save more at a time when every penny counts”.
This major reduction in prices comes as households across the UK continue to battle rising living costs. Lidl’s initiative could provide some financial relief during what’s often the most expensive time of year for families.
Lidl Joins Wave of Retailers Offering Staff Time Off
Lidl isn’t the only retailer offering a longer break for staff this Christmas. It joins other major high street names in prioritising employee wellbeing over the festive period.
- Home Bargains has confirmed a three-day closure.
- B&M and John Lewis shut on Boxing Day last year.
- IKEA went even further, closing from Christmas Eve until 27 December.
While it’s standard for most UK shops to shut on Christmas Day, many traditionally reopen on Boxing Day to capitalise on post-Christmas sales. But this trend appears to be shifting.
Retail analysts suggest the pandemic years have played a part in changing customer habits—and company priorities. More retailers are now choosing to give workers time off, rather than racing to reopen for Boxing Day bargains.
Final Reminder for Shoppers
With fewer trading days and extended closures, Lidl shoppers are urged to plan ahead.
Be sure to:
- Check your local store’s festive hours.
- Avoid the busiest shopping days and times.
- Take advantage of Lidl’s early-morning or late-evening quiet periods.
- Snap up deals as Lidl slashes prices in the countdown to Christmas.
Whether you’re stocking up on festive nibbles or grabbing last-minute gifts, make sure to get your shopping in before the doors close.
With Lidl joining a growing list of retailers pressing pause for Christmas, it’s clear that this holiday season, staff wellbeing is taking the front seat.
And for shoppers? That just means planning a little smarter and maybe embracing a quieter, calmer Christmas Eve.
