Most McDonald’s restaurants are open on Boxing Day, December 26, 2026, though many operate on reduced holiday hours such as 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. While the majority of the 1,450+ UK locations resume service following Christmas Day closures, exact opening times vary significantly by location because approximately 80% of restaurants are operated by independent franchisees. High street branches and those inside shopping centers typically align with mall holiday hours, while standalone drive-thru locations are the most likely to offer extended or 24-hour service. To ensure accuracy for your specific area, customers should utilize the McDonald’s Store Locator tool or the official mobile app, as scheduled maintenance or local staffing adjustments can influence late-night availability on this bank holiday.
Boxing Day Operating Hours 2026
McDonald’s traditionally views Boxing Day as a high-traffic period, catering to holiday shoppers and those traveling to visit family. In 2026, you can expect most suburban and city-center locations to open their doors between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, following their mandatory closure on December 25th.
Standalone drive-thru units are the most reliable option for early morning or late-night cravings. These locations often attempt to maintain their 24-hour status, though a brief “changeover” period usually occurs in the early hours of Boxing Day to reset systems and restock inventory after the Christmas break.
Urban vs. Rural Schedules
In major metropolitan areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, the demand remains high, often resulting in standard operating hours. Conversely, rural branches or those located within smaller retail parks may close earlier, often around 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM, to accommodate lower foot traffic and local labor regulations.
Franchise Autonomy and Variations
The primary reason for differing hours across the country is the franchise model. Because individual owners manage the majority of McDonald’s sites, they have the discretion to set holiday schedules based on historical sales data and staff availability.
Corporate-owned stores usually follow a strictly standardized schedule set by McDonald’s UK headquarters. However, even these sites must occasionally adjust hours if local shopping center management decides to lock the main gates early on a bank holiday.
Breakfast Times on Boxing Day
On December 26, 2026, the famous McDonald’s breakfast menu will typically be available from the moment the store opens until the standard cutoff of 11:00 AM. If a 24-hour location reopened at midnight, breakfast service usually begins at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM.
It is important to note that menu availability may be limited during the first hour of opening on Boxing Day. If a restaurant has been closed for 24 hours, the kitchen team requires time to bring grills to temperature and prepare the fresh eggs and muffins required for the morning rush.
McDelivery and Third-Party Apps
McDelivery services via Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat are generally active on Boxing Day, provided the local restaurant is open. However, delivery radii may be restricted if there are fewer drivers on the road during the bank holiday period.
Users should expect slightly longer delivery windows and potentially higher “small order” fees. If you are planning a large family order, it is recommended to place it through the McDonald’s app directly to access “Rewards” points and see real-time updates on which nearby branches are currently accepting delivery requests.
Practical Information and Planning
To have a seamless experience at McDonald’s on Boxing Day 2026, consider the following practical details:
- Opening/Closing: Expect 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM as the average window for most town-center stores.
- Pricing: Standard menu pricing applies; however, some delivery platforms may implement holiday surcharges.
- How to Get There: Check local public transport schedules, as Boxing Day often sees limited bus and train services, making the Drive-Thru the most convenient option.
- What to Expect: High foot traffic in locations near retail outlets due to “Boxing Day Sales.”
- Expert Tip: Use the “Click & Serve” feature in the app to avoid long counter queues.
FAQs
Is McDonald’s open 24 hours on Boxing Day?
Only specific standalone drive-thru locations remain 24 hours; high street and shopping mall branches will follow restricted holiday hours.
What time does McDonald’s start serving breakfast on December 26?
Breakfast typically begins at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM at 24-hour stores, and upon opening at all other locations, ending strictly at 11:00 AM.
Can I get a Big Mac on Boxing Day morning?
No, the main menu (including Big Macs and McNuggets) only starts after breakfast ends at 11:00 AM.
Are all UK McDonald’s open on Boxing Day?
While nearly all open, a very small number of locations in strictly residential or quiet business districts may choose to remain closed.
Is the Festive Menu available on Boxing Day?
Yes, the 2026 Festive Menu, usually featuring seasonal burgers and lattes, remains available through late December.
Do I have to pay extra for delivery on Boxing Day?
While McDonald’s doesn’t raise its own prices, third-party apps like Uber Eats may have higher delivery fees due to holiday demand.
Is the Drive-Thru open if the dining area is closed?
Often, yes. Many managers choose to keep the Drive-Thru open later than the indoor seating area to manage staffing levels.
Will McDonald’s be busy on Boxing Day?
Yes, particularly between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM as shoppers take breaks from the sales.
Can I use my McDonald’s Rewards points on Boxing Day?
Yes, the rewards program functions normally on bank holidays through the mobile app.
Are McDonald’s opening hours the same in Scotland on Boxing Day?
Generally, yes, though local bank holiday traditions can occasionally lead to slightly different closing times compared to England.
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