No, most Aldi stores in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland are closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026. While Aldi remains open for limited hours on New Year’s Eve to accommodate last-minute party shoppers, the company traditionally shuts its doors on New Year’s Day to allow employees time off with their families. In contrast, Aldi stores in certain parts of Australia may remain open with reduced holiday hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, depending on state regulations.
Aldi US New Year’s Day Schedule
All Aldi locations in the United States are officially closed on New Year’s Day. This is a firm nationwide policy that applies to all 38 states where the retailer operates, ensuring consistency for both staff and customers.
Because January 1st is a federal holiday, Aldi joins other major retailers like Costco and Trader Joe’s in observing a full day of closure. If you need essentials for a New Year’s Day brunch, you must complete your shopping by the evening of December 31st.
Aldi UK New Year’s Day Policy
Aldi stores across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be closed on January 1, 2026. This follows the brand’s long-standing tradition of closing on key bank holidays to support the well-being of its workforce.
While many rival supermarkets like Tesco or Asda may open their smaller “Express” or “Local” stores, Aldi maintains a blanket closure across all its UK sites. Most stores will reopen with normal operating hours—typically 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM—on Friday, January 2nd.
New Year’s Eve Opening Hours
On December 31, 2025, Aldi stores will operate on a reduced schedule, typically closing by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. This early closure allows customers to grab “Specialbuys” or festive appetizers before the evening celebrations begin.
In the US, most stores open at their usual time (8:30 AM or 9:00 AM) but cut their evening hours short. In the UK, the standard New Year’s Eve window is often 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though some high-traffic city locations may stay open until 8:00 PM.
Australian Trading Hour Variations
In Australia, New Year’s Day trading is more flexible and varies significantly by state. Most Aldi stores in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland will open on January 1, 2026, though usually with shortened hours like 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
However, shoppers in South Australia should be aware that many Adelaide metropolitan stores remain closed on New Year’s Day due to local trading laws. Regional South Australian stores and those in Western Australia typically follow the reduced holiday schedule rather than a full closure.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening Hours & Dates
- December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Eve): Open (Reduced hours, e.g., 8 AM – 6 PM).
- January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day): CLOSED (US, UK, Ireland). OPEN (Select Australia locations).
- January 2, 2026: Reopens with standard business hours.
What to Expect
Since New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, expect long lines and low stock on popular “party” items like sparkling cider, charcuterie meats, and frozen appetizers. On the day of reopening (January 2nd), shelves are usually restocked early in the morning, making it the best time for a full weekly shop.
Tips for Shoppers
- The Quarter Rule: Even on New Year’s Eve, you will still need a quarter for your cart; the holiday doesn’t change the trolley system.
- Check the App: The Aldi mobile app updates its “Store Finder” roughly 48 hours before a holiday to show the exact closing time for your specific ZIP or postal code.
- Stock Up Early: Buy your heavy items (drinks, canned goods) by December 29th to avoid the frantic New Year’s Eve rush.
Why Aldi Closes on Holidays
The primary reason for the New Year’s Day closure is Aldi’s commitment to employee work-life balance. Unlike many “big box” retailers that stay open 365 days a year, Aldi markets its holiday closures as a benefit to its staff, which helps with employee retention and morale.
Additionally, Aldi’s business model is built on extreme efficiency. Operating a store on a federal holiday often requires paying staff “time-and-a-half” or “double-time” wages. By closing, Aldi avoids these high labor costs, allowing them to keep their grocery prices lower for the rest of the year.
Aldi’s Holiday Policy
In both the United States and the United Kingdom, Aldi stores are historically closed on New Year’s Day.
- January 1, 2026: All stores are closed.
- January 2, 2026: Stores reopen with regular business hours.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2025): Most locations operate on a limited schedule (typically closing by 7:00 PM).
FAQs
Is Aldi open on January 1st, 2026?
No, all Aldi stores in the United States and the United Kingdom are closed on New Year’s Day. This allows employees to observe the holiday with their families. Stores will reopen with standard operating hours on January 2nd.
What are Aldi’s New Year’s Eve hours?
On December 31, 2025, most Aldi locations will operate on a reduced schedule. In the US, stores typically close by 7:00 PM local time, while UK stores often close at 6:00 PM. It is highly recommended to check the store locator on the Aldi website for your specific branch.
Is Lidl open on New Year’s Day if Aldi is closed?
Like Aldi, Lidl typically closes its stores on New Year’s Day in both the US and the UK. Both German-founded retailers share similar holiday philosophies regarding employee time off.
Can I use the Aldi app to check holiday hours?
Yes, the Aldi mobile app is the most accurate way to verify holiday schedules. The “Store Finder” feature will display specific holiday hours for your local ZIP or postal code approximately 48 hours before the event.
Will Aldi Curbside Pickup be available on New Year’s Day?
No, because the physical stores are closed, all curbside pickup and delivery services via Instacart will be suspended for Aldi on January 1st. These services will resume when the store reopens on January 2nd.
Are Aldi stores in Scotland open on New Year’s Day?
No, Aldi stores in Scotland follow the same closure policy as the rest of the UK. Since January 1st and 2nd are both bank holidays in Scotland, always check if your local store has further reduced hours on January 2nd.
What time does Aldi open on January 2nd?
Most Aldi stores return to their normal opening time of 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM on January 2nd. However, check your local store as some may open as early as 8:00 AM to handle the post-holiday restock rush.
Is Aldi Australia open on New Year’s Day?
Unlike the US and UK, many Aldi stores in Australia remain open on New Year’s Day with reduced hours (typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). However, this varies by state; for example, many South Australian stores remain closed.
Does Aldi have a New Year’s sale?
While Aldi doesn’t have a traditional “New Year’s Day Sale” due to being closed, they often feature “New Year, New You” Specialbuys starting in late December. These items usually include fitness equipment, healthy meal prep containers, and organizational tools.
Which grocery stores are open on New Year’s Day 2026?
If you need groceries on January 1st, major chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Safeway are typically open, though many operate on reduced holiday hours.
Can I still return items to Aldi on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, returns can be processed during the reduced operating hours on New Year’s Eve. However, the “Aldi Twice as Nice Guarantee” will not be accessible on New Year’s Day while the store is closed.
Are Aldi Specialbuys released on New Year’s Day?
No, new Specialbuys (Aldi Finds) are typically released on Wednesdays or Sundays depending on your location. Since New Year’s Day 2026 falls on a Thursday, the new stock will likely have arrived on Sunday, December 28th.
Why is my local Aldi closed when the website says it’s open?
Individual store managers or local “Blue Laws” (government-mandated holiday closures) can sometimes override the general corporate schedule. Always prioritize the hours listed on the physical store door or the real-time store locator in the app.
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