Most Tesco stores are open on New Year’s Day, but they operate under reduced holiday hours. On January 1, 2026, larger Tesco Extra stores and Superstores typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while the majority of Tesco Express branches maintain longer hours, often from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. These times can vary significantly by region—particularly in Scotland where trading laws differ—and by specific store location. While essential services like Tesco Petrol Stations often remain open 24/7, in-store facilities such as Tesco Cafés and pharmacies usually follow the reduced main store hours or may close entirely for the bank holiday.
Tesco Extra and Superstore Hours
Larger Tesco formats, including Extras and Superstores, serve as the primary hubs for weekly grocery shops and household essentials.
- General Schedule: For New Year’s Day 2026, most of these large-format stores across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will open their doors at 9:00 AM and close early at 6:00 PM.
- Service Availability: Counters like the deli, fishmonger, and hot food sections may have even more limited hours or could remain closed despite the store being open.
Because these stores are major community hubs, the 6:00 PM closure is a significant departure from their usual 24-hour or late-night schedules. It is designed to allow retail staff a break while still providing a window for customers to grab “recovery” supplies or fresh food for the first day of the year.
Tesco Express Opening Times
Tesco Express stores are the backbone of New Year’s Day convenience, specifically designed for those last-minute “forgotten” items like milk or bread.
- Extended Access: Most Express stores will open slightly later than usual at 8:00 AM but will stay open much later than the big stores, typically until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
- Urban vs. Rural: Express branches in busy city centers or near major train stations are the most likely to stick to their near-normal operating hours.
These smaller shops often carry the bulk of the “New Year’s Day demand,” such as painkillers, hydration drinks, and breakfast ingredients. Their smaller footprint allows them to operate more flexibly under holiday trading regulations than the larger Superstores.
Regional Variations: Scotland and NI
Trading laws and cultural traditions mean that “Standard UK hours” don’t always apply to Scotland or Northern Ireland on January 1.
- Scotland: New Year’s Day (and January 2) are major public holidays in Scotland. While many Tesco stores do open, some large stores in smaller towns may choose to remain closed, and those that open often start later, typically at 11:00 AM.
- Northern Ireland: Trading hours are strictly regulated on bank holidays. You may find that even the largest Tesco Extras don’t open until 10:00 AM and close as early as 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
In Scotland specifically, the “January 2nd” holiday also sees reduced hours at many branches, a factor unique to the northern part of the UK that often catches travelers from the south off-guard.
Tesco Petrol Stations and Services
If you are traveling on New Year’s Day, knowing the status of fuel and in-store services is critical for your journey.
- Fuel Access: Most Tesco Petrol Stations that are normally 24/7 will continue to operate 24/7 on New Year’s Day, even if the main store is closed or on reduced hours.
- In-Store Cafés: It is highly unlikely that the Tesco Café will be open on January 1. Most close for the duration of the bank holiday to manage staffing levels.
Pharmacies located inside Tesco stores are also subject to reduced hours. If you need a prescription filled, it is vital to check if the specific pharmacy counter is operating, as they often close earlier than the main grocery aisles.
How to Find Your Local Hours
- Tesco Store Locator: The most accurate way to check is the Tesco Store Locator on their official website.
- Tesco App: If you have the Clubcard or Grocery app, your “Home” store hours will usually update automatically for the holiday period.
- Google Maps: While usually accurate, Google Maps can sometimes lag behind official corporate announcements; always verify with the official Tesco site for bank holidays.
Tips for New Year’s Day Shoppers
- Go Early: If you need specific fresh items, aim for the 9:00 AM opening. Stock levels may not be replenished as frequently on New Year’s Day.
- Check the Click+Collect: Online delivery slots are rarely available on New Year’s Day. If you need a big shop, you will likely need to visit the store in person.
- Watch for “Reduced” Items: New Year’s Day is often a goldmine for yellow-label “reduced” items from the New Year’s Eve party food range.
Detailed 2026 Store Hours
Large Store Formats (Extra & Superstores)
For those needing a full grocery restock on the first day of the year, the large-format stores are the primary destination.
- Standard Hours: Across most of the UK, these stores will operate a condensed 9-hour window, opening at 9:00 AM and closing early at 6:00 PM.
- Service Availability: You should expect in-store counters, such as the deli, fishmonger, and meat counters, to be unstaffed or closed entirely, even while the main aisles remain open.
Tesco Express Convenience Hours
Tesco Express stores are designed for “top-up” shopping and are the most reliable option for late-night needs on New Year’s Day.
- Extended Access: Most Express locations will open their doors at 8:00 AM and remain open until 10:00 PM, though some high-traffic urban sites may stay open until 11:00 PM.
- Whoosh Delivery: The Tesco Whoosh rapid delivery service typically operates during Express store hours, though slot availability may be limited by local courier staffing on the bank holiday.
Regional and Competitive Comparisons
Scotland and Northern Ireland Variations
Trading traditions and local laws mean that shoppers in Scotland and Northern Ireland face different schedules than those in England.
- The Scottish “Ne’er Day”: Because January 2 is also a bank holiday in Scotland (Friday, January 2, 2026), stores may continue to run on reduced hours for two consecutive days.
- Northern Ireland Restrictions: NI stores often follow Sunday-style trading hours on bank holidays, which may result in a later 10:00 AM start for larger supermarkets.
Tesco vs. Other Supermarkets (Jan 1, 2026)
If your local Tesco doesn’t have what you need, here is how the competition stacks up for New Year’s Day 2026:
- Asda: Most stores follow a similar 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM schedule as Tesco.
- Sainsbury’s: Often stays open longer, with many large stores running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Aldi & Lidl: Both discounters traditionally remain closed on New Year’s Day to give staff a break, reopening on January 2.
- M&S Foodhall: Most standalone M&S Food stores are closed on New Year’s Day 2026.
Tesco Services and Deliveries
Petrol Stations and Car Washes
Fuel remains a priority for those traveling back from holiday celebrations or visiting family.
- 24/7 Sites: Automated pay-at-pump services at 24-hour Tesco Petrol Stations will remain operational throughout New Year’s Day.
- Kiosk Services: Kiosks may have reduced staffing, meaning you may only be able to pay at the pump during early morning or late evening hours.
Online Grocery and Whoosh
Standard home delivery slots are rarely available on New Year’s Day as Tesco typically pauses its van fleet for the holiday.
- Whoosh Availability: You can often still order via the Tesco Whoosh app for delivery in as little as 20 minutes, provided your local Express store is open and couriers are active.
- Click+Collect: Most stores suspend Click+Collect services on January 1, resuming a full schedule on Friday, January 2.
Tips for New Year’s Day Visitors
- Use the Store Locator: Always check the Official Tesco Store Locator for the most real-time data on your specific branch.
- Pharmacy Needs: Many in-store pharmacies close on bank holidays; check for a “duty pharmacy” in your area if you need urgent medication.
- Yellow Stickers: New Year’s Day is excellent for finding “Yellow Sticker” discounts on party food and festive meats that need to be cleared after the celebrations.
FAQs
Is Tesco open today, New Year’s Day?
Yes, most Tesco stores are open, but they usually operate under shorter hours, typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for large stores.
What time does Tesco close on New Year’s Day 2026?
Large Extra and Superstores generally close at 6:00 PM, while Express stores stay open until 10:00 PM.
Is Aldi or Lidl open on New Year’s Day?
No, both Aldi and Lidl have confirmed they will be closed on January 1, 2026, across the UK.
Are Tesco stores in Scotland open on Jan 1?
Many are, but they often have later opening times (e.g., 11:00 AM) and some smaller branches may close entirely.
Can I use Tesco Whoosh on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Whoosh is usually available as long as your local Express store is open, though delivery times may be longer than the usual 20 minutes.
Are Tesco Petrol Stations open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, automated pay-at-pump services are available 24/7 at most locations.
When does Tesco return to normal hours?
Normal trading hours resume for all UK stores on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Is there a New Year’s Day delivery slot for Tesco?
Standard home delivery is usually unavailable on January 1; you will need to wait until January 2 for a van delivery.
What time does Sainsbury’s open on New Year’s Day?
Larger Sainsbury’s stores often open at 8:00 AM and stay open until 8:00 PM, slightly longer than Tesco.
Is January 2 a bank holiday in 2026?
In Scotland, yes, but in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it is a standard working day.
Is Tesco Extra open on New Year’s Day 2026?
Yes, the majority of Tesco Extra stores will be open on January 1, 2026, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What time does Tesco Express close on New Year’s Day?
Most Tesco Express branches stay open until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM, providing more flexibility than the larger stores.
Are Tesco stores in Scotland closed on January 1?
Not all, but hours are more restricted in Scotland. Some may remain closed, while others open later (e.g., 11:00 AM) due to local holiday traditions.
Can I get a Tesco delivery on New Year’s Day?
Generally, no. Most stores suspend home delivery services on January 1, though some third-party apps like Whoosh or Uber Eats may still deliver from Express stores.
Is the Tesco pharmacy open on New Year’s Day?
Most in-store pharmacies will either be closed or operating on very limited emergency hours. It is best to call ahead.
Will Tesco Petrol Stations be open?
Yes, most automated petrol stations and 24-hour locations remain open for fuel, though the kiosk may be closed or unstaffed.
Is January 2 a normal working day for Tesco?
In England and Wales, yes. In Scotland, January 2 is also a bank holiday, meaning stores there may still operate on reduced schedules.
Do Tesco stores open at 10:00 AM on New Year’s Day?
Some Superstores might, but the standard 2026 scheduled opening for most large stores in England and Wales is 9:00 AM.
Are there any Tesco stores closed on New Year’s Day?
While rare, some smaller Express stores in quiet business districts or office parks may stay closed if there is no expected foot traffic.
What is the best time to avoid crowds at Tesco on New Year’s Day?
Between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM is usually the quietest time, as many people are still recovering from New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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