Tesco stores across the UK will operate under reduced hours during the 2026 festive season, with most Superstores and Extras open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026). All Tesco locations, including Express stores and Petrol Filling Stations, will be closed on Christmas Day (Friday, December 25) to allow staff time with their families. On Boxing Day (Saturday, December 26), larger stores are scheduled to reopen from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while many Express branches will offer extended convenience from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For the New Year period, most stores will open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on New Year’s Eve and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on New Year’s Day.
Christmas Week Opening Times 2026
Christmas Eve: Thursday, Dec 24
Christmas Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, and Tesco will maintain early opening hours for those final turkey and trimmings runs.
- Large Stores: Most Tesco Extra and Superstore locations will open at 6:00 AM and close their doors early at 7:00 PM.
- Express Stores: Smaller convenience branches typically open at 7:00 AM and stay open until 10:00 PM, providing a vital lifeline for forgotten essentials like batteries or cream.
Christmas Day: Friday, Dec 25
In keeping with long-standing tradition and labor agreements, all Tesco operations in the UK will cease for 24 hours.
- Total Closure: Every single Tesco store, including 24-hour Extras and local Express sites, will be closed for the duration of Christmas Day.
- Petrol Stations: Tesco-branded fuel stations will also be closed, so motorists should ensure they have topped up their tanks by the evening of December 24.
Boxing Day: Saturday, Dec 26
Tesco stores will return to service on Boxing Day 2026, albeit with slightly shorter Sunday-style trading hours for larger branches.
- Main Stores: Expect doors to open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Scottish Variations: In Scotland, some stores may open earlier at 8:00 AM, though the 6:00 PM closure remains the standard for the 2026 season.
New Year’s Opening Hours 2027
New Year’s Eve: Thursday, Dec 31
As the nation prepares to ring in 2027, Tesco stores will facilitate party food and beverage shopping with a standard “early close” policy.
- Superstores/Extras: Most will operate from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing staff to get home for midnight celebrations.
- Express Branches: These will likely remain the most accessible option, with many staying open until 10:00 PM.
New Year’s Day: Friday, Jan 1
Recovery day shopping is possible at Tesco, though you should expect a later start than usual.
- Opening Windows: Large stores are generally scheduled to open at 9:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM.
- Express Flexibility: Smaller stores often open at 8:00 AM and may stay open until their usual 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM slot, depending on local licensing.
Store Type Comparisons
Tesco operates several different formats, and their holiday hours vary significantly based on their size and location.
Tesco Extra and Superstores
These are the primary hubs for “The Big Shop.” During the 24th and 31st, these locations prioritize early morning access but enforce strict evening closures to facilitate shelf-stocking and staff breaks.
- Best for: Turkeys, large cases of drinks, and F&F clothing gifts.
Tesco Express
Located in high streets and residential areas, Express stores are the “last-minute” heroes of Christmas. They have the most flexible hours, often remaining open 3-4 hours later than the Superstores on key holiday eves.
- Best for: Milk, bread, lemons for gin, and last-minute boxes of chocolates.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Find Your Local Hours
While the times listed above are national averages, individual store hours can vary based on shopping center locations or local council restrictions.
- Tesco Store Locator: The most accurate way to check is the official Tesco online store finder, which is updated with festive hours in early December.
- App Notifications: If you use the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app, you will receive localized push notifications regarding your “home” store’s holiday schedule.
Tips for Festive Shopping
- Beat the Rush: The busiest time at Tesco during Christmas week is typically 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on December 23.
- Clubcard Savers: Use your 2026 Clubcard Christmas Savers vouchers early in December to avoid issues with voucher expiration or technical glitches during peak hours.
Securing Your 2026 Delivery Slot
The Priority Access Hack
The most reliable way to guarantee a Christmas delivery is through the Tesco Delivery Saver plan.
- Early Access: Subscribers to the “Anytime” or “Click+Collect” plans get access to slots a full week before the general public.
- Deadlines: To qualify for priority 2026 slots, you must have an active subscription by October 31, 2026.
- Flexi-Saver Options: If home delivery slots are full, “Flexi-saver” slots often become available closer to the date, offering a cheaper but wider delivery window.
The “Placeholder” Technique
Because slots disappear quickly, experienced shoppers use the “placeholder” method to lock in their preferred time.
- Secure the Time: Book a slot the moment they open using just one low-cost item (like a pack of 15p carrots) to exceed the minimum checkout threshold.
- Edit Later: You can add your full turkey, champagne, and party food to the order anytime up until 11:45 PM the night before your delivery date.
- Minimum Spend: Keep in mind the 2026 minimum spend for delivery is £50, though a £5 surcharge applies to smaller orders.
Clubcard Christmas Savers 2026
How the Bonus Works
The Clubcard Christmas Savers scheme is designed to help you “lock away” your vouchers throughout the year so you don’t spend them early.
- Top-Up Bonuses: You can manually top up your savings account with your own cash until October 25. Tesco offers a bonus (up to £12) depending on how much you save.
- Payout Date: Your saved vouchers and bonuses will appear in your November 2026 Clubcard statement, ready for the December 1st food-to-order window.
Payout and Expiry Dates
- Scheme Closes: October 25, 2026 (11:59 PM).
- Voucher Arrival: Second week of November 2026.
- Usage: These vouchers can be used for in-store shopping, online groceries, or even F&F clothing for Christmas gifts.
2026 Festive Food Highlights
Tesco’s “Festive Food to Order” (FFTO) range for 2026 emphasizes “chef-prepared convenience.”
The 2026 Centerpieces
- Tesco Finest Heritage Turkey: Slow-grown and dry-aged for a richer flavor, available for pre-order from early November.
- The “Charcuter-tree”: Following its success in 2025, the 2026 version features premium Spanish Ibérico meats and a “build-your-own” kit that doubles as a table centerpiece.
- Plant-Based Innovation: The 2026 “No-Turkey Crown” is expected to feature a new mushroom and miso-based stuffing that mimics the texture of traditional poultry.
Showstopping Desserts
- Cascading Star Cake: A golden sponge that comes with a sachet of “glitter sauce” to pour over the cake just before serving.
- Panna Cotta Snowflake: A Madagascan vanilla and winter berry dessert designed specifically to be “photo-ready” for social media.
Delivery Costs
- Delivery Saver: Included in your monthly fee (from £2.49/mo).
- Pay-as-you-go: Typically ranges from £3.00 to £7.00 depending on the popularity of the slot.
- Whoosh (On-Demand): Available for £2.99 on Christmas Eve for emergency items (limitations apply).
FAQs
When can I book my 2026 Christmas delivery?
Priority booking starts on November 3, while general booking opens on November 10.
What is the minimum spend for Christmas delivery?
The standard minimum spend is £50. Orders under this amount will incur a £5 “basket charge.”
Can I use my Clubcard vouchers for the Christmas shop?
Yes, if you are a Christmas Saver, your vouchers will be sent to you in November specifically for this purpose.
Is Whoosh delivery available on Christmas Eve?
Yes, but hours are usually restricted (closing by 5:00 PM) and slots are highly competitive.
What is the “Festive Food to Order” range?
It is a premium selection of turkeys, joints, and desserts that must be pre-ordered by December 14 to guarantee availability.
How do I get the £12 Clubcard bonus?
You must top up your Christmas Savers account with at least £200 by the October 25 deadline.
Can I change my delivery slot once booked?
You can change the items in your order, but you cannot easily change the time slot once it’s confirmed, as others will likely have taken the alternatives.
Do I have to pay for my order when I book it?
No, Tesco only takes payment on the day of delivery, though a £1 “pre-authorization” may show on your bank statement initially.
What happens if an item is out of stock?
Tesco will provide a substitution. You can choose to accept it or give it back to the driver for a full refund.
When is the last day to buy a turkey in-store?
In-store stocks are usually replenished until 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve, but popular sizes often sell out by the morning of December 23.
What time does Tesco close on Christmas Eve 2026?
Most large Tesco stores will close at 7:00 PM, while Express stores will stay open until 10:00 PM.
Is Tesco open on Christmas Day?
No, all Tesco stores in the UK are closed on Christmas Day.
What are Tesco’s Boxing Day hours in 2026?
Large stores are generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Express stores from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Can I get a delivery on Christmas Day?
No, Tesco does not offer home delivery or Click+Collect services on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.
Will 24-hour Tesco stores be open all night on Dec 23?
Yes, most 24-hour Extra stores will remain open through the night of December 23 until the 7:00 PM closure on Christmas Eve.
Are Tesco Petrol Stations open on Boxing Day?
Most petrol stations attached to Superstores will open in line with the main store hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
When is the last day for Tesco Christmas delivery?
Usually, the final delivery slots are on the evening of December 24, but these must be booked weeks in advance.
Is Tesco open on New Year’s Day 2027?
Yes, most stores open at 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM.
Do Tesco Express stores have different hours than Superstores?
Yes, Express stores typically open later and stay open longer than Superstores during the holiday period.
What time does Tesco open on December 27?
Most stores return to normal operating hours on December 27, though Sunday trading laws will apply if it falls on a Sunday.
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