Tesco New Year’s Eve Opening Hours Explained | What Shoppers Need to Know?

The final days of December often bring a mix of excitement and urgency. From unexpected guests to forgotten party supplies, many Londoners and UK shoppers find themselves making a last-minute dash to the supermarket as New Year’s Eve approaches. One of the most common questions during this period is simple but important: how late will Tesco be open on New Year’s Eve?

As the UK’s largest supermarket chain, Tesco plays a central role in festive preparations. With thousands of stores operating under different formats, opening times can vary depending on location and store type. While Tesco aims to provide consistency, holiday trading hours are adjusted to reflect reduced demand, staff availability, and regional customs.

This guide breaks down everything shoppers need to know about Tesco’s New Year’s Eve opening hours for 31 December 2025, what to expect on New Year’s Day 2026, and how store timings differ across England, Wales, and Scotland.

What is the Tesco New Year’s Eve Opening Hours?

Tesco’s New Year’s Eve opening hours are shorter than usual, particularly for larger stores. Although most locations remain open throughout the day, closing times are brought forward compared with standard trading days.

Based on Tesco’s latest festive trading guidance, most Extra and Superstore locations open early in the morning and shut by early evening. This approach allows customers enough time to complete their shopping while ensuring staff can finish shifts safely before celebrations begin.

For shoppers planning a visit on 31 December 2025, it’s important to factor in these earlier closing times, especially if shopping later in the day. Demand tends to peak in the afternoon, meaning shelves may empty faster than usual.

What Time Will Tesco Stores Open and Close on 31 December?

Tesco’s opening and closing times on New Year’s Eve depend largely on the store format. While opening times are generally similar to normal trading days, closing hours are reduced across most locations.

For larger stores such as Extras and Superstores, doors typically open as early as 6am and close by 7pm. Convenience-focused Express stores usually operate for longer, often remaining open until around 10pm, although some larger Express branches may also close earlier.

This staggered approach ensures availability across communities while balancing safety, staffing, and holiday operations. Customers are advised to avoid leaving essential shopping until late evening, particularly if relying on larger stores.

Do Tesco Extra, Superstore, and Express Locations Follow the Same Schedule?

Tesco does not apply a single blanket schedule across all store formats during the festive period. Each type of store operates according to its size, location, and expected footfall.

Extra and Superstore branches tend to follow a uniform early-closing model. Express stores, particularly those in city centres and residential areas, often remain open later to support last-minute shopping needs.

How Are Tesco Express Opening Hours Different on New Year’s Eve?

Tesco Express stores are designed for speed and convenience, and their New Year’s Eve hours reflect that role. These smaller outlets often serve commuters, city residents, and late-evening shoppers.

Most Tesco Express locations operate from around 7am until approximately 10pm on 31 December. However, there are exceptions. Larger Express branches or those attached to transport hubs may close earlier, sometimes around 7pm, depending on staffing and footfall.

Several factors influence this flexibility, including smaller staff teams, quicker closing procedures, and urban-based demand patterns. Because of these variations, customers are strongly encouraged to check local opening times before travelling.

Why Do Tesco’s New Year’s Eve Hours Vary by Location?

Holiday trading hours at Tesco are influenced by multiple operational and regional factors. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the retailer adjusts store schedules to suit local conditions.

Store size plays a major role, as larger premises require more time to close, clean, and restock. Location also matters, with urban stores often staying open later than rural branches. Customer demand, especially in high-footfall areas, can lead to extended hours for convenience stores.

Regional regulations and customs further affect timings. Tesco also prioritises staff wellbeing during the holiday period, often shortening shifts or closing earlier to allow employees time with family.

Are Tesco Stores in Scotland Affected by Hogmanay?

In Scotland, New Year’s Eve, known as Hogmanay, carries significant cultural importance. As a result, Tesco applies slightly different trading hours north of the border to reflect local traditions.

Most Tesco Extra and Superstore locations in Scotland open later than usual, typically around 8am, and close by approximately 7pm. Express stores often operate between 8am and 8pm, offering limited evening access.

On New Year’s Day, Scottish Tesco stores usually reopen with reduced hours, often from around 11am to 6pm. These shorter schedules recognise the extended celebrations associated with Hogmanay and 1 January.

Will Tesco Be Open on New Year’s Day 2026?

Yes, the majority of Tesco stores across the UK are expected to open on New Year’s Day 2026, although trading hours will be reduced. As 1 January is a bank holiday, revised schedules apply nationwide.

Petrol stations and in-store cafés may follow different schedules, often opening later or closing earlier. Customers planning to shop or refuel should confirm timings in advance.

Do Tesco’s New Year’s Day Hours Differ Across the UK?

Opening hours on 1 January are not consistent nationwide. While England and Wales generally see earlier openings, Scotland adopts a later start due to the cultural importance of New Year celebrations.

In Scotland, reduced retail activity and extended family time mean most Tesco stores open later and close earlier. In contrast, shoppers in England and Wales can usually expect earlier access, particularly at Express locations.

These regional differences highlight the importance of checking store-specific information rather than relying on national averages.

Are Tesco Stores Open as Normal Between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve?

For most locations, Tesco resumes standard trading hours between 27 and 30 December. This period allows shoppers to restock, return items, and prepare for upcoming celebrations.

Larger stores often operate close to normal schedules, while Express locations usually maintain their usual opening patterns. However, local variations can still occur due to staffing levels or regional demand.

Although trading may feel back to normal, Tesco continues to advise customers to check individual store hours online or through its app.

Conclusion

Tesco remains a key part of festive planning for millions of UK households. While the overall pattern is predictable, earlier closures on New Year’s Eve and reduced hours on New Year’s Day, important differences exist between store formats and regions.

Shoppers can avoid inconvenience by planning ahead, confirming local opening times, and being mindful of earlier evening closures on 31 December. Special consideration should also be given to Scottish stores operating under Hogmanay schedules.

With a little preparation, Tesco’s revised festive hours need not disrupt end-of-year plans, ensuring a smooth transition into 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Tesco’s usual opening hours outside holiday periods?

Most Extra and Superstore locations open from 6am to midnight, while Express stores typically trade from early morning until late evening.

Do Tesco stores extend hours before New Year’s Eve?

Some locations may operate extended hours in the lead-up to the holiday, particularly before Christmas, with details announced locally.

Is Click and Collect available on New Year’s Day?

Click and Collect services are usually paused on 1 January and resume shortly afterwards, depending on location.

Are Tesco delivery slots available around New Year?

Delivery availability can be limited during the holiday period, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Do Tesco Metro stores follow Express or Superstore hours?

Metro stores generally align more closely with Express-style holiday schedules.

Can customers still browse Tesco online on New Year’s Day?

Yes, the online platform remains accessible, although deliveries and collections may be restricted.

Does Tesco update festive hours on its app?

Yes, the Tesco website and app provide real-time updates for individual store locations.