Marks and Spencer has really stepped up its game in recent years, becoming one of the trendiest spots on the high street.
Over the festive season, the store will be adjusting its hours to give its hardworking team some well-deserved time off to relax and enjoy the holidays.
Changed opening hours
According to YouGov’s 2024 poll, Marks and Spencer is the nation’s second-favourite supermarket, coming in just behind Aldi.
Known for its stunning food halls and diverse range of options, including the vegan-friendly Plant Kitchen line, it’s no wonder M&S is so loved.
This New Year’s, the treasured high-street store is giving its staff a well-earned break by closing on New Year’s Day.
However, some stores will stay open until 7pm on both December 31 and January 1, so it’s a good idea to double-check the hours at your local branch before heading out.
M&S at Christmas
M&S has become synonymous with the holidays, thanks to its festive TV adverts and foodhall goods.
Their 2024 Christmas advert starred the legendary comedian Dawn French, who comes face-to-face with a Christmas fairy.
The fairy, who is also played by comedian Dawn, decorates her house for the season so she can host her own festive bash.
The supermarket have had a range of celebrities representing their brand over the years, including Tom Daley, Twiggy and Sienna Miller.
Quiet high streets at Christmas
M&S isn’t the only shop that will reduce its hours towards the end of December.
The supermarket and Aldi are the only other stores that will close entirely to give their staff a well-deserved day off.
Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, Co-op, and Waitrose will open with reduced hours, so it’s worth checking your local branch.
Anyone looking to do some DIY in the new year will be happy to know that B&Q will be open on January 1, 2025 (albeit with reduced hours).
Other high street shops such as Home Bargains on the other hand, will be closed.
With several chains giving their staff a well-deserved break on January 1, be sure to check your local store’s hours in advance for a stress-free start to 2024.
How many UK bank holidays are there in 2025?
There’s a full calendar of bank holidays to look forward to in 2025—here’s the complete list:
England and Wales
- January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday
- May 5, 2025 – Early May bank holiday
- May 26, 2025 – Spring bank holiday
- August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
Scotland
- January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day
- January 2, 2025 – 2nd January
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday
- May 5, 2025 – Early May bank holiday
- May 26, 2025 – Spring bank holiday
- August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
- December 1, 2025 – St Andrew’s Day
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
Northern Ireland
- January 1, 2025 – New Year’s Day
- March 17, 2025 – St Patrick’s Day
- April 18, 2025 – Good Friday
- April 21, 2025 – Easter Monday
- May 5, 2025 – Early May bank holiday
- May 26, 2025 – Spring bank holiday
- July 14, 2025 – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
- August 25, 2025 – Summer bank holiday
- December 1, 2025 – St Andrew’s Day (substitute day)
- December 25, 2025 – Christmas Day
- December 26, 2025 – Boxing Day
