Wondering if McDonald’s is open on Christmas Day in the UK? During the festive season, finding reliable food options can be a challenge, especially when most restaurants close for the holidays. While McDonald’s is known for its convenience, its Christmas Day opening hours are far from standard.
With the majority of UK locations being franchise-operated, schedules vary. This guide helps you check if your local McDonald’s is open and what to expect if it is.
What Makes McDonald’s Christmas Opening Hours So Unpredictable?
Navigating dining options during the holidays can be tricky, especially when you’re craving something familiar like a McDonald’s meal. Unlike many fast-food chains that adopt standardised opening hours over the festive period, McDonald’s takes a more flexible approach.
This is largely because approximately 93% of McDonald’s restaurants in the UK are franchise-owned. Each franchisee has the authority to determine whether their branch will open or close on Christmas Day.
This decentralised approach means that opening times can vary significantly, even between neighbouring locations. For example, while a city-centre McDonald’s may operate with reduced hours on 25 December, a rural outlet might shut down entirely for the day.
Conversely, motorway service locations or airport branches often remain open throughout the holiday, catering to travellers and those working over Christmas.
Are Most McDonald’s Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in the UK?
The short answer is: no, most McDonald’s restaurants in the UK close on Christmas Day. However, that doesn’t mean all do. Some select locations—particularly those in high-traffic areas such as airports, motorways, or central transport hubs, may remain open with limited services or reduced hours.
In previous years, only a handful of McDonald’s restaurants opened on Christmas Day. The trend is consistent and largely dependent on staffing availability, customer demand, and local authority restrictions. Additionally, health and safety considerations and employee holiday policies play a part in these decisions.
If you’re hoping to grab a McMuffin or Big Mac on Christmas Day, it is highly recommended to check ahead rather than assume availability.
What Are Typical McDonald’s Opening Hours Around the Holidays?
Although McDonald’s locations generally follow regular hours during the lead-up to Christmas, there are notable changes on 24 and 25 December. Here’s a breakdown of their typical schedule during the festive period:
Standard Operating Hours
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Monday – Friday | 5:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
Note: Some locations, especially those at airports or along motorways—operate 24 hours a day, even during holiday periods.
Holiday-Specific Hours
| Date | Occasion | Operating Hours | Notes |
| 24 December 2025 | Christmas Eve | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Some may close earlier |
| 25 December 2025 | Christmas Day | Varies by Location | Majority Closed; some open |
| 26 December 2025 | Boxing Day | Resume Normal Hours | Fully Operational |
How Can You Check If Your Local McDonald’s Is Open on Christmas Day?
Since holiday hours are determined by individual franchisees, checking local opening times is essential. Fortunately, McDonald’s provides several ways for customers to confirm this information:
1. McDonald’s Restaurant Locator
Visit the official McDonald’s UK website and use the restaurant locator tool. Enter your postcode or town to find your nearest outlet, along with its opening hours and available services.
2. McDonald’s Mobile App
Download the McDonald’s app from your smartphone’s app store. It will automatically detect your nearest restaurant, providing real-time information on opening times, available menu items, and any special festive deals.
3. Direct Phone Call
Call your local McDonald’s directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This is particularly useful for confirming last-minute changes or weather-related closures.
Why Do Some McDonald’s Stay Open While Others Don’t?
Several factors influence whether a McDonald’s stays open on Christmas Day:
- Location Type: Branches at airports, service stations, or major cities are more likely to remain open.
- Staffing: Availability of staff willing to work during the holiday.
- Local Regulations: Some councils or regions may restrict operations on public holidays.
- Franchisee Preference: Individual operators decide based on what makes sense for their business.
- Customer Demand: Urban locations often experience more footfall and justify opening.
This approach ensures flexibility but requires customers to be proactive when planning holiday meals.
What Should You Expect If You Visit McDonald’s on Christmas Day?
If your local McDonald’s is open on Christmas Day, be prepared for reduced services. This may include:
- A limited menu with only popular items available
- Longer wait times due to fewer staff
- Drive-thru-only or takeaway-only services in some branches
- No dine-in seating at certain locations due to holiday staffing constraints
Checking ahead will help manage expectations and ensure a smooth experience.
Are Other Fast Food Chains Open on Christmas Day in the UK?
If McDonald’s near you is closed, there are still a few alternatives:
- KFC: Generally closed, but some franchise outlets in travel hubs may open.
- Burger King: Typically follows similar closure patterns to McDonald’s.
- Greggs: Usually closed across the UK on Christmas Day.
- Subway: A few franchise locations may open, particularly in central locations or service areas.
Most fast food options are limited or unavailable on 25 December, reinforcing the importance of checking ahead.
What’s the Best Way to Plan Your Festive McDonald’s Visit?
To avoid disappointment:
- Use the McDonald’s App or Website to check local store hours
- Call ahead to confirm availability
- Plan alternative meals in case your nearest outlet is closed
- Order early if possible, especially on Christmas Eve
- Expect reduced services even if open
Planning ahead is the best way to enjoy McDonald’s during the festive period without hassle.
Final Thoughts: Is McDonald’s Your Festive Food Fix?
While most McDonald’s locations in the UK close on Christmas Day, a few select outlets, primarily in airports, motorway services, or city centres, remain open. Thanks to the franchise model, opening hours are not standardised, making it essential for customers to check local information using the McDonald’s app, store locator, or by calling directly.
If you’re hoping for a festive McFlurry or McNuggets on 25 December, do your research beforehand. With the right planning, McDonald’s can still be a part of your holiday season, even if only on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does McDonald’s offer a Christmas menu in the UK?
Yes, McDonald’s UK often releases a limited-time festive menu featuring seasonal burgers, sides, and desserts during November and December.
Are McDonald’s drive-thrus open on Christmas Day?
Only at select locations, such as 24-hour branches or those in transport hubs. Always check in advance.
How do I find out if my local McDonald’s is open on Christmas Day?
Use the store locator on the McDonald’s website or the mobile app for the most accurate and localised information.
Are McDonald’s staff paid extra for working on Christmas Day?
Pay rates vary by franchise, but many offer enhanced holiday pay or bonuses for working on 25 December.
Is McDelivery available on Christmas Day in the UK?
Availability is limited and depends on whether the branch and delivery platforms (like Uber Eats or Deliveroo) are operating in your area.
Which McDonald’s locations are most likely to stay open on Christmas?
Locations inside airports, near motorways, and in major city centres are more likely to open on Christmas Day.
Are McDonald’s breakfast items available on Christmas Day?
If the location is open, breakfast may be available during the usual hours. However, some outlets may offer a reduced or adjusted menu.
