Is McDonald's Open On Boxing Day? | Holiday Hours Revealed

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Planning to grab a bite from McDonald’s this Boxing Day? While many businesses close or reduce hours during the festive period, McDonald’s operates a bit differently. With over 90% of its UK restaurants franchised, Boxing Day hours can vary by location.

Whether you’re out shopping or travelling, knowing if your local branch is open can save time and hassle. This guide reveals how McDonald’s handles holiday hours and how to check if yours is open.

What Makes McDonald’s Holiday Hours Different From Other Fast-Food Chains?

Navigating dining options during the holidays can be tricky, especially when you’re craving a quick and familiar meal from McDonald’s.

While many fast-food chains across the UK shut down on major holidays, McDonald’s strikes a different balance. One of the key reasons for this variation is the company’s business structure.

Approximately 93% of McDonald’s restaurants in the UK are franchise-owned, meaning individual franchisees have the authority to decide their opening hours, including on holidays like Boxing Day.

This decentralised approach results in different McDonald’s locations operating on unique holiday schedules.

For example, a store in a busy urban centre might stay open during the holidays, while one in a smaller town could close early or not open at all. These differences make it essential to check with your local McDonald’s before heading out during the festive season.

How Does McDonald’s Decide Its Boxing Day Opening Hours?

Unlike some restaurant chains with strict corporate-mandated holiday hours, McDonald’s provides general guidelines but ultimately leaves the decision to the individual franchise owner.

This autonomy means that the hours on Boxing Day can vary not only from city to city but even between different stores within the same postcode.

Factors that influence whether a McDonald’s location opens on Boxing Day include:

Availability of staff during the festive season
Anticipated foot traffic based on the location
Local trading laws and licensing restrictions
Whether the store is located in a high-demand area like a motorway service station, airport, or shopping district

While some franchise owners may seize the opportunity to stay open and serve customers on a busy post-Christmas shopping day, others may choose to give their staff a well-deserved break.

Are All McDonald’s Locations in the UK Open on Boxing Day?

No, not all McDonald’s locations in the UK open on Boxing Day. The status of each store depends heavily on the type of location and the owner’s preferences.

Historically, many city-centre and 24-hour locations, especially those inside airports or motorway service stations, remain open to serve travellers and post-Christmas shoppers.

However, stores in smaller towns or less-trafficked areas often operate on reduced hours or remain closed entirely on 26 December. This inconsistency is why it’s crucial for customers to check individual store details rather than assuming national uniformity.

How Can Customers Find Out If Their Local McDonald’s Is Open on Boxing Day?

To avoid wasted trips or disappointment, here are three effective methods to confirm your local McDonald’s holiday hours:

Method	How It Works	Best For
McDonald’s Restaurant Locator	Visit mcdonalds.com and use the location tool to search your local store	Drive-thru and dine-in times
McDonald’s Mobile App	Automatically detects your closest location and displays real-time hours	Quick mobile lookups and offers
Phone Call	Call the specific branch directly for confirmation	Real-time, specific store details

The mobile app is particularly useful during the holiday period, often including notifications about special hours, menu changes, or holiday-specific offers.

What Are the Typical McDonald’s Opening and Closing Times During the Festive Season?

Generally, McDonald’s operates from early morning until late evening, but these hours may vary during the holiday period. Below is a reference of typical daily hours, which can be altered around the Christmas week:

Typical 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

Many locations that are usually 24-hour continue operating through the night during the holidays, particularly those in airports, city centres, and service areas. However, smaller or less busy locations may adopt reduced hours.

Which McDonald’s Locations Usually Stay Open on Boxing Day?

Based on previous years, the following types of McDonald’s stores are most likely to remain open on Boxing Day:

Airport branches (e.g., Heathrow, Gatwick)
Motorway service station locations (e.g., M1, M6 service areas)
Major urban stores (e.g., central London, Manchester, Birmingham)
24-hour drive-thru restaurants

These locations typically experience consistent customer demand, even during the holidays. However, even in these areas, operating hours may be shorter than usual, or services like indoor dining may be limited.

What Should Customers Expect When Visiting McDonald’s on Boxing Day?

Visiting McDonald’s on Boxing Day can be a convenient option, especially if you’re out shopping or travelling. However, there are a few things customers should be prepared for:

Reduced Staff: Fewer team members may be on duty, leading to longer wait times.
Limited Menu: Some items, especially breakfast or seasonal offerings, may not be available.
Service Restrictions: Dine-in may be closed in favour of drive-thru or takeaway only.
Crowds: Expect higher traffic in locations near retail centres due to Boxing Day sales.

How Can You Make the Most of McDonald’s Holiday Services?

To save time and get the best service during the busy festive season, consider these tips:

Use the McDonald’s App: The app shows live store hours, current offers, and allows mobile ordering.
Click & Serve: Order from your phone and collect from your vehicle.
Order Ahead: Beat the queue by ordering in advance before arriving.
Use Delivery: If available, platforms like Uber Eats or Just Eat can bring McDonald’s straight to your door.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re grabbing a quick meal after Christmas or fuelling up during your shopping spree, McDonald’s can be a reliable option on Boxing Day, but only if your local store is open.

Since 93% of stores are franchise-operated, hours can differ widely depending on location, staffing, and demand.

To avoid disappointment, it’s best to check using the McDonald’s app, online store locator, or by calling your nearest restaurant. While many locations will resume normal hours on 26 December, some may continue to operate with modified schedules.

If you’re hoping to visit McDonald’s on Boxing Day, plan ahead and confirm store hours in advance.

FAQs

Does McDonald’s have reduced hours on Boxing Day?

Yes, many McDonald’s locations operate on reduced hours on Boxing Day, depending on the location and the franchise owner’s decision.

Are McDonald’s 24-hour stores open on Boxing Day in the UK?

Some 24-hour McDonald’s remain open on Boxing Day, particularly those at airports, motorway service stations, and major cities. However, even these may reduce their operating hours.

Can you use McDonald’s delivery apps like Uber Eats on Boxing Day?

In many locations, yes. McDonald’s delivery via Uber Eats, Just Eat, or Deliveroo is often available, but it depends on the specific store’s schedule and availability of drivers.

Why are some McDonald’s closed on Christmas but open on Boxing Day?

Christmas Day is often reserved as a full closure to allow staff a day off, while Boxing Day sees a return to partial or full operations in many areas.