Opening hours vary by restaurant and franchisee. This guide is based on McDonald’s UK’s established Christmas pattern and the confirmed 2025 arrangements — check the McDonald’s UK app or restaurant locator for your local branch closer to the date. Last updated October 2026.
Every December, the same question spikes on Google: is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day? With Christmas Day 2026 falling on a Friday (25 December), here’s the straight answer for the UK.
The short answer: almost all McDonald’s are closed on Christmas Day
The vast majority of McDonald’s restaurants in the UK close on Christmas Day (25 December). Christmas Day is one of the very few days of the year when the golden arches go dark — McDonald’s gives most of its crews the day off.
However, it’s not a total shutdown. A small number of restaurants stay open, typically:
- Selected London branches (in 2025, around 20 London restaurants opened, including sites on Edgware Road, in Hackney, Islington, Camden and Wembley — some for limited hours like 8am–10pm, a few running 24 hours)
- Motorway service station branches (e.g. Cobham and Cambridge services), which often stay open round the clock for travellers
- The occasional franchisee opening for charity — in past years, branches such as Stockport’s Merseyway restaurant have opened on Christmas Day to serve free food to homeless people and anyone spending Christmas alone
The exact list changes every year and is usually only confirmed in December, so treat any list you see now as indicative, not final.
Christmas Eve 2026 (Thursday 24 December)
Most McDonald’s restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, though many close earlier than usual. Expect reduced hours in the evening — if you’re planning a Christmas Eve Maccies run, go earlier in the day and check your local branch’s hours in the app.
Boxing Day 2026 (Saturday 26 December)
Most restaurants reopen on Boxing Day, though some operate reduced hours. It’s one of the busiest days of the festive period for fast food, so expect queues at drive-thrus, especially around lunchtime.
What about McDelivery on Christmas Day?
McDelivery (Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo) follows restaurant opening hours — so on Christmas Day, delivery is only available from the handful of branches that stay open. In most of the country, there will be no McDonald’s delivery on 25 December. Plan accordingly and don’t leave the pigs-in-blankets decision to the last minute.
How to check your local restaurant’s Christmas hours
- Open the McDonald’s UK app and use the restaurant locator — festive hours are published in December.
- Check Google Maps — Christmas Day hours are usually updated on business listings.
- When in doubt, call the restaurant directly.
Quick summary
| Date | Day | Expected opening |
|---|---|---|
| 24 December 2026 | Thursday (Christmas Eve) | Most open, some close early |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday (Christmas Day) | Almost all closed — a few London & service-station branches open |
| 26 December 2026 | Saturday (Boxing Day) | Most open, some reduced hours |
Frequently asked questions
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day 2026 in the UK?
Almost all branches are closed. Only a small number — mostly in London and at motorway service stations — stay open.
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, most restaurants open on Christmas Eve, though many close earlier than normal.
Is McDonald’s open on Boxing Day?
Yes, the majority of restaurants reopen on Boxing Day, 26 December.
Can I get McDonald’s delivered on Christmas Day?
Only from the few branches that open. Everywhere else, no delivery on 25 December.
Why do some branches open on Christmas Day?
It’s down to individual franchisees — some open for travellers at service stations, and a few open their doors for charity, serving free food to people in need.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by McDonald’s. Opening hours vary by restaurant — always check locally before travelling.