Despite best efforts to buy stocking fillers well in advance, chances are that last-minute shopping simply cannot be avoided this year (again). Instead of frantically scrolling google with turkey filling-covered hands when potatoes suddenly don’t seem enough, Opening Times keeps your stress levels low this holiday season with a quick guide to opening hours in your area.

Gifts

The kids are on school-break, work is extra busy, Christmas parties are filling up the calendar - Who still has time for Christmas present shopping? Shopping malls are the perfect place to snatch up as many presents in one location as possible whilst comparing prices and seasonal discounts. No need for store-hopping on the high-street when you can take the car and load off shopping bags conveniently in between purchases. Depending on your location and level of despair, these are the best options for late but high-quality Christmas present shopping:

Last Minute
The malls with the longest opening hours on Christmas Eve are Meadowhall in Sheffield and Lakeside in Thurrock, Essex, which will close at 10pm – the perfect excuse to skip Midnight Mass and buy a cheeky gift for yourself. If none of these options are within reasonable distance of your Christmas retreat, an interactive map that shows all UK shopping malls and their opening times will help out:

Extremely Last Minute
Dare to admit that you might have to sneak out on Christmas morning to finish the job? Unfortunately, shopping malls in the UK are required to stay closed on Christmas Day by law, which makes last-minute shopping adventures à la Jingle All the Way impossible. Unless you consider buying a plane ticket to get access to duty-free shopping to save your Christmas Day?

Groceries

Last Minute
All major supermarket chains will be open on the 24th but closing times will vary from usual business hours. It might be advisable to check your local store via the shop’s website before embarking on a long and fruitless mission to find the missing ingredient for dessert.

Extremely Last Minute
The best guess for late night sweets cravings after a rich Christmas eve dinner will be your local corner shop, as independent businesses are free to decide opening times themselves, even on public holidays. If the roast is burnt beyond repair, a frozen pizza from your local cost-cutter could always be a possibility.