Christmas Eve is always a busy and slightly frantic day for many households, and Home Bargains is often one of the final stops for affordable festive essentials. From food and drinks to wrapping paper and household items, shoppers across the UK rely on the store to top up on last-minute necessities. Knowing the home bargains closing time christmas eve in advance can save time, prevent unnecessary travel, and help the day run more smoothly.
This friendly, easy-to-follow guide explains what time Home Bargains typically closes on Christmas Eve, how local store hours may vary, confirmed festive closures, and detailed opening times for Preston and nearby locations. Everything is laid out clearly to help shoppers plan with confidence during the busiest shopping period of the year.
What Time Does Home Bargains Close on Christmas Eve in the UK?
On Christmas Eve, Home Bargains operates on reduced hours across the UK. While exact times can differ by location, the majority of stores are scheduled to close earlier than usual to allow staff to begin the Christmas break.
For most locations, the home bargains closing time christmas eve is 5:00 pm, with stores typically opening at 8:00 am. This earlier finish reflects standard festive trading practices in the UK and is designed to balance customer access with staff wellbeing.
Shoppers who usually visit in the late afternoon should be aware that arriving after 4:30 pm may be risky, especially in busy areas where queues can form close to closing time.
Do All Home Bargains Stores Follow the Same Christmas Eve Hours?

Home Bargains does not operate a single, fixed national closing time on Christmas Eve. While the 8:00 am to 5:00 pm schedule applies to most branches, individual stores may adjust hours slightly depending on local factors.
These variations are usually influenced by store size, footfall, and whether the branch is located on a high street or within a retail park. Some larger stores may remain open slightly later, while others close promptly at the scheduled time to prepare for the Christmas Day shutdown.
Because of this, checking local opening hours is always recommended, particularly for shoppers travelling from outside their immediate area.
What Are the Christmas Eve Opening Times for Home Bargains Stores in and Around Preston?
For shoppers in Preston and the surrounding areas, Home Bargains has published clear and consistent festive opening times for Christmas Eve. Most nearby stores will be open from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, making 5:00 pm the standard closing time for the region.
Preston and Nearby Home Bargains Christmas Eve Hours
| Store Location | Distance | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Market Place, Preston | 0.41 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Queens Shopping Park, Preston | 0.83 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Deepdale Road, Preston | 0.92 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| The Capitol Retail Unit, Preston | 1.35 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Towngate, Leyland | 4.46 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Chorley | 7.39 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Byrom Street, Blackburn | 9.10 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Peel Centre, Hyndburn | 10.72 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Oswaldtwistle | 12.82 miles | 08:00 | 20:00 |
| Cherry Tree Road, Blackpool | 12.99 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Burlington Centre, Lytham St Annes | 13.18 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Queensway, Poulton-le-Fylde | 13.32 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Southport A8307 | 13.50 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Middlebrook | 13.84 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Eastgate Retail Park, Accrington | 14.19 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Ormskirk | 14.42 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Skelmersdale | 14.43 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Tyldesley Road, Blackpool | 14.57 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Talbot Road, Blackpool | 14.76 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
| Gower Street, Wigan | 15.11 miles | 08:00 | 17:00 |
This table highlights that 5:00 pm is the most common Christmas Eve closing time, with Oswaldtwistle being a notable exception due to extended evening hours.
Why Does Home Bargains Close Earlier Than Usual on Christmas Eve?

The earlier home bargains closing time christmas eve follows long-standing UK retail tradition. Although Christmas Eve is not a public holiday, it is widely treated as a shortened trading day.
Early closure allows staff to finish safely, complete final store checks, and begin the Christmas break without unnecessary late working hours. It also reflects reduced customer demand in the evening, as most shoppers prefer to complete Christmas purchases earlier in the day.
This approach ensures a more balanced and considerate end to the retail year for store colleagues.
Which Days Is Home Bargains Closed During the Christmas and New Year Period?
Home Bargains has confirmed full-day closures during the festive season to allow staff time with their families.
Home Bargains Festive Closures
| Date | Store Status |
| Christmas Day | Closed |
| Boxing Day | Closed |
| New Year’s Day | Closed |
The retailer has publicly thanked its colleagues for their hard work throughout the year and encouraged them to enjoy a well-earned festive break. As a result, Christmas Eve is the final in-store shopping day before these closures.
How Can Shoppers Avoid Missing the Home Bargains Christmas Eve Closing Time?
Planning ahead is the best way to avoid disappointment on Christmas Eve. With reduced hours and high footfall, stores can become busy well before closing time.

Shoppers are advised to arrive earlier in the day and allow extra time for queues, particularly during late morning and early afternoon. Completing essential shopping at least a day before Christmas Eve can also reduce stress and ensure better product availability.
What Can Shoppers Expect to Find at Home Bargains on Christmas Eve?
Home Bargains remains popular on Christmas Eve because it offers a wide range of affordable products under one roof. Many shoppers visit for last-minute top-ups rather than full Christmas shops.
Availability can be more limited by the afternoon, especially for seasonal items, but essential household goods and everyday products are usually still accessible earlier in the day.
What Are the Most Important Things to Remember About Home Bargains Christmas Eve Hours?
The key takeaway for shoppers is that Home Bargains closes earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, with 5:00 pm being the standard closing time for most UK stores, including those in Preston.
Local variations can occur, festive closures follow immediately after, and Christmas Eve represents the final opportunity to shop before the Christmas shutdown. Being aware of these details helps shoppers plan efficiently and avoid unnecessary travel.
What Is the Final Advice for Shoppers Planning a Christmas Eve Visit to Home Bargains?
Understanding the home bargains closing time christmas eve allows shoppers to plan their day more effectively during the festive rush. By shopping earlier, checking local store hours, and being mindful of full-day closures on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, customers can enjoy a smoother and more relaxed shopping experience.
Good planning not only benefits shoppers but also supports store teams as they prepare to enjoy their Christmas break.
FAQs
Is 5:00 pm the usual Home Bargains closing time on Christmas Eve?
Yes, most Home Bargains stores in the UK are scheduled to close at 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve.
Are any Home Bargains stores open later than 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve?
A small number of locations may remain open later, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Will Home Bargains open on Boxing Day?
No, all Home Bargains stores are closed on Boxing Day.
Is New Year’s Day also a closure day for Home Bargains?
Yes, Home Bargains stores are closed nationwide on New Year’s Day.
Can Christmas Eve opening times change at short notice?
Although rare, changes can occur due to unforeseen circumstances, so checking locally is always advisable.
Is Christmas Eve the last day to shop at Home Bargains before Christmas?
Yes, Christmas Eve is the final trading day before the Christmas Day and Boxing Day closures.
Do all Preston Home Bargains stores open at 8:00 am on Christmas Eve?
Yes, the listed Preston and nearby stores are scheduled to open at 8:00 am.


