Is Starbucks Open on Christmas Day 2025 in the UK? Hours & Closures

Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year — but it can also be stressful if you rely on your daily caffeine fix. If you’re wondering whether Starbucks is open on Christmas Day 2025 in the UK, you’re not alone. Between travel, family gatherings, and last-minute shopping, knowing where and when you can get your holiday latte or espresso is essential.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Starbucks Christmas Day hours in the UK, including drive-thru availability, airport locations, city-center exceptions, and tips for planning your coffee run.

Are Starbucks Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025?

The majority of Starbucks stores across the UK are closed on Christmas Day, including:

High street and city-center locations

Shopping mall locations

Most suburban dine-in shops

However, Starbucks does keep certain locations open, particularly in high-traffic areas where travelers are likely to need a quick coffee. These include:

Airport terminals (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham)

Train stations (London King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly)

Select motorway service areas

Some hotel-adjacent Starbucks

In other words: if you’re in the middle of your travels or near a major transportation hub, you can usually still grab your holiday beverage.

Starbucks Christmas Day 2025 Hours in the UK (Typical)
Location Type Expected Hours Notes
City-center Starbucks Closed Almost all high street shops shut for the holiday
Mall Starbucks Closed Malls are typically closed on December 25
Airport Starbucks 6:30 AM – 10 PM London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham
Train station Starbucks 7 AM – 8 PM London King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly
Motorway service Starbucks 7 AM – 9 PM M1, M6, M25, M62; drive-thru usually available
Hotel-adjacent Starbucks 8 AM – 10 PM Mainly London and major tourist cities

Tip: These are general guidelines — actual store hours may vary by location, staffing, or local regulations. Always check the Starbucks app for live updates.

Drive-Thru vs. Dine-In on Christmas Day

Drive-Thru Locations:
Drive-thru Starbucks near airports or motorway service areas are the best bet for an open store. Hours are typically 7 AM – 9 PM, depending on location. Expect moderate to high demand during morning and evening travel peaks.

Dine-In Locations:
Most dine-in Starbucks shops are closed on Christmas Day. Even those that remain open (airports, hotels) may limit seating and focus on takeaway orders to accommodate fewer staff and maintain efficiency.

Airport Starbucks Hours on Christmas Day

Travelers have the highest chance of finding open Starbucks in airport terminals:

London Heathrow (LHR)

Terminals 2 & 5: 6:30 AM – 10 PM

Mainly takeaway; dine-in seating may be restricted

London Gatwick (LGW)

North & South Terminals: 7 AM – 9 PM

Takeaway-only service; no drive-thru

Manchester Airport (MAN)

7 AM – 10 PM

Limited menu; takeaway-focused

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

7 AM – 9 PM

Drive-thru not available

Birmingham Airport (BHX)

8 AM – 9 PM

Dine-in seating may be closed; takeaway available

Pro Tip: Airport Starbucks may close temporarily for staff breaks, so check signage or the Starbucks app.

Motorway & Service Station Starbucks Hours

Motorway Starbucks drive-thrus often operate 7 AM – 9 PM on Christmas Day. Popular locations along major routes include:

M1: Toddington, Watford Gap

M6: Keele, Staffordshire

M25: Cobham, Clacket Lane

M62: Ferrybridge, Birch Services

Expect lines during peak travel times, particularly 12 PM – 3 PM when families are on the road visiting relatives.

Train Station Starbucks Hours

For rail travelers:

London King’s Cross & Liverpool Street: 7 AM – 8 PM

Manchester Piccadilly & Liverpool Lime Street: 7 AM – 7 PM

Edinburgh Waverley & Glasgow Central: 7 AM – 8 PM

Takeaway orders are encouraged, and seating may be limited.

Holiday Menu Availability

Starbucks locations open on Christmas Day generally serve a limited core menu, including:

Brewed coffee and espresso drinks

Lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites

Hot chocolate and tea

Breakfast sandwiches and pastries

Packaged snacks

Seasonal favorites like Peppermint Mocha, Chestnut Praline Latte, or festive frappuccinos may not be available at all locations, particularly smaller or airport shops with reduced staff.

Planning Tips for Starbucks on Christmas Day

Use the Starbucks Store Locator: The Starbucks app shows live Christmas Day hours and available locations.

Call Ahead: Some airport and motorway Starbucks may adjust hours last minute.

Arrive Early: Morning coffee is popular for travelers; 7–9 AM is ideal.

Expect Takeaway-Only Service: Dine-in seating is often closed.

Consider Alternatives: If your local Starbucks is closed, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, or independent cafes may still be open in airports or train stations.

Starbucks Christmas Day FAQ (UK)

Q: Are any 24-hour Starbucks open on Christmas Day?

No — most 24-hour city locations close, with only airport and motorway stores open.

Q: Can I place a mobile order on Christmas Day?

Yes, but availability may be limited to open locations and reduced menus.

Q: Does Starbucks deliver on Christmas Day?

Most stores do not offer delivery on Christmas Day, except select airport locations.

Q: Are there Starbucks open in hotels?

A few hotel-adjacent stores in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh may operate.

Q: Is Starbucks busier on Christmas Eve than Christmas Day?

Yes — December 24 sees more locations open, but Christmas Day traffic is concentrated at transport hubs.

Public Minute Pro Tips for Christmas Day Starbucks in the UK

Travel Hubs Are Your Best Bet: Airports, train stations, and motorway service areas have the highest likelihood of being open.

Plan Around Peak Hours: Arrive early morning or late evening to avoid long waits.

Check the App: Starbucks updates hours and closures in real-time.

Expect Takeaway-Only Service: Don’t count on seating.

Have Alternatives in Mind: Costa, Pret, Greggs, or hotel cafes may fill in gaps.

Final Takeaway

While most Starbucks stores in the UK close on Christmas Day 2025, there are still plenty of options for travelers and early risers:

Airport Starbucks

Train station locations

Motorway service drive-thrus

Select hotel-adjacent stores

By planning ahead, using the Starbucks app, and heading to high-traffic travel hubs, you can enjoy your favorite holiday beverage even on one of the busiest and quietest days of the year.