Big festive spending usually squeezes families’ bank balances, and it seems like Christmas 2025 will be no different.
Customers depositing unexpected seasonal bonuses, or withdrawing cash for seasonal treats, may want to pop into their local branches in the lead-up to the big day
If you’re one of them, beware of Christmas closures that might disrupt your plans.
Branches will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day as both are bank holidays.
But when are the banks open over Christmas?
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Metro has compiled all the information you’ll need to bank over the holiday.
Are banks open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, but many banks will close early on Wednesday, December 24 so staff can go home and spend the day with family.
- Santander – set to close at 3pm
- Lloyds – likely to close at 2pm
- Barclays – set to close at 3pm
- HSBC – set to close around midday
- Nationwide – likely to close at 1pm
- NatWest – likely to close around 2pm
It’s best to check with your bank and local branches to see what time they close on Christmas Eve if you do have any last-minute business to attend – as it will be your last chance for a few days.
Where can I find local opening times for my banks?
What days will banks be closed for Christmas?
Banks will be closed for a few days over the Christmas break, giving colleagues the holiday off while the UK celebrates.
- Christmas Day falls on a Thursday this year, so the bank holiday closure will be on Thursday, December 25
- Boxing Day falls on a Friday this year, so the bank holiday closure will be on Friday, December 26
Though branches will be closed, you can still use cash machines if you need to withdraw funds.
Similarly, you’ll be able to pay using online banking, but payments and deposits might take longer to process.
Most banks will open again on Sunday, December 27 and return to their usual hours – though these will still be limited under typical Sunday trading hours.
New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, will also be a bank holiday with branches closed, however, so get your banking done before then.
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