Food & Wine
Wetherspoons Announces Expanded Holiday Hours - What You Need to Know
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 6:41 GMT by The Sun- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Wetherspoons Announces Expanded Holiday Hours – What You Need to Know
The popular UK pub chain Wetherspoons has revealed its full timetable for the Christmas and New Year season, and the news has been making waves across the country. In a recent Sun article that details the opening times, menu specials and a few surprises for the holiday crowds, the company confirms that its 330‑plus pubs will be open at some of the longest hours ever scheduled for a pub chain in the UK. Below is a comprehensive recap of what the article shares, along with contextual background, linked resources and practical tips for anyone planning a pub‑based holiday celebration.
1. The Core Announcement
Wetherspoons’ chief executive, Rob Taylor, has publicly confirmed that the chain will keep its doors open for the full span of the festive period, with a set of staggered opening times that cater to early risers, night owls, and anyone in between. The Sun article summarises the main points as follows:
| Date | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve (24 Dec) | 11 am – 3 am |
| Christmas Day (25 Dec) | 11 am – 3 am |
| Boxing Day (26 Dec) | 9 am – 11 pm |
| New Year’s Eve (31 Dec) | 11 am – 3 am (with a special “party‑time” slot from 8 pm–1 am) |
| New Year’s Day (1 Jan) | 10 am – 10 pm |
The article emphasises that the 3‑am closing time on the two most festive nights is a direct response to the “unprecedented demand” that Wetherspoons has seen during past holiday seasons. The 24‑hour operation on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is aimed at making the chain accessible to late‑night revelers, who will often need a place to unwind after a day of holiday shopping or a busy family dinner.
2. Special Holiday Menu and Promotions
In addition to the extended hours, the chain is rolling out a special menu that includes:
- “Crown Jewels” platter – a mixed tray of roasted turkey, prime rib, and a selection of seasonal sides.
- “Pudding & Ale” combo – a complimentary pint of the chain’s signature amber ale with a dessert of trifle or Christmas pudding.
- “Christmas Cheer” coffee special – a warm chocolate drink with a splash of spiced rum (for adults only).
The Sun article also quotes Wetherspoons’ marketing director, Lisa Mather, who highlighted that all customers who order a full meal will receive a free pint of beer. This promotion is not advertised on the company’s website, but is prominently displayed in each pub’s in‑house flyers.
3. Linked Resources for Further Details
The Sun piece does a good job of summarising the main points, but readers looking for even deeper detail can consult the following linked resources:
Wetherspoons’ official “Holiday Hours” page – provides a printable PDF that lists opening hours by location.
[ Holiday Hours PDF ] (the link is included in the Sun article).Wetherspoons’ “Christmas Menu” page – lists the seasonal menu items with prices and nutritional information.
[ Christmas Menu ]Press Release from Wetherspoons (22 Dec) – the company’s own announcement on its investor relations site, which details the extended hours and the free‑pint promotion.
[ Press Release ]UK Government “Christmas Pub Guidance” – a government site that outlines any local restrictions or COVID‑19‑related updates.
[ Government Guidance ]
The Sun article notes that the press release also mentions a “no‑cancellation” policy for customers who have pre‑ordered a table or a set‑menu for the New Year’s Eve party.
4. What This Means for Holiday Visitors
The key take‑away for anyone planning to use Wetherspoons for holiday fun is that the chain will be open longer than usual, and that it has added a few incentives to draw crowds. A few practical points for customers:
- Plan Ahead – the 24‑hour operation will mean that pubs can get crowded, especially on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Arriving early (mid‑afternoon) is recommended if you want a table.
- Take Advantage of the Free Pint – this is a great deal for adults, but note that the offer applies only to customers who purchase a full meal. A snack or drink alone will not qualify.
- Check Local Restrictions – although Wetherspoons is open until 3 am, some local councils may have their own curfew restrictions in place. The Government Guidance link will provide the most up‑to‑date information for your specific area.
- Enjoy the Special Menu – the “Crown Jewels” platter is a fan‑favorite, especially among families that want to try all of the seasonal dishes. Ordering it early will ensure you get a seat.
5. Why Wetherspoons is Making the Move
Historically, the chain has sometimes opened its doors earlier during the holiday period, but the recent shift to longer hours is largely driven by two factors:
- Competitive Pressure – with the rise of “gluten‑free” and “artisan” pub chains, Wetherspoons is positioning itself as the most accessible and budget‑friendly option for large holiday crowds.
- Consumer Demand – a survey conducted by the “Pub‑Industry Insight” group showed that 78 % of respondents wanted pubs to stay open until the early hours of the morning during the Christmas season.
The Sun article quotes the survey, and it also notes that Wetherspoons has previously adjusted its opening times for earlier Christmas seasons (e.g., 22 pm on Christmas Day in 2022) and has received positive feedback from customers.
6. Bottom Line
Wetherspoons’ decision to operate until 3 am on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, along with a 24‑hour service on Christmas Eve, is a bold statement that the chain wants to be the go‑to destination for holiday revelers. By pairing this with a free‑pint promotion for full meals and a festive menu, the chain is hoping to capture both the family market and the night‑time crowd.
Whether you’re planning a family feast, a New Year’s Eve party, or a late‑night drink after a Christmas stroll, the information in the Sun article – backed by the official Wetherspoons website and government guidance – gives you the full picture. Just remember to book in advance, watch for any local restrictions, and enjoy a pint of the chain’s classic amber ale while you’re at it. Cheers to a merry, well‑cheered holiday season!
Read the Full The Sun Article at:
[ https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/37586824/wetherspoons-pub-opening-hours-christmas-season/ ]
