We only have a few days left to get all the Christmas shopping sorted.
So to help you get your life in order, we’ve pulled together key opening times for supermarkets in Manchester over the holidays.
Many are running extended opening hours in the run-up to the big day, followed by shorter hours and closures on some big holidays, and this is particularly apparent on Boxing Day, when many more supermarkets will shut to give their staff a break after a turbulent couple of years.
Bear in mind that all of these are subject to change and should be checked on each supermarket’s website.
Here’s everything you need to know.
ADVERTISEMENT
___
Aldi
Credit: Aldi UK & Ireland
Monday 20 – Thursday 23 December: 7am – 10pm
Christmas Eve: 7am – 6pm
Christmas Day & Boxing Day: Closed
Monday 27 – Thursday 30 December: 8am – 10pm
New Year’s Eve: 8am – 6pm
New Year’s Day: Closed
Sunday 2 January: 9:30am – 4pm
Monday 3 January: 8am – 8pm
You can check your local store’s opening times on the Aldi website here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Tesco
Credit: Geograph
Tesco has plans to keep over 370 of its large stores open for 24 hours a day over the Christmas period in the run-up for Christmas Day.
Between 20 December and Christmas Eve, hundreds of stores will be open at all hours to help shoppers get their shopping done before the big day, but opening hours may vary by store – with customers advised to use the store locator to find specific opening times.
However, Tesco has said all its stores will close at 7pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, with the exception of Express stores, which will remain open until 10pm on both dates.
ADVERTISEMENT
All of the chain’s stores will close on Christmas Day and all Tesco Extra stores and superstores will keep to Sunday opening hours on Boxing Day – with most Express stores open from 9am to 7pm on 26 December.
On New Year’s Day, most stores will be open between 8am to 6pm, except for its Express stores, which will close at 10pm.
You can check opening times via the Tesco Store Locator here.
Sainsbury’s
Credit: Sainsbury’s
Christmas Eve: 6am – 7pm
Christmas Day & Boxing Closed
Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 December: 8am – 8pm
Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 December: 7am – 9pm
New Year’s Eve: 7am – 7pm
New Years Day: 9am – 7pm
You can check opening times via the Sainsbury’s Store Locator here.
M&S
All Marks & Spencer stores will open from 6am between 20 – 23 December, then on Christmas Eve, some stores will remain open until 8pm.
ADVERTISEMENT
All Marks & Spencer stores will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
You can check your local store’s opening times on the M&S website here.
Manchester United set to release two classic remake kits, including a ‘blackout’ shirt
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly planning to release not just one, but another two classic remake kits, based on one of their most recognisable shirts of all time.
As many other teams have done for special anniversaries and limited edition strips, one of them is set to be a ‘blackout’ version of the iconic design, too.
Having already dropped a re-release of the 1990-92 ‘snowflake’ away kit this past April, along with various other bits of lifestyle/casualwear, the success of their retro range needs no explanation.
With that in mind, supporters who remember the initial Adidas era, football fashionistas and collectors alike will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on either or both of these shirts.
The right-hand side is an educated prediction by the outlet. (Credit: Footy Headlines)
Based on the same adidas Originals template initially used for the 1986-88- home kit, according to the ever-reliable Footy Headlines, a similar faithful recreation is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
We’ve already heard rumblings of a Man United fourth kit expected to be added to their rotation for the upcoming campaign, but this is thought to be separate from the match-worn 2026/27 alternate.
As you can see, the rumoured ’86 remake by United will mark 30 years since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson first took charge of the club, before going on to spend the best of three decades there himself.
Featuring the traditional ‘adi trefoil’ logo and the famous Sharp Electronics sponsor on the front, as well as the sublimated old school pattern – just as seen with the aforementioned modern edition of the ’90-92 jersey – the second version will be exactly the same, only, you guessed it: all black.
With the INEOS ownership group clearly looking to double down on nostalgia and the improving mood around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ now that they’re back in the Champions League, revenues already look to be on the rise.
Ruben Amorim famously turned this down – but not Michael Carrick…
The retro range has become just the latest of several new money spinners for the Red Devils as they look to get their finances back on track, as well as their performances on the pitch.
This summer transfer window is also now open, and with one deal already said to be done and at least a couple more in the pipeline, the income from merchandising will no doubt help to fund at least part of their various lots of these deals this year.
It isn’t just new players they have to pay for either, as it’s also costing them north of £1 million to returf the pitch inside the ground – and they still have the prospect of a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, let’s not forget.
Popular Manchester attraction offering FREE entry to anyone who shares a name with these England players
Emily Sergeant
A popular Manchester attraction is offering people the chance to visit for free this summer… but only if they have certain names.
That’s right – Museum of Illusions is giving football fans an extra reason to celebrate every goal this summer, as the city centre attraction is offering free entry to anyone whose first name matches that of a Three Lions player that scores in an England fixture.
So if Harry Kane scores, all Harrys are in. If Jude Bellingham gets on the scoresheet, Judes can claim a free ticket. The same goes for Anthony, Ollie, or any other England player who bags a goal as the tournament foes on, meaning thousands more fans will be able to have their minds blown and let their imaginations run wild this summer.
The offer will run from tomorrow (Thursday 18 June) until 18 July – with the list of eligible names growing every time an England player finds the back of the net.
To claim their free ticket, visitors simply need to show valid photo ID at the admissions desk confirming their first name matches that of a confirmed England goalscorer.
Located on Market Street at the heart of the city centre, Museum of Illusions features more than 50 interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and trick the senses.
Proving to be hugely popular since opening its doors back in 2024, visitors to Museum of Illusions can explore gravity-defying rooms, optical illusions, immersive installations, and holograms that create unforgettable photo opportunities for families and friends (and football fans) alike.
Free entry to Museum of Illusions in Manchester will be granted until 18 July 2026, and you can find out more info and opening times before you visit here.
The Manc -
20th December 2021 
