First, don’t go for a full weekly shop. The shelves might be a bit messy. They haven’t restocked everything. You’re there for top-ups. Think cat food, milk, or a bag of salted nuts.
Second, look for the yellow stickers. Boxing Day is a glorious day for reduced Christmas items. You can get a massive tin of Quality Street for half price. It’s a bargain.
Third, be nice to the staff. They are working on a holiday. They have seen a thousand people ask for a specific type of cranberry sauce. Smile. Say thanks. You’ll earn karmic points for next year’s quest.
So, to answer the question? Yes, Tesco is open on Boxing Day. But it’s a special, limited-edition version of Tesco. A sleepy, discount-riddled, slightly chaotic version. Go. Explore. Buy the leftover stollen. You earned it.
And if your local store is closed? Don’t panic. That’s a sign from the universe to stay home. Eat another mince pie. Take a nap. The gravy will find a way.