McDonald's said it will be operating limited opening hours on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve to give staff more time off.

The fast-food chain will open late and close early on selected days across the festive season. 

Opening hours will vary from branch to branch, and customers will be able to check the plans for their local branch on the website and app. 

Drive Thrus will remain open until 11pm across all tiers, even if restaurants are shut.  

McDonald's, which has 1,300 branches across the UK, said its restaurants will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve as well as opening late on Boxing Day.

But it stressed that stores will be be open for takeaway, drive-thru and delivery until 11pm on all other days. 

McDonald's UK CEO Paul Pomroy revealed the plans in an email to customers which read: "I know many of you will be looking forward to visiting one of our restaurants over the festive season to enjoy your McDonald’s favourites. 

"Given the extraordinary year we’ve all had, we will balance being there for you when you need us with giving our people some additional time off with their loved ones.  

"This means that some of our restaurants may close a little earlier on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and open a little later on Boxing Day.

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"We will keep our website and the My McDonald’s app updated with our latest opening hours and services."

McDonald's is not the only big-name brand making alterations this year.

Hardware store Wickes will be closing its doors on Christmas Eve for the first time in its 48-year history. 

And Marks & Spencer, Aldi, Pets at Home and Home Bargains are all keeping its doors shut on Boxing Day.

Announcing the decision last month, Wickes said the move is part of a "thank you" to staff by the company - who also say the decision was made to support their wellbeing at the end of an extraordinary year with "well-earned rest and relaxation".

The holiday closure, which begins as shops lock their doors on December 23, is the first in the business’ 48 year history and will give over 8,000 colleagues additional leave, on top of their regular allocation in order to spend time with loved ones.