Festive Chemist Opening Hours in Dorset – Christmas & New Year 2025/26

As the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, residents across Dorset are being reminded that many local pharmacies (chemists) will be open on key festive dates — offering essential services including dispensing prescriptions, health advice, and over-the-counter medicines. These extended and adjusted hours are part of NHS Dorset’s Christmas and New Year pharmacy timetable.Stay Well Dorset

Why This Matters

Pharmacies play an important role in community health, especially when GP practices and many other health services are closed for the holidays. This year, many Dorset pharmacies are providing Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day opening hours, as well as some services on Christmas Day itself, to support people with urgent medication needs without resorting to emergency care.Stay Well Dorset

🎄 Christmas Eve – Wednesday 24 December 2025

On Christmas Eve, a wide range of chemists across Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Dorchester, and other Dorset towns will be open, often with extended hours. Some examples include:Stay Well Dorset

Asda Pharmacy, St Pauls Road, Bournemouth – 09:00–20:00
Late Night Columbia Chemist, BH10 – 09:00–19:00
Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Weymouth Ave, Dorchester – 09:00–21:00
Tout’s Pharmacy, Brewery Square, Dorchester – 08:30–18:30
Jhoots Pharmacy, Bridport Medical Centre – 08:45–18:00

These pharmacies offer a good opportunity to collect medication, pick up last-minute health supplies, or speak to a pharmacist before the major holidays begin.Stay Well Dorset

🎁 Christmas Day – Thursday 25 December 2025

Even on Christmas Day, a smaller selection of pharmacies will open for limited hours to help with urgent needs:Stay Well Dorset

Well Pharmacy, Bridport – 15:00–17:00
Tesco In-Store Pharmacy, Dorchester – 11:00–13:00
Allied Pharmacy, Ferndown – 12:00–14:00

These shorter opening times support urgent medication needs, but NHS 111 and emergency services remain the safest route for serious or life-threatening health concerns.Stay Well Dorset

🎉 New Year’s Day – Thursday 1 January 2026

On New Year’s Day, more chemists will be operating with festive opening times for those who might need help after the holidays. Selected openings include:Stay Well Dorset

Asda Pharmacy, Weymouth – 10:00–16:00
Boots Pharmacy, Bridport – 10:00–16:00
Peacemarsh Pharmacy, Gillingham – 13:00–15:00

This makes it easier for locals to start the new year with access to necessary prescriptions and pharmacy advice.Stay Well Dorset

💡 Tips for Dorset Residents

Plan ahead: Pharmacies may close early or operate reduced hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Check before you travel: Opening times can vary by location — always check with your local chemist before visiting.
Use NHS 111 for urgent queries: If you cannot find a pharmacy open or your condition is serious, NHS 111 is available for guidance.

By sharing these updated pharmacy opening hours, NHS Dorset aims to ensure residents have access to essential medicines and advice throughout the festive season. For full details or to check specific chemists by location, visit the Stay Well Dorset pharmacy page.