Marvin OnumonuResearch from MoneySuperMarket found one in 15 (around 385,000) small business owners said they will be working on Christmas Day.
A poll of 250 sole traders and small business owners showed four in 10 (42%) felt burnt out by the end of the year.
One in three (33%) said running a business had negatively affected their mental health in 2024.
More than a third (35%) said the period between Christmas and New Year is their main trading time.
Over half (51%) plan to close for the festive break, while one in five (20%) said they feel guilty taking time off.
Over half (51%) said they want to change their work-life habits for 2026.
The most common resolutions were setting stricter working hours (47%) and delegating more tasks to reclaim personal time (46%).
Alicia Hempsted, business insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Small business owners are the backbone of the UK economy, yet many find themselves stretched thin as the festive season approaches.
“It’s positive to see more entrepreneurs focusing on balance in 2026, but the reality is that pressures remain high.
“Having the right support – from setting clear work-life boundaries to making sure you have the right business insurance – can help ease some of the strain and provide peace of mind if the unexpected happens.”
