Supermarket opening hours on Christmas Eve in Germany: When do they close?
In Germany, Christmas Eve (December 24th) is a special day marked by family gatherings and a half-holiday status for many retail workers. As a result, shops and services, including supermarkets and convenience stores, typically have reduced or shorter opening hours. However, opening times can vary by region and store type.
Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
Most supermarkets in Germany will close early on Christmas Eve, around 2 PM to 3 PM. Smaller convenience stores or gas station shops may remain open longer but still generally close earlier than on normal days. It's essential to note that Christmas Eve is governed by strict Sunday and holiday trading laws, meaning very limited opening hours are allowed.
Major Stores
Larger stores, such as department stores and shopping malls, often close after the early afternoon. For specific opening hours, it is best to check individual stores or local regulations around Christmas, as public holidays can influence hours differently in each federal state in Germany.
Specific Store Examples
- Edeka Jäger at Stuttgart Airport will be open 24 hours on Christmas Eve.
- Edeka Ernst at Munich Central Station will be open from 7am to 11pm on Christmas Eve.
- Most shops will open their doors between 7.30am and 8am on Christmas Eve.
Exceptions and Extended Hours
Some stores, such as Tegut in Frankfurt-Flughafen Quartier, will be open from 6am to 10pm on Christmas Eve. It's recommended to get to a supermarket as early as possible on December 24th to avoid disappointment, especially since many shops will not be opening early this year, as has been customary in the past.
Specialty Shops
Bakeries and butchers are generally open on Christmas Eve, with reduced hours, often from 7am to 2pm. Some may close as early as 12noon or even earlier if orders have been collected or goods are sold out. Petrol stations, some small kiosks, shops in train stations, and airports remain open later on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve in Germany
December 24th is the main festive celebration day in Germany, but it's not an official public holiday. In previous years, discounters in particular opened their shops at 6.30am on Christmas Eve. However, this year, many shops will not be opening early.
For more information on where to buy groceries on a Sunday in Berlin, please refer to a separate article. Keep in mind that this information is relevant to the topic and included for context.
As always, it's essential to check the specific opening hours of your local stores closer to the date to ensure you have the most accurate information. Enjoy your Christmas Eve shopping, and remember to wish the workers a Frohes fest or Frohe Weihnachten! on Christmas Eve.
- Lifestyle-related stores, such as bakeries and butchers, will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, typically open from early morning until mid-afternoon, with some closing earlier if orders are collected or goods are sold out.
- When it comes to food and drink, it's essential to plan your shopping trip for Christmas Eve early, as most supermarkets and convenience stores close by the early afternoon, while home-and-garden stores, like department stores and shopping malls, usually shut down after the early afternoon.
