Shopping at Christmas is even possible? You can read here when the supermarkets are open on Christmas Eve.
As wonderful as the Christmas season is, for many it is also the most stressful time of the year. Gifts need to be bought and wrapped and holiday shopping needs to be done. And usually at the last minute. But how long are the supermarkets actually open at Christmas? To save you additional stress, we'll tell you how long you can safely shop on Christmas Eve.
General regulations regarding opening times at Christmas
All last-minute shoppers who are already starting to panic can take a deep breath. If Christmas falls on a working day, shops are allowed until14 o'clockbe open. This is what the shop closing laws provide for in most federal states. Since Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, you can safely buy the last ingredients for the Christmas menu in most markets until 2 p.m.
But this does not apply to all branches. Because some supermarket chains close their doors earlier.
Shopping on Christmas Eve: opening times of supermarkets and discounters
Aldi North:The Aldi Nord branches in Germany are closed on Christmas Eve from7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 2 p.mopen. So you should do your last shopping here in the morning. However, branches that have a special permit can decide their own opening times and therefore often have6 a.m. to 1 p.mopen. It's best to ask at your desired branch to be on the safe side.
Lidl:The discounter Lidl is also open on Christmas Eve1:30 p.mor maximum up to14 o'clockopen. After that, the doors are closed here too.
Rewe & EDEKA:In most branches of the large supermarket chains Rewe and EDEKA you can safely eat until Christmas14 o'clockgo shopping. However, it is better to find out in advance whether your branch is also included. Exceptions apply to some facilities.
An absolute top tip: Shopping in stores located in train stations or airports. Some of these have up to5 p.m. or even lateropen. The Rewe at Cologne/Bonn airport, for example24 hoursopen. Perfect for last minute Christmas shopping.
By the way:If you live near the Dutch border, you can do your final errands here. Because in Holland most shops are open until evening. So if you're looking for a last-minute gift, you'll definitely find it here.
If you really want to postpone your holiday shopping until Christmas Eve, it's best to go to shops in train stations and airports. However, you should try to do your shopping in advance to avoid unnecessary stress on Christmas Eve.
