Supermarkets in Germany remain open until what hour on Christmas Eve?
In Germany, most supermarkets and stores close early on Christmas Eve (December 24th). This is a common local custom across the country, including major cities like Berlin and Hamburg. The early closure allows employees to prepare for the holiday [2][5].
On Christmas Day (December 25th) and the second Christmas Day (December 26th), almost all shops and supermarkets are closed, with only some exceptions like hotels or certain tourist spots having limited openings [2].
However, some bakeries and special shops in train stations or tourist areas may stay open for limited hours [2][5]. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule during these days [2].
If you need to shop on Christmas Eve, it is recommended to visit well before mid-afternoon. Stores will close earlier than usual.
Sales in bakeries and butchers on Christmas Eve typically run from 7am to a maximum of 2pm. Petrol stations, some small kiosks like Spätis in Berlin, shops in train stations, and airports are usually open longer on Christmas Eve [5].
For example, Edeka Jäger at Stuttgart Airport will be open 24 hours on Christmas Eve, while Edeka Ernst at Munich Central Station will be open from 7am to 11pm, and Edeka Lars Tamme at Hamburg Airport will be open until 10 pm on Christmas Eve [5].
Tegut in the Frankfurt-Flughafen Quartier will be open from 6am to 10pm on Christmas Eve. It's important to note that while shops do open their doors on Christmas Eve, their hours are special [5].
The days leading up to Christmas can be stressful and hectic for many people. As you navigate your shopping on December 23rd, supermarkets are full and shelves are emptying.
Remember to wish the workers at these establishments a Frohes fest or Frohe Weihnachten! on Christmas Eve. Some shops may shut earlier than 2pm on Christmas Eve, so it's best to plan your shopping trip accordingly.
Bakeries and butchers are generally open on Christmas Eve, but with drastically reduced hours. Keep this in mind when making your shopping list for the festive meal.
[1] Many people are still trying to buy presents or ingredients for the festive meal quickly on December 23rd. [2] December 23rd is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. [3] It is recommended to get to a supermarket as early as possible on Christmas Eve to avoid disappointment. [4] Supermarkets are generally closed on public holidays in Germany. [5] Some additional information about store hours on Christmas Eve in Germany.
Shopping for a home-and-garden lifestyle can be challenging on Christmas Eve, as most stores close early, around mid-afternoon. However, shopping for specific items like baked goods or ingredients for the festive meal can be found in bakeries and specialty shops, which may stay open for limited hours.
