As Easter approaches, many shoppers in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) are gearing up for the holiday weekend, which begins with Good Friday on April 18, 2025. This year, the public holiday will be followed by Holy Saturday, culminating in the festive celebrations of Easter Sunday and Easter Monday on April 20 and 21, respectively. With many supermarkets and discount chains like Aldi typically closed during these holidays, planning ahead is essential for those looking to enjoy a festive breakfast or dinner with loved ones.
For those who may forget to stock up before the holiday, there is some good news. An Aldi Nord branch located at Willy-Brandt-Platz, right by Essen Hauptbahnhof (the main train station), will remain open throughout the Easter holiday. This particular store will operate on the same schedule as Sundays, welcoming customers from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. On Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, the store will follow its regular hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
It’s not uncommon for shoppers to overlook the fact that many supermarkets will be closed during the Easter holiday, leading to last-minute scrambles for essential items like milk, bread, and eggs. To avoid the rush, Aldi has recommended that customers do their shopping early, ideally spreading their purchases throughout the week leading up to Easter. "To avoid large crowds just before the holidays, we recommend that our customers complete their shopping as early as possible and spread it out over the week before Easter," Aldi advised. Mornings on weekdays or early evenings are typically less busy, making them ideal times for shopping.
While the Aldi branch in Essen is a convenient option, it’s important to remember that most other supermarkets will adhere to stricter holiday hours. On Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025, all major supermarkets, including Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, and Edeka, will operate normally. However, on Good Friday, all regular supermarkets will close their doors in observance of the public holiday.
Holy Saturday, designated as a normal working day, will see all supermarkets open for business as usual. But shoppers should be aware that both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday will see regular supermarkets closed, leaving many without access to groceries during these days.
For those in need of last-minute items during the holiday, there are alternatives. Shops located near larger train stations, ferry ports, or airports are often granted special permissions to remain open during public holidays. Additionally, some tourist areas may have stores with extended hours, allowing residents and visitors alike to purchase essentials. Kiosks and late-night shops, known as Spätis, may also operate during the Easter holidays in certain federal states, providing additional options for shoppers.
Gas stations equipped with food departments frequently remain open during the holidays as well, offering a convenient stop for those in need of supplies. However, it's advisable to check local regulations and store policies, as opening hours can vary significantly from one location to another.
Bakeries are subject to different regulations. Under the Ladenschlussgesetz (German shop closing law), bakeries and confectioneries are typically allowed to operate on Sundays and public holidays, except for Easter Sunday, the second day of Christmas, and Whit Monday. In Bavaria, bakeries can only open for a maximum of three hours on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, while in North Rhine-Westphalia, they may operate for up to five hours on those days. However, bakeries in both Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia will be closed on Easter Monday. In Hesse, all bakeries must remain closed on all three holidays: Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.
As the holiday weekend approaches, consumers are reminded to plan their shopping carefully to avoid the disappointment of closed stores. With Easter falling on a busy weekend, it’s crucial to ensure that homes are stocked with all the necessary items for festive meals and gatherings.
For those who plan to travel during the holiday, many Germans are taking advantage of the long weekend to escape for a vacation. Camping has emerged as a popular choice, particularly in scenic locations throughout Europe. With many families looking to save money, camping offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional holiday accommodations.
In summary, while Easter brings a time of celebration and togetherness, it also requires a bit of foresight when it comes to shopping. Whether it’s a last-minute trip to the Aldi near Essen Hauptbahnhof or planning ahead for the closure of regular supermarkets, being prepared is key to enjoying the holiday without unnecessary stress.
