On December 24, 2024, known as Christmas Eve, stores across Greece will remain open for the last-minute holiday shopping rush. Both supermarkets and retail shops are set to operate from 9 AM until 6 PM, allowing consumers to secure the final items needed for their festive gatherings.
Shopping centers and major retail outlets, including The Mall Athens, Golden Hall, and other prominent locations, will also have extended hours. These commercial hubs are expected to welcome customers from as early as 10 AM until 7 PM, and some may extend their hours until 9 PM. A careful check with individual stores is advised to confirm specific opening hours before heading out.
The operational hours for various supermarket chains on Christmas Eve are as follows:
- Skalvenitis: 08:00 – 21:00
- AB Vasilopoulos: 08:00 – 21:00
- Market IN: 08:00 – 21:00
- LIDL: 07:45 – 21:00
- Masoutis: 08:00 – 20:00
- Kritikos: 08:00 – 21:00
- MyMarket: 08:00 – 21:00
- Galaxias: 08:00 – 21:00
It's important to note, though, the closures on Christmas Day, December 25, and the day after, which is also a holiday. All stores will be closed, which is why many consumers are rushing to make purchases today to avoid empty tables this Christmas.
The Athens Trade Association has emphasized the need for shoppers to act quickly, anticipating high traffic in the downtown and market areas. They advise people to organize their shopping lists and perhaps opt for less busy times of the day to avoid long lines.
Starting from December 27, stores will re-open with modified hours as people will begin to prepare for New Year celebrations. Here’s how the store hours will play out post-Christmas:
- December 27 (Friday): 09:00 – 21:00
- December 28 (Saturday): 09:00 – 18:00
- December 29 (Sunday): 11:00 – 18:00
- December 30 (Monday): 09:00 – 21:00
- December 31 (Tuesday): 09:00 – 18:00
- January 1 (Wednesday): Closed
- January 2 (Thursday): Closed
With Christmas just around the corner, consumers are reminded to navigate their shopping with care, particularly with concerns around promotions and pricing. The Development Ministry has indicated active monitoring to prevent unfair pricing tactics and misleading discounts.
For those venturing out for some last-minute shopping, controlling one's time and planning the route can help alleviate the stress typically associated with holiday crowds. Digital platforms and apps can assist shoppers, offering real-time updates on stock and availability, especially if you’re eyeing something specific.
The final opportunities to shop before the Christmas holiday come with both excitement and urgency. With stores adapting to meet the holiday needs but also enforcing standard regulations, there remains ample chances for ensuring great holiday experiences.
Shoppers are encouraged to check back with their preferred stores’ websites or customer service for any last-minute changes to operational hours, especially as the different shopping areas may implement slight variations to accommodate peak shopping times.
