With Christmas just around the corner, many people across Brazil are preparing to celebrate the holiday on December 25. This festive time also means changes to business hours and public services, which differ by location. It is important to know what is open and what is closed during this time to plan accordingly and avoid any inconvenience.
Taking Roraima as one example, the state government has confirmed it will maintain key services during the holiday. Essential services will continue to operate normally, including garbage collection, which will stick to its regular schedule on the 25th. Public offices, on the other hand, will shut down on both the 24th and 25th, reopening on December 26. Emergency services like the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) will be available 24/7 to handle urgent medical needs.
Meanwhile, the transport sector has made some adjustments. Throughout the holiday period, buses will run from 6 AM to midnight with 70% of the fleet operational, and taxis will operate normally. The Municipal Environment Secretary reported the Bosque dos Papagaios Ecological Park and Ecopoint services will be closed.
Moving to Poços de Caldas, the Christmas holiday also affects local commerce and public services. On the 25th, all general commerce, including supermarkets and the municipal market, will remain closed. Partage Shopping Poços de Caldas will have restricted hours, operating its food court from 11 AM to 6 PM, but shops will have optional opening times. The municipality urges residents to stay informed to plan their holiday outings effectively.
Campo Grande offers another glimpse of Christmas preparations, where many businesses are also closing on the 25th. The area will see limited activity with only food courts and entertainment areas at shopping centers remaining open, such as at the Norte Sul Plaza, which will operate from 11 AM to 9 PM. On the other hand, most supermarkets and local markets will be entirely closed, aligning with holiday traditions where businesses honor the day.
Significantly, the city has closed recreational areas like the Bioparque Pantanal and Parque das Nações Indígenas, integrating festivities with safety measures. Health services during the holiday will primarily focus on urgent care centers, with hospitals remaining open for emergencies. Local police departments also remain operational, ensuring public safety throughout the holiday period.
The situation is similar across regions, including the Federal District (GDF), where Christmas holiday operations are under review. The GDF is keeping key services open 24 hours, including emergency services from the Civil Police, fire department, and military police. Other services, such as public transport, will adjust, with buses operating under Sunday and holiday schedules. Key administrative services, including the Detran and many courts, will close on Christmas Day.
Emergency departments and urgent care facilities will remain available to the public through the holiday period, particularly for serious health concerns. This information is especially valuable for those who may need to access services on December 25.
With these variations throughout Brazil, it is clear planning around the holiday schedule can significantly ease the stress of holiday activities. Residents are encouraged to check specific timelines for businesses and services to make the most of their Christmas celebrations.
Finally, if planning to partake of recreational spaces or shopping, check the hours beforehand as many establishments will alter their schedules on the holiday, providing limited options for outings. Overall, Brazilians and visitors can enjoy their Christmas with the assurance of knowing what will be open and available on this important day.