With Christmas just around the corner, planning shopping trips has never been more important. Those still needing groceries and festive treats must pay attention to the special opening hours of supermarkets. On Christmas Eve, major supermarket chains, such as Rewe, will have limited hours, closing their doors early, and will be entirely closed on Christmas and Boxing Day.
Traditionally, on December 24th, supermarkets like Rewe operate only until the early afternoon. Most branches will close between 1 PM and 2 PM, allowing staff to return home and celebrate the holiday with their families. Hence, it’s wise to avoid last-minute shopping on this day. Both on December 25th and 26th, Rewe stores will remain closed, leaving customers waiting until at least December 27th to replenish their supplies, apart from some notable exceptions.
Certain locations, such as supermarkets situated within train stations or select "Rewe to go" stores, may differ from this norm and remain open on holidays. It’s worth checking beforehand at specific locations or contacting the stores directly for accurate information.
This year’s calendar introduces another interesting factor, as some supermarket branches, including select Edeka stores located in major cities like Berlin, will open on Sunday, December 22nd, for limited hours, typically from 1 PM to 6 PM. Customers should verify if their local Rewe market is among those with special hours by checking the supermarket's website or notices displayed within the stores.
The days leading up to Christmas can be characterized by hustle and bustle, especially December 23rd, which is considered one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Supermarkets are crowded, shelves are scant, and many rush to gather gifts or ingredients for the festive meal. But what happens if shopping isn’t completed by December 23rd? Options are limited, leaving December 24th as the last opportunity.
On Christmas Eve (December 24th), stores are technically allowed to remain open since it is not classified as a public holiday. The various discount supermarkets and chains including Aldi Nord, Aldi Süd, Budni, dm, Edeka, Globus, Hit, Kaufland, Lidl, Müller, Netto Marken-Discount, Netto Supermarkt, Penny, Real, Rewe, Rossmann, Tegut, and Wasgau, have distinct rules governing their operating hours.
While most of these locations will close at 2 PM, many have opted for later opening times this year, typically between 7:30 and 8:00 AM. Previously, many discount stores opened as early as 6:30 AM on Christmas Eve. For wholesalers like Metro, the last entrance through the main doors will be at noon on the 24th. Bakeries and butcher shops usually remain open on Christmas Eve, but their hours are significantly reduced, typically from 7 AM to 2 PM at the latest.
For last-minute shopping, gas stations, small kiosks, and shops within train stations or airports often have extended hours. These places can be perfect for quick purchases or to stock up on travel snacks, though customers should be cautious as stock may be limited later in the evening.
Some notable locations with extended hours include Tegut at Frankfurt Airport (open from 6 AM to 10 PM), Edeka Ernst at Munich Central Station (open from 7 AM to 11 PM), Edeka Jäger at Stuttgart Airport (open 24 hours), and EDEKA Lars Tamme at Hamburg Airport (open until 10 PM).
Looking at the rules for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, both of which are recognized as public holidays, it’s important to note from IHK Munich’s information, all major retailers, including supermarkets and discount stores, will be closed. Exceptions may apply for shops located near airports or train stations, which might maintain regular hours ranging from 7 AM to 10 PM.
On December 24th, 2024, the laws surrounding opening hours will dictate the following: supermarkets must close between 6 AM and 2 PM. While chain stores decide their opening time, it allows for up to eight hours of potential shopping for most supermarkets. Overall, Edeka stores operate independently and can vary their hours under their storefront laws, but they must still adhere to the broader legal requirement of closing at 2 PM.
It’s recommended to contact local supermarkets or visit their websites beforehand to avoid closed doors. With the right planning, shopping this festive season can become less stressful, allowing customers to focus on what truly matters - enjoying time with family and friends.
Customers should also keep track of pharmacy hours, which remain open during the holidays, typically operating all day up until 2 PM, excluding emergency services. Gas stations will likely be operating as usual, but it is prudent to verify individual store hours for accurate planning.