During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many shoppers face the challenge of last-minute grocery trips. Knowing which supermarkets remain open on Christmas Day and the day after (Boxing Day) is key for ensuring all necessary holiday dishes come together without a hitch.
This year, several supermarket chains across Italy will have different hours of operation, with many closing their doors on Christmas Day, December 25, and some extending their hours on December 26.
The Carrefour Express at Porta Castiglione is notable for its Christmas Day schedule, remaining open from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This allows last-minute shoppers to grab essentials needed for their festive meals. Similarly, the Carrefour Express on Via Porrettana will also open on both Christmas and Boxing Day, operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM on December 25 and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on December 26.
On the other hand, supermarkets under the Despar brand will observe complete closure on December 25. Yet, several Despar locations will be available on Boxing Day, with opening hours set from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM for stores located at major hubs like the train station.
For Pam supermarkets, they will exclusively close on Christmas but will open their two locations on Via Marconi from December 26 with limited hours. Meanwhile, Aldi outlets also will be closed on Christmas Day but ready to serve customers with festive hours on Boxing Day. Notably, the Conad supermarket will be closed for Christmas Day, except for its location on Via Indipendenza Tuday, which will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Boxing Day.
A broader view shows Esselunga shuts its doors entirely on both December 25 and 26, only allowing customers on Christmas Eve with reduced hours from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM. This is consistent across many retailers such as Lidl, who traditionally remain closed on Christmas Day. Other chains like Bennet will also be fully closed for both holidays, adding to the shopping frenzy before Christmas.
Noteworthy are the exceptions with some smaller convenience stores, particularly those within tourist-heavy areas or local shops, which may choose to open on Christmas Day for shorter hours, offering potential last-minute options for guests and local residents alike.
For planning purposes, holiday shoppers are advised to check specific times online, as many chains are updating their hours due to anticipated foot traffic changes. It’s also recommended to avoid the crowds by shopping early, as the day before Christmas typically sees extended store hours, allowing customers to stock up before the holiday festivities.
Many shops will shorten their hours on Christmas Eve to let employees celebrate with their families, so don’t expect late-night shopping on December 24. Shopping centers and certain electronics retailers might extend hours slightly to accommodate last-minute shoppers, which can be beneficial during this last stretch before Christmas.
Overall, it’s clear from the varied hours of the supermarket chains across Italy, proper planning goes a long way to easing the stress of holiday shopping. With numerous establishments closed on Christmas Day and selective opening on Boxing Day, staying informed about these operational changes ensures customers can effectively coordinate their shopping trips.
Final advice to holiday shoppers: Be aware of the limited options on December 25, check store hours online for any last-minute updates, and enjoy the festive period.
