Christmas is just around the corner, and for many people, this time of year is synonymous with festive meals and gathering with family. But for those who inevitably forget to pick up something important for the holiday feast, having access to supermarkets can be a lifesaver. This year, the opening hours for supermarkets across Italy for Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26) present varying options depending on the region and the retailer.
According to several reports, numerous supermarkets are making arrangements to stay open during the Christmas holiday, albeit often with reduced hours.
For the major chain Conad, many stores will open their doors on both the 25th and the 26th of December. For example, customers in Milan will find the Conad store at Via della Pecetta open from 9 AM to 1 PM on Christmas Day and at Piazzale Bologna open both days. The Piazzale Bologna branch will have hours from 8 AM to 12 PM on the 25th and 9 AM to 1:30 PM on the 26th.
Aldi, on the other hand, will be closed on the 25th but will open many stores across Italy from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM on the 26th. Iper and Pam supermarkets will also be open on Boxing Day, with Iper operating from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM and Pam from 8 AM to 7 PM. Lidl has not disclosed uniform hours, indicating variability based on location.
Sadly, not all chains will be open during the holidays. Carrefour stores will remain shut on both Christmas and Boxing Day, following their regular opening hours on Christmas Eve, stated via their official channels.
For those wondering about specific locations, supermarkets vary widely not just from chain to chain but regionally as well. For example, many locations within Lazio, Molise, and Sicily will have their shutters down on these holidays. Yet, cities like Bergamo will have their store on Via Garibaldi open on Christmas Day from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
The situation is not much different for the Livorno area. Here, the main supermarkets such as EKOM and Eurospin will all be closed on December 25, with limited hours on the days leading up to Christmas.
Specifically, Livorno's EKOM locations will operate from 8 AM to 7 PM on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, only opening again on December 26 from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Meanwhile, Eurospin’s locations will also be closed the same days.
Coop stores reflect another trend, as they have chosen not to open on the holidays. Their locations across the board will remain closed on the 25th and 26th of December. There are exceptions, especially for those stores located near airports or tourist areas where limited service may apply.
Are you wondering which supermarkets to visit? Most certainly, with careful planning, you can still stock up on your holiday necessities without too much stress. It's highly recommended to check supermarket chains’ official websites or apps for the most accurate information related to specific locations as the days approach. For example, the Coop store at Grondaie will be closed the entirety of December 25 and 26, firmly backing their policy of holiday closures.
For information-driven shoppers wanting last-minute purchases, locations such as PAM may be open for varying hours on December 26, but be prepared as many shops will only benefit the eager early bird.
The chaotic nature of the last-minute Christmas rush is something every household faces, yet with supermarket chains stepping up to provide service during this festive season, those pesky forgotten items can still be purchased even at the last minute.
It’s not uncommon for families to realize just before the big meal starts at home, it’s the little things they lack. Access to supermarkets during this period ensures every bowl of pasta or ingredient can make its way to the table. The festive spirit carries on, and even with some stores closed, there are still abundant choices for consumers based on where they live.
The takeaway? Make sure to check your specific stores for updated hours closer to Christmas to avoid any unneeded hurdles. With this knowledge and planning, every household can enjoy their holiday celebrations without missing key elements of their cherished holiday gnome party spreads.
Whether it be the main ingredient for the perfect panettone or the festive celebratory confections loved by many across Italy, the promise of finding supermarkets open on these festive days is reassuring — and very much needed!
