Christmas time is traditionally a season of joyous gatherings, warmth, and—of course—shopping. This year, residents of Northrhine-Westphalia (NRW) may wonder about the business hours of various establishments during the holiday period. Most stores close their doors, but not all. Here's what to expect over the Christmas holidays.
During the Christmas season, most supermarkets and shops remain closed on the first and second Christmas days, December 25 and 26, due to legal regulations. Unlike Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), when many retailers open with shortened hours, Christmas Day and the day after are official public holidays, which means business operations will be significantly restricted.
When it builds up to Christmas Day, shoppers often recognize added opportunities. According to REWE representatives, “Grundsätzlich haben alle REWE To Go- und REWE-Märkte am 1. und 2. Weihnachtstag geöffnet, die in Sonderverkaufszonen von Bahnhöfen und Flughäfen ihren Standort haben” (Basically, all REWE To Go and REWE markets located in special sales zones at train stations and airports are open on the 1st and 2nd Christmas days).
Locations like airports, train stations, or busy streets often fuel extra business hours because customers need convenience for last-minute items or services. Some explicitly mentioned areas include major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin, where shops located near transportation hubs and tourist hotspots maintain their services on these key holiday dates, albeit under limited hours.
On the other hand, some retailers like Lidl and Kaufland have made it clear they will follow different guidelines—essentially closing for the holidays after December 24. Lidl has stated, “Nahezu alle Lidl-Filialen am 24. Dezember um 7 Uhr geöffnet” (Almost all Lidl branches will open on December 24 at 7 AM). Meanwhile, Kaufland firmly noted, “An den beiden Weihnachtsfeiertagen sind unsere Filialen geschlossen. Unsere Filialen haben am 24. Dezember bis 14 Uhr geöffnet” (Our branches are closed on the two Christmas holidays. Our stores are open until 2 PM on December 24).
Moving on to the bakery scene, this festive period brings challenges for those craving fresh baked goods. Bäcker (bakers) are only permitted certain hours of operation on holidays according to NRW’s store opening laws. Specifically, bakeries may open for five hours on the first Christmas Day, December 25, but remain closed on the second day, December 26.
Although December 24 does not count as a holiday, shops including bakeries have to close by 2 PM. Therefore, those hoping for fresh rolls or cakes for Christmas morning must make their plans accordingly, as the rules dictate, “Die Regeln für Heiligabend und die Weihnachtsfeiertage in NRW” (The rules for Christmas Eve and Christmas holidays in NRW).
To optimize the chance of snagging those festive favorites, consumers are encouraged to confirm with their favorite local bakeries about the specific opening hours they will observe for the holiday seasons. It's important to be aware of individual bakery schedules since individual business owners have final say over their holiday openings.
Overall, the anticipation of Christmas can spark delightful moments but may also create logistical challenges for Christmas shoppers. With many closed businesses across the state, those hoping to enjoy fresh baked goods or complete last-minute gifts should prioritize planning to avoid disappointment.
For those without access to the city shops or bakeries, hope might still be found at gas stations. Many of these convenience spots aim to stay open to the public, especially along highways or major urban areas where demand persists. During the holidays, these locations commonly adjust their hours but often remain available when many other options may not.
Shopping during the holidays is not just about buying—it’s about communal celebration and preparing for well-loved traditions. With strategic planning and local inquiries, even those who forgot essentials stand the chance to indulge without hassle. So, as the holiday season knocks at the door, be ready to navigate the holiday retail maze with knowledge and patience.
