The holiday season is filled with family gatherings and festive meals, which often leads to last-minute shopping sprees. Spanish supermarkets are gearing up for the busiest shopping days and have adjusted their holiday hours accordingly for 2024.
Leading the charge is Mercadona, Spain's most prominent supermarket chain, known for its wide range of quality products. On December 24, or Nochebuena, Mercadona will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing shoppers to grab any last-minute ingredients. Nevertheless, on December 25, the day of Christmas, all Mercadona stores will remain closed, adhering to the company's established policy of not operating on national holidays.
Carrefour stores will open their doors on December 24, with varied hours depending on the type of establishment. Most locations will operate until 8:00 PM, but expect many Carrefour Express and Carrefour Market stores to remain open on the holiday itself. Be sure to check their website for specific hours.
Alcampo has also announced similar holiday hours, opening its stores on December 24 from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM. They will close on both December 25 and January 1, as well as January 6, which is Three Kings Day.
Día supermarkets will have reduced hours on Nochebuena, operating from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on December 24. On Christmas Day, all Día locations will be closed.
Lidl, another major chain, will open on December 24 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM but will close its stores on December 25, January 1, and January 6.
Aldi maintains similar hours, opening on December 24 and 31 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM and will also close during the Christmas holidays.
Special mention goes to El Corte Inglés, which will operate with slightly extended hours on Nochebuena, opening at 10:00 AM and closing at 7:00 PM. They will observe closures on Christmas Day as well.
Sevillians plan to make the most of December 24, and with many flocking to nearby supermarkets for last-minute shopping, it’s important to have updated information about store hours. According to Sevilla Info, stores such as Mercadona, Carrefour, and Día will all open their doors to accommodate holiday shoppers, aligning their hours to those early morning shopping rushes.
Beyond the major supermarket chains, shopping centers will also see heightened activity on December 24, with many stores extending their operational hours. For example, both Los Arcos and Nervión Plaza will likely adjust their hours on Nochebuena to cater to the influx of shoppers. They are expected to remain open until 8:00 PM, though specific hours will vary between individual storefronts.
During the post-holiday shopping lull, shoppers must also keep their eyes on promotional and clearance sales as stores prepare for the New Year. It’s wise for consumers to plan well and check local supermarket websites for specific opening and closing times due to the uncertainty around holiday schedules.
Anticipation builds as the holiday approaches, and for many shoppers, the inability to complete their menus on time can lead to frantic searches at local supermarkets, especially on Christmas Day. Contextual shopping behavior and habits are reflected heavily within families and communities, so being aware of store hours can save significant stress.
For those who may have missed last-minute shopping opportunities on December 25, it’s worth noting the collective closure of most major supermarkets on this day. Many shoppers will be disappointed to find these doors closed but should familiarize themselves with alternative options like local convenience stores or smaller markets which may operate with different holiday schedules.
Looking forward, January marks the tradition of celebrating the Three Kings Day, celebrated on January 6 all throughout Spain. Similar to previous holidays, major supermarket chains will close their doors once again on this day, with several stores still accessible through local shopping centers catering to festive celebrations.
With preparations for the season underway, consumers are advised to evaluate their shopping strategies carefully, fill their carts early, and consult hours of operation. Ensuring timely purchases will lead to fulfilling holiday gatherings where everyone can enjoy the cherished company of friends and family.
