With the holiday season just around the corner, many Spaniards are preparing for Christmas festivities, which traditionally involve increased visits to supermarkets for last-minute shopping. This year, major supermarket chains are adjusting their hours to accommodate customers and families during the celebrations.
Mercadona, one of Spain's largest supermarket chains, will open on December 24, or Nochebuena, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and will not operate at all on Christmas Day, December 25. This aligns with the company’s policy of keeping stores closed during national holidays. On New Year’s Eve, December 31, stores will again follow the same hours as December 24, ensuring shoppers have access to necessary items for their festive dinners.
All Mercadona locations will close entirely on December 25 and January 1, which is consistent with its traditional holiday schedule. It is worth noting, as Mercadona has advised, specific hours may vary by location, encouraging customers to verify their nearest store's hours through the official website.
Other supermarket chains are also adjusting their hours for the holidays. Carrefour will have variable hours; some locations may be open on December 25, depending on their specific operational policies. Customers should check the store finder on Carrefour’s website for detailed information.
Lidl plans to have reduced hours similar to Mercadona, opening from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both Nochebuena and Nochevieja, with closures on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Aldi and Dia will also operate with altered hours. Aldi will be open on December 24 but closes on Christmas Day, and will have reduced hours on December 31. Dia has similarly reduced hours on December 24 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Customers are encouraged to plan their holiday shopping early to avoid the rush. With supermarkets experiencing high foot traffic during this time, early preparations can not only help to mitigate the chaos but also guarantee stock on popular items clients wish to purchase for holiday dinners.
This seasonal shift also reflects the balance supermarket chains strive to strike between providing service to their customers and allowing their employees to enjoy time with family during this festive period. This year, as always, the pressures of last-minute shopping are briefly alleviated through these modified hours, giving consumers the time needed for their seasonal preparations.
With the holiday spirit driving customers to stores, it’s imperative to stay informed about local hours of operation. That way, no one is caught off guard, and families can celebrate together without the hassle of needing to race out for forgotten ingredients at the last minute.
Bringing together shopping and family traditions is at the heart of Christmas, and with these adjusted hours, Spanish supermarket chains like Mercadona, Lidl, and others are doing their part to keep the celebrations smooth and fulfilling. Make sure to check your local store’s schedule and plan accordingly!
