Every year, the hustle and bustle around Christmas: the last presents still have to be bought and a few last ingredients are still missing for the festive meal. But what are the actual opening hours over Christmas 2022? FOCUS online has the overview.
Although Christmas Eve is not a public holiday in Germany, in most federal states it is considered a so-called “silent day” starting in the afternoon or evening hours. This effectively means that most shops close at 2pm on Christmas Eve. There are exceptions in larger train stations and at airports. Shops there are allowed to stay open until 5 p.m.
In principle, shops in Germany are allowed to open on Christmas Eve from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, the majority of supermarkets only open at 7 a.m. or even 8 a.m. Because the owners can decide for themselves whether and how long shops are open. Most supermarkets and discounters such as Aldi, Lidl, Kaufland, Penny, Netto or Rewe regulate individually what time they open in the morning.
This can even vary within a city or municipality. It is advisable to inquire at the shops or to look at the information signs in the entrance area. However, most supermarkets have already indicated from when to when they will be open.
Drugstores like Rossmann and DM also have to close at 2 p.m., just like the rest of the stationary retail trade. In some federal states, bakeries are allowed to stay open longer. But the same applies here: Find out from your bakery about the individual opening times on Christmas Eve.
This year the first day of Christmas falls on a Sunday and the second day on a Monday. The shops are traditionally closed on both days. Bakeries are allowed to open on Christmas Day.
Everything is ready, the festive table is already set – but then you notice that the butter or the bottle of wine is missing and all the shops are already closed? You can get missing little things at larger petrol stations, which often also have a basic range of groceries ready. Petrol stations are allowed to open around the clock, but do not have to. Of course, pharmacies have also set up an emergency service around the clock over the Christmas period.
At larger train stations and airports, supermarkets are also open on quiet days and public holidays, so you can stock up on missing groceries. In large cities, especially in Berlin, there are late-night shops, some of which are still open after 2 p.m.
Christmas is coming soon. Shopping is now becoming a challenge for consumers because the branches are getting fuller. If you need a parking space or a shopping trolley, you will have to search longer for it. FOCUS online tells you when is the perfect time to shop stress-free at Aldi Süd, Aldi Nord, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka or Kaufland.
Spring in Breisgau, a monstrous Santa Claus in Portugal and extremely expensive decorations in the United Arab Emirates: Christmas is not contemplative, but with bang and top performance.
