It is not uncommon for the last-minute shopping rush to last until December 24th and Christmas Day itself, so it is a good idea to check the opening hours of supermarkets, which can vary significantly during the festive period. The updated timetables can be consulted on the official websites of the supermarket chains, keeping in mind, however, that in some cases the opening hours may vary at the individual point of sale.
It must also be considered that the USB (basic trade union union) has proclaimed a strike in the trade sector for the days of 24 and 31 December 2024. The abstention from work was called to protest against salaries deemed inadequate for the cost of living and the “failure to recognize holiday rest”. The protest should concern the last hours of the work shift, but, as the union explained, the structure of the strike may have different modalities at a territorial level. Below are the opening hours of the main reference chains, keeping in mind the possibility of variations for individual points of sale.
Supermarkets open at Christmas, the opening hours of the main chains
Coop supermarkets will remain open only on December 24th with reduced hours, generally from 8:00 to 19:00. For December 25th and 25th most shops will be closed. An exception may be made to some sales outlets in tourist areas or hubs such as railway stations. Similar situation for Esselunga, which will keep its shops closed for both December 25th and Boxing Day. For December 24th the announced time is from 7.30am to 8.00pm.
Pam stores will also be closed on December 25; for Christmas Eve the indicated time is 8:00-20:00. Opening scheduled, but slightly reduced, for December 26th, from 8:00 to 19:00. As regards hypermarkets, they are scheduled to open on December 24th with reduced hours, from 8am to 8pm. They will remain closed on December 25th, while on December 26th they will resume their usual opening hours, from 7.30am to 9.30pm.
Aldi stores will be operational throughout December 24th with regular hours, while they will remain closed on December 25th. Reduced public holiday hours are expected for Boxing Day, generally from 8.30am to 8.30pm, always with the possibility of variations at local level.
Lidl will also be closed on December 25th, while reduced hours are scheduled for the 24th. On Santo Stefano the opening may vary depending on the location, so it is best to consult the official website or inquire directly at the point of sale. Similar policy for Carrefour, which may vary the provisions even more depending on the location. Generally, on December 24th it will be possible to find shops open with regular or slightly reduced hours, while on December 25th and 26th many stores will remain closed.
