The Christmas tree is decorated, the last presents have been bought and the family are on their way, but something is still missing? If you’ve changed your plans at the last minute or forgotten something important for the festive season in Berlin, don’t worry. The supermarkets are still open on Christmas Eve. But to make sure you have a relaxed Christmas, it’s important to take a look at the changed opening hours.
As December 24th is a Wednesday this year, the usual supermarkets will be open, but will close much earlier than usual. Here’s your guide for the final shopping run.
The opening hours of the major chains
Most retailers close at similar times to allow staff to finish work on time with their families. By law, Christmas Eve in Germany ends at 2 p.m. at the latest. This applies to the major chains such as Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, Penny and Kaufland. Some Rewe stores even let you in from 6 a.m. to ease the crowds.
But beware: many Edeka and Rewe stores are privately run, which is why the owners can set their own hours. To be on the safe side, it’s best to check the notice board at your local store!
Emergency plan: You can still get something here after 2 pm
If the clock strikes 2 p.m. and the fridge is still empty, the only places in Berlin that can save you are long-distance train stations, petrol stations or your trusty Späti. Train stations have special regulations for travel supplies, which means that stores there are often allowed to sell into the evening. Your best places to go in the afternoon are Hauptbahnhof, Bahnhof Zoo, Südkreuz or Ostbahnhof. Be prepared, however, for the shelves to be pretty plundered late on Christmas Eve.
The Berlin options for late-night hunger are therefore available: At Ullrich am Zoo or at Edeka in the main station as well as at Südkreuz, you can still get the essentials for the holidays in the afternoon. If you need diapers or deodorant, the dm stores in the major train stations are also open longer.
So you don’t end up in chaos: Avoid the peak times between 10 am and 12 noon, as this is when the maximum hustle and bustle takes place. It’s best to get out of bed early and be in the store by 7am. Once your shopping is safely stowed away, you can sit back and relax. We wish you a wonderful holiday and bon appétit!