Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are two of the most important dates in Spain’s festive calendar, with family lunches and dinners taking centre stage across the country.
If you are planning last-minute food shopping, it is worth checking supermarket opening times in advance, as many chains operate reduced hours or close completely over the holidays.
Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24) is not a national public holiday, but many businesses shorten their opening hours so staff can spend the evening with family.
Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25) is a national public holiday across all of Spain, meaning most shops are closed.
Mercadona
Mercadona follows its usual policy of closing on Sundays and public holidays, so all stores will be closed on December 25.
On December 24, shops will open but close early at 7pm, although customers are advised to check individual store hours via Mercadona’s online store locator.
Lidl
Lidl stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
Branches will open on Christmas Eve, however, but with reduced hours of up until 7pm.
Store-specific times can be checked via Lidl’s website.
Aldi
Aldi will also open on Christmas Eve on reduced hours, with most stores closing at 6.30pm, before closing on Christmas Day.
El Corte Ingles / Supercor / Hipercor
El Corte Ingles and its associated supermarkets will operate on reduced hours on Christmas Eve, closing at 7pm.
They will be closed on Christmas Day.
Carrefour
Carrefour operates a mix of hypermarkets, supermarkets and Carrefour Express stores.
Most branches will open on December 24, but with reduced hours of up until 6pm or 7pm.
Customers should consult the Carrefour store finder for precise details.
Dia
Dia’s standard hours are typically 9am to 9.30pm from Monday to Saturday, but stores will be closed on December 25.
On December 24, however, most stores will be operating on reduced hours up until 6pm, including along the Costa del Sol.
As policies can differ by location, checking the local store’s schedule is strongly recommended.
Alcampo
Alcampo stores usually open from 9am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday. However, they will close on December 25.
Most branches will open on December 24, with shortened hours of until 7pm, which can be checked via Alcampo’s store locator.
With Christmas Day closures widespread, shoppers are advised to plan ahead and check local opening times to avoid last-minute surprises.
