What's open and what’s closed in Germany over Christmas this year?

Germany’s Christmas and New Year’s period in 2025 brings special shopping opportunities, especially on Sunday, December 21st – and then also  closed shops on Christmas day and unique closing times on Christmas Eve.

So planning ahead and checking local details, is crucial to enjoy a smooth and festive holiday season.

Who's off work?

This year Christmas Day and Boxing Day fall on a Thursday and Friday and the majority of employees will be off. 

One week later, New Year's Day falls on a Thursday and is also a Feiertag. 

Christmas Eve is not an official holiday - but many employers give their staff a full or half-day off. That is often the case for New Year's Eve, too. 

Keep in mind that many standard businesses, including banks and post offices are also closed on these days.

Of course many people have to work on public holidays, such as medical staff and those in the catering industry. For some employees, a bonus or extra pay for coming in on public holidays will apply, and they will receive a day off at another time. 

READ ALSO: What are the rules on getting time off work in Germany at Christmas?

When will supermarkets be open?

Supermarkets in Germany are generally open six days a week - from Monday to Saturday - and are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Supermarkets will open as normal on Monday and Tuesday, December 22nd and 23rd.

On Christmas Eve, most shops – including supermarkets – close earlier, often by around 2pm or earlier.

That's because Christmas Eve is a key date in the German winter calendar, with loved ones gathering for an evening meal and exchanging gifts.

READ ALSO: Which supermarkets in Germany are open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

You might find exceptions like petrol stations, airport shops and some kiosks, or Spätis in Berlin, but plan your major shopping for the morning at the latest -- or better yet in the days before.

Supermarkets will then stay closed on Thursday and Friday for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, before opening again on Saturday, December 27th. 

Supermarkets will be closed as usual on Sunday December 28th. The following Monday and Tuesday are normal working days, but most shops will close early again on the 31st.

Of course with back-to-back closed days, you can expect crowds at the supermarkets before and after the holidays, especially on Saturday the 27th, for example. To keep your fridge stocked and avoid the worst queues at the market, you'd be advised to do a bigger shopping run a few days earlier.

Special shopping day

One thing to keep in mind is that some supermarkets, and other shops, around the country will be open on December 21st for a special 'Sunday opening' day. These tend to happen a few times a year especially around the holidays. Opening times will vary depending on the region and individual business. 

In Berlin and Brandenburg, for example, shops are permitted to open from 1pm to 8pm and shopping centres like Mall of Berlin, Alexa and the Europacenter have all confirmed they will open until 6pm or 7pm.

READ ALSO: Gift guide - The best Christmas presents to buy in Germany

In other states, including Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hessen, the special Sunday shopping day does not apply.

It’s also worth noting that where shops can open on Sunday, that doesn’t mean they must – so it’s always a good idea to check with city websites or apps like kaufsonntag.de before you head out.

Are restaurants and hotels open?

Many of them will be - including on the public holidays. 

Book in advance if you're planning a Christmas or Silvester (New Year's Eve) meal because they’re certain to be popular. 

Are Christmas markets open?

If you really want to get into the festive spirit, you may want to stroll around a winter market on your days off from work. 

Opening and closing times vary. Some open on Christmas Eve but will shut early like the supermarkets. Many officially close for the season by the 23rd,  but some may pause for Christmas day and then continue on until New Year's Eve or a few days after.

READ ALSO: What you should know before you buy a Christmas tree in Germany

Make sure to search for the opening hours of the market you're planning to visit before making the trek there. 

What about pharmacies and doctors?

Pharmacies and doctors' offices will generally close on the public holidays and shut early on Christmas Eve, and possibly New Year's Eve. 

Make sure to check you have enough medication to last you over the holiday period. 

If you need medical assistance and it is not a life-threatening situation, you can call the non-emergency on-call service number for advice on 116 117.

In a medical emergency, call 112 for help (or 110 for police). 

With reporting by Tom Pugh.