Winter and winter holidays are always associated with spending time with family. In Europe, Christmas and New Year are among the main holidays that citizens spend at home. Therefore, most retail outlets are not open on these days. Find out what days are on holidays in stores and supermarkets in Europe this winter season

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December is a time of magic, when streets are decorated with twinkling lights, store windows are filled with festive decorations, and a holiday atmosphere is in the air. New Year holidays in Europe are characterized by their unique atmosphere and traditions. However, tourists may encounter some tricky nuances when traveling to the EU in December, as many countries restrict the operation of retail outlets during the holidays.

Many EU countries have strict bans on the operation of stores on certain holidays, such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. These bans are intended to allow employees to enjoy the holidays and spend time with their families.

Poland

As you know, in Poland, since 2018, trading has been banned on certain Sundays, public and religious holidays.

As for the New Year's season, that year the authorities moved the shopping Sunday from December 24 to December 10. Thus, stores and supermarkets in Poland will be closed for Christmas from December 24 to 26.

In addition, retail outlets will be closed on January 1 - New Year's Eve and January 6 - Epiphany.

It is important to note that there are fines for violating these rules in Poland. However, there are exceptions - pharmacies, veterinary clinics, post offices, souvenir stores, fish markets, retail outlets in hotels, airports, festivals and fairs are allowed to work on Sunday. 

Austria

In this country, trade is also not practiced on holidays. Sunday in Austria is traditionally considered a weekend, and on Saturday stores work on a reduced schedule.

As for the New Year holidays, stores and supermarkets in this country are closed on the following days:

• December 24 - Christmas Eve (falls on Sunday);

• December 25 - Christmas Day;

• January 1 - New Year's Day;

• January 6 - Holy Three Kings.

Stores and most restaurants are closed on Christmas Day.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, like other EU countries, adheres to the rule of no working days in the shopping area on Christmas and New Year's Day.

For the Christmas holidays all stores and supermarkets will be closed until Tuesday, December 26.

In the Czech Republic, the working hours for the holidays are regulated by law. During the holidays, stores with an area of more than 200 square meters must be closed. An exception is made only for pharmacies, gas stations, stores in hospitals, airports and train stations.

At the same time, on December 31 - Silvestre - by law, stores must be closed, but each store sets the work schedule individually. 

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Germany

In Germany, the Christmas weekend will last three days, from December 24 to 26, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day.

Other upcoming non-working holidays in Germany include Silvester on December 31 and New Year's Day on January 1.

Also another important holiday is January 6 - the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany). This is an official holiday in some federal states such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony-Anhalt, where stores will also be closed.

However, retail outlets may operate in train stations, airports or be owned by owners of another religion, such as Turkish cafes or stores.

United Kingdom

Although the country is no longer part of the European Union, Britain still has set New Year's Day weekends.

For example, in 2023, Britons will have Christmas Day off on December 25 and 26, as well as January 1.

It is worth noting that the time before New Year's Eve is the most popular among tourists in Europe and the flow of travelers increases many times. However, despite this, the holidays in these countries are held in a special atmosphere.

If you want to go on New Year holidays abroad, do not forget about the insurance policy, which you will definitely need in case of unforeseen situations. Insurance will save you money if you fall ill or encounter other problems in another country. 

You can quickly and easily apply for an insurance policy on our website at this link.

Also, travelers who want to go abroad by car should remember about the Green Card. This document is mandatory for traveling in the EU and other countries. The Green Card can be purchased here.

We remind you! Visit Ukraine has launched a New Year's marathon of discounts on products and special gifts. Find out more about how to buy insurance, tours and clothing with accessories at a bargain price, as well as get fuel for your car as a gift! Click here 🎁

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