Icon
Come back

2 min

19 Dec. 2023

25038

New Year holidays in Europe: how stores work in EU countries in December

Events
Popular

Table of contents

Share:

New Year holidays in Europe: how stores work in EU countries in December

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

Order Visit Ukraine branded merchandise and support Ukraine (24% discount until the end of December)
Order Visit Ukraine branded merchandise and support Ukraine (24% discount until the end of December)
BUY


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. 




Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok




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 🎁

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.




We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - safe travel in Ukraine (insurance covering military risks);

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours - the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels - book hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch - choose patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

Cooperation - cooperation and advertising integrations with Visit Ukraine and Visit World projects.




© 2018-2023, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Recommended articles

2 min

Events Insurance, tours around Ukraine and merch: New Year's discounts on Visit Ukraine portal

Insurance, tours around Ukraine and merch: New Year's discounts on Visit Ukraine portal

VU announces the start of a New Year's marathon with 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 free fuel for your car

18 Dec. 2023

More details

2 min

For refugees One-way road: Norway imposes strict restrictions on Ukrainians

One-way road: Norway imposes strict restrictions on Ukrainians

The Norwegian government has introduced new restrictions that affect the ability of Ukrainian refugees to travel home freely. Find out in more detail in which cases it will be possible to travel to Ukraine without consequences

18 Dec. 2023

More details

2 min

Travel Where to go in winter: the most popular locations for winter holidays in Ukraine

Where to go in winter: the most popular locations for winter holidays in Ukraine

Christmas and New Year's holidays have a special atmosphere and there are many places in Ukraine where special traditions have been preserved, which means that the winter period feels different here. Learn more about the most popular locations to visit in winter

09 Dec. 2024

More details

1 min

Culture Eurovision 2024: how to vote for the finalist of the National Selection

Eurovision 2024: how to vote for the finalist of the National Selection

Preparations for the long-awaited Eurovision Song Contest 2024 are already underway. Ukrainians can influence the choice of the last finalist who will represent Ukraine on the international stage. Find out more about this year's participants and how to cast your vote

19 Dec. 2023

More details