Shopping in Greece This December? Stores Open Sunday, December 28
As Greece heads toward the end of the year, the country embraces the holiday season, while the retail sector enters one of its most active winter periods. As part of the seasonal shopping schedule, stores and supermarkets across Greece will be open on Sunday, December 28, offering shoppers one last relaxed opportunity to complete their purchases before New Year’s celebrations begin.
Opening retail outlets on the final Sunday of the year is designed to boost commercial activity and to make holiday shopping easier for both locals and visitors spending this time in Greek cities and tourist areas.
Suggested store hours
Based on recommendations from retail organizations, shops are expected to operate during the following hours:
Sunday, December 28
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
These hours serve as general guidance rather than fixed rules, allowing individual businesses to adjust their schedules depending on customer traffic and regional needs. This flexibility is especially common in large metropolitan areas, including Athens, where holiday shopping demand remains consistently strong.
Grocery stores will also be open on that day, although closing times may differ slightly depending on the chain and location.
Store closures after New Year’s
Following the New Year holiday, retail operations will pause:
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January 1 (New Year’s Day) - all stores closed due to the public holiday
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January 2 - most businesses closed for annual inventory counts
Keeping stores open on the last Sunday of December plays a key role in Greece’s winter tourism experience. For travelers visiting during the holiday period, it offers the opportunity to combine sightseeing with shopping in a more relaxed setting, without the crowds typically seen on regular weekdays.
