Supermarkets at Christmas time

[Gumba]

A practical questions for our forum friends who do or have lived in Spain...

What time do the supermarkets close on Christmas Eve? Will most likely be around Logrono, Najerra or Santo Domenigo de la Calzada

Thanks

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I was in Spain one Christmas, admittedly on Majorca, and was amazed to see supermarkets and restaurants open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself - it may be different in the north.

 

[t2andreo]

Were I you, I would presume that most all stores and shops will close about 14:00 (2:00 pm) on Christmas Eve - the time they would normally close for siesta. Assume they will be closed all day on Christmas.

For reference, presume this pattern for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day as well.

FYI, the Pilgrim Office is closed ONLY two days each year. These days are Christmas Day and New Years Day. Please plan accordingly.

IMHO, it is better to presume the most extreme case, as above, and not get caught without needed supplies. If I am wrong, nothing is lost.

I will defer to my friends living at Santiago, or elsewhere in Spain for input.

Hope this helps.

 

[dougfitz]

You might try using Google Maps to find this answer. I did a quick check on the Eroski in Najera. It claims to be open 0900 to 2130 except Xmas Eve and New Years Eve, when it will close at 1900.

 

[Gumba]

Thanks lads, appreciate the responses. dougfitz, I had tried googling but didnt think of google maps and the specific times for Christmas Eve. Is Eroski on the Camino path or do I need to divert? I will look it up, but thought you might know off the top of your head.

To be sure, I will pack some dried pasta and some lightweight food just in case, but it would be nice to be able to cook up a nice meal for Christmas day (a rest day)

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Thanks lads, appreciate the responses. dougfitz, I had tried googling but didnt think of google maps and the specific times for Christmas Eve. Is Eroski on the Camino path or do I need to divert? I will look it up, but thought you might know off the top of your head.

To be sure, I will pack some dried pasta and some lightweight food just in case, but it would be nice to be able to cook up a nice meal for Christmas day (a rest day)

As many have stated elsewhere have a look at the maps.me app for your smart phone or tablet. You only need to download the sections of the Spanish map that cover your Camino; you can work off line so won't need WiFi or to use up your allowance; you can search for banks, restaurants, food stores etc. in your vicinity.



(Blue line = CF coming into Najera, yellow leaving)

There's Eroski, just before the Convent of St Elena but beware, it's not the most obvious of supermarkets!

 

[Gumba]

Thanks Jeff, that was really helpful and helpful to know it is not obvious!

 

[Betterisgood]

Hello,
I live in A Coruña and here stores close around 8pm on the 24th and 31st of December and will reopen on the 26th, I imagine this is the case in the larger cities, smaller towns could close at 2. Most stores will have their holiday hours posted. Also note that many many restaurants are not open for cena (dinner) the 24th or 31st., or comida (lunch) on the 25th or 1st. This is something we learned the hard way 26 years ago after planing our anniversary dinner out, nothing was open.....now we always go out for lunch on new years eve. Also the 6th and 8th of December are holidays as well, stores may be closed but restaurants are usually open. This is life in A Coruña and things could certainly be different in other provinces, I hope this helps.
Buen Camino,
MaryEllen

 

[MariaSP]

Hi!
I live in Galicia and my experience is pretty much the same as @Betterisgood's.

December 24th
Supermarkets and other shops: they will open after lunch but close earlier than usual, between 7.00 and 8.00pm. Any changes in regular hours will be displayed days in advance, so remember to check.
Restaurants: Christmas' Eve dinner is traditionally a family thing. Things are slowly changing, but you should be prepared to find all (or most) restaurants closed for dinner. Same applies to Christmas lunch.

December 25th - expect to find everything or almost everything closed.

December 31st / January 1st - similar situation to December 24th. The only difference is that it is more common for people to dine out on this day so you have a better chance of finding open restaurants. On the other hand, many restaurants/hotels offer special New year's Eve packages, so you might not find a place if you don't have a reservation. Then, people go partying all night, so you'll find open cafés early morning on January 1st, full of people having chocolate con churros before going to bed. After that, it's mostly a dead day, with shops closed.

January 6th - this is another national holiday, so shops will be closed. Restaurants are probably open.