A guide to Christmas week supermarket opening hours for Dunnes, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and SuperValu as extended late night shopping returns.
Stock image of a woman shopping in a Tesco supermarket in January 2022(Image: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Supermarkets across Ireland are expected to be buzzing this weekend as shoppers stock up ahead of Christmas.
With the big day now less than a week away, even the most organised households are likely to need a last minute trip to pick up forgotten items or festive treats.
However, shoppers are being reminded not to leave it too late, as many supermarkets have adjusted their opening hours for Christmas week.
While some stores are extending late night opening in the run up to December 25, most will close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve and shut completely on Christmas Day. Several retailers will also remain closed on St Stephen’s Day.
Here’s everything you need to know about supermarket opening hours over the Christmas period.
Dunnes
Dunnes Stores is a favourite for festive food shopping and is extending hours at many locations during Christmas week, with some stores opening as late as 2am.
Opening times vary by location. For example, Dunnes in Blanchardstown will stay open until midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and until 2am on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, stores such as Gorey will operate until 10pm over the weekend and midnight on Monday and Tuesday.
Most Dunnes Stores will close at 6pm on Christmas Eve, with all branches nationwide closed on both Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. Shoppers are advised to check local opening times in advance here.
Tesco
Tesco is also extending hours in the lead up to Christmas. Most stores will operate their usual 8am to 10pm hours this weekend, while selected larger outlets will remain open until 1am on Monday and Tuesday.
On Christmas Eve, stores will open early at 7am but close at 7pm. All Tesco locations will be closed on Christmas Day. Some stores will remain shut on St Stephen’s Day, while others will reopen on December 26 from 10am to 8pm. Find your local store’s opening hours here.
Aldi
Aldi stores nationwide will be closed on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day.
In the run up to Christmas, opening hours will be extended on Monday and Tuesday, with stores trading from 8am to 11pm. On Christmas Eve, Aldi will close early at 7pm.
Friday, December 19 – 8am to 10pm
Saturday, December 20 – 8am to 10pm
Sunday, December 21 – 8am to 10pm
Monday, December 22 – 8am to 11pm
Tuesday, December 23 – 8am to 11pm
Christmas Eve – 8am to 7pm
Aldi has noted that a small number of stores may have different hours, so customers should check their local branch here.
Lidl
Lidl will largely stick to its usual opening hours in the days before Christmas but will close earlier on Christmas Eve. All Lidl stores will be closed nationwide on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day.
Friday, December 19 – 8am to 10pm
Saturday, December 20 – 8am to 10pm
Sunday, December 21 – 9am to 9pm
Monday, December 22 – 8am to 10pm
Tuesday, December 23 – 8am to 10pm
Christmas Eve – 8am to 6pm
SuperValu
SuperValu stores are independently operated, meaning opening hours will vary by location over the festive period.
Generally, stores will open from around 7am to 8pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on St Stephen’s Day from 10am, closing early at 6pm. Customers are encouraged to check their local store’s hours ahead of time here.
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