The festive operating schedule for shops ahead of Orthodox Easter, which falls on April 12 this year, is set to begin next week, marking the start of an extended holiday shopping period.
In an official statement, the Athens Commercial Association outlined its proposed opening hours for retail stores during the 2026 Easter season. A similar festive schedule will also come into effect in Thessaloniki starting Thursday, April 2.
According to the proposal, shops in Athens are expected to operate on the following schedule:
• Thursday, April 2: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Friday, April 3: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Saturday, April 4: 9:00am – 4:00pm
• Sunday, April 5: 11:00am – 4:00pm
• Holy Monday, April 6: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Holy Tuesday, April 7: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Holy Wednesday, April 8: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Holy Thursday, April 9: 9:00am – 9:00pm
• Good Friday, April 10: 1:00pm – 7:00pm
• Holy Saturday, April 11: 9:00am – 3:00pm
All retail outlets will remain closed on Easter Sunday, April 12, as well as on Easter Monday, April 13, in observance of the public holidays.
The extended hours aim to accommodate increased consumer demand in the lead-up to one of the most significant holidays in the Orthodox calendar.
