The countdown has begun for the launch of the festive shopping timetable across the Greek retail market. Starting tomorrow, Thursday, 11 Dec. 2025, stores in Athens and Piraeus shift into holiday mode with extended opening hours.
The local Commercial Associations have released their recommended schedules for the Christmas and New Year period, noting that these hours remain indicative and optional, allowing each business to adjust according to its own needs. They also remind retailers of the legal framework governing operating hours (Monday–Saturday, 6:00 am –9:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am–8:00 pm), as well as employer obligations for Sunday staffing.
General Overview of Holiday Hours
On weekdays, most shops will operate with extended hours until 9:00 pm, while Saturdays generally follow reduced hours in the afternoon. Sundays during the festive period remain open with specific daytime schedules, and public holidays such as 25–26 Dec. and 1 Jan. are non-working days. On 2 Jan., most stores will remain closed.
Athens Festive Timetable
Beginning Thursday, 11 Dec., Athens retailers adopt the holiday schedule, opening 9:00 am–9:00 pm.
A selection of the daily program includes:
• 11–12 Dec.: 9:00 am–9:00 pm
• Saturday 13 Dec.: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
• Sunday 14 Dec.: 11:00 am–4:00 pm
• 15–19 Dec.: Hours vary between 9:00 am–4:00 pm and 9:00 am–9:00 pm
• Saturday 20 Dec.: 9:00 am–6:00 pm
• Sunday 21 Dec.: 11:00 am–6:00 pm
• 22–23 Dec.: 9:00 am–9:00 pm
• Christmas Eve (24 Dec.): 9:00 am–6:00 pm
• 27–28 Dec.: Saturday 9:00 am–6:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am–6:00 pm
• 29–30 Dec.: 9:00 am–9:00 pm
• New Year’s Eve (31 Dec.): 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Piraeus: Festive Hours Also Begin Tomorrow
Piraeus retailers follow a similar extended-hours schedule, with shops opening tomorrow at 09:00 and staying open until 21:00. The Piraeus Commercial Association’s recommended timetable likewise includes longer weekday hours and open Sundays through the end of the year.
Sunday Work Compensation
Employees working on Sundays must receive a 75% wage premium as required by law. If Sunday work does not exceed five hours, employers are not obliged to offer an additional rest day, but must still pay the corresponding hourly wages with the 75% surcharge.
