A guide to Christmas week supermarket opening hours for Dunnes, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and SuperValu
(Image: Collins)
It’s less than a week before the big day, and with families across the county gearing up for Christmas, supermarkets have extended their opening hours ahead of a seriously busy few days. While many households will have made their preparations weeks ago, there’ll undoubtedly be a few last-minute trips to the shops – whether it’s due to simply forgetting something or someone getting into the good chocolates before Christmas Eve.
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 2 am.
Opening times vary by location. For example, Dunnes in Bishopstown will stay open until midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and until 2am on Monday and Tuesday. Meanwhile, stores such as Carrigaline 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 8 am to 10 pm hours this weekend, while selected larger outlets will remain open until 1 am on Monday and Tuesday.
On Christmas Eve, stores will open early at 7:00 a.m. but close at 7:00 p.m. 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 10 am to 8 pm. 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 8 am to 11 pm. On Christmas Eve, Aldi will close early at 7 pm.
- Friday, December 19 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Saturday, December 20 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Sunday, December 21 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Monday, December 22 – 8 am to 11 pm
- Tuesday, December 23 – 8 am to 11 pm
- Christmas Eve – 8 am to 7 pm
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 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Saturday, December 20 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Sunday, December 21 – 9 am to 9 pm
- Monday, December 22 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Tuesday, December 23 – 8 am to 10 pm
- Christmas Eve – 8 am to 6 pm
SuperValu
SuperValu stores are independently operated, meaning their opening hours may vary by location during the festive period.
Generally, stores will open from around 7 am to 8 pm on Christmas Eve and reopen on St Stephen’s Day from 10 am, closing early at 6 pm. Customers are encouraged to check their local store’s hours ahead of time here.