With the arrival of Christmas, the race for missing ingredients for dinner or lunch on Dec. 25 is as much a tradition as panettone. If you realize at the last minute that you’re missing sparkling wine or yeast, don’t despair: many chains in Rome will provide service, but with significant time variations.
Supermarkets open for Dec. 24 and 25
While Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) sees almost all supermarkets open (albeit with early closures), the situation is more complex on Christmas Day (Dec. 25). Many signs choose total closure.
Conad: guaranteed opening even at Christmas
The Conad chain has confirmed that many of its stores will remain accessible to support consumers during the urgencies of the holidays.
Several stores plan to accommodate customers. However, reduced hours (such as 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) are likely for Dec. 25. It is advisable to use the locator on the official website to be certain about your neighborhood store.
Esselunga: focus on Christmas Eve
Esselunga is usually very organized for December 24, guaranteeing openings from 8:00 am until late afternoon (often 7:00 or 8:00 pm).
Caution: Historically Esselunga tends to be closed on Christmas Day to allow employees to spend the holiday with family.
Carrefour: the most flexible option
Carrefour stores, especially the “Carrefour Express” downtown like the one on Viminale Street, are often the last to close. On December 24, they may stay open until 9 p.m. For December 25, Carrefour may close. To check if your local supermarket will be open, you will need to call the supermarket’s phone number (you can easily find it on the Carrefour website, in the “stores” section).
Lidl
Regular opening on the 24th is planned, but closing on the 25th is certain. Standard Christmas Eve hours, including late hours, will be maintained for many stores.
💡 Tips for not making mistakes.
To avoid finding the shutter down just when you need that finishing touch for tortellini in brodo:
- Check the App or call the store: the official Conad and Carrefour apps update the hours in real time for each individual address.
- Watch out for promos: many chains keep discounts on typical products active until Dec. 24, a great chance to save on Christmas baskets.