Overview
- December 31 is not a public holiday, but several states require shops to close by 2 p.m., including Bremen, Hesse, Lower Saxony and Thuringia.
- Major chains shorten hours nationwide, with many Rewe, Aldi, Lidl and Edeka markets closing between about 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Aldi Süd indicates some branches stay open until 5 p.m., while Kaufland lists select locations operating up to 6 p.m.; Netto closures range roughly from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. depending on location.
- Retailers post branch-specific hours on their websites and at store entrances, so customers are urged to check local listings before heading out.
- New Year’s Day is a public holiday with most shops closed, though outlets at larger train stations, airports and service stations may open, including a Lidl inside Essen’s main station that closes at 4 p.m. on December 31 and opens 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on January 1.