The opening hours of the festival for shops in Athens start today (12.12.2024), a breath before Christmas, and it is indeed expected to start in Thessaloniki from Saturday (14.12.2024).
According to the festive Christmas hours proposed by the Athens Chamber of Commerce, the shops will be open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
For December 15, December 22 and December 29 the shops will also be open. Optional store opening hours for Sunday are 11:00 to 18:00, and are expected to be closed on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December as well as Wednesday 1 January and Thursday 2 January.
In more detail, the opening hours of the shops in Athens for festivals are as follows:
Thursday 12 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Friday 13 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Saturday 14 December 2024 9:00 – 18:00
Sunday 15 December 11:00 – 18:00
Monday 16 december 9:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 17 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 18 december 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Thursday 19 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Friday 20 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Saturday 21 December 2024 9:00 – 18:00
Sunday 22 December 2024 11:00 – 18:00
Monday 23 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 24 December 2024 9:00 – 18:00 (Christmas Eve)
Wednesday 25 December 2024 Closed (Holidays)
Thursday 26 December 2024 Closed (Holidays)
Friday 27 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Saturday 28 December 2024 9:00 – 18:00
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:00 – 18:00
Monday 30 December 2024 9:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 31 December 2024 9:00 – 18:00 (New Year’s Eve)
Wednesday January 1, 2025 Closed (Holidays)
Thursday, January 2, 2025 Closed
From Friday, January 03, 2025, the opening hours of the shops belonging to the scope of the local Chambers of Commerce of Lekanopedi Attica will resume.
Hours of Thessaloniki Festival Christmas
The opening hours of the shops starting on Saturday (14.12.2024) are different from the hours in Athens, because during the week the shops will open at 10 am and close at 9 pm, and on saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
As announced by the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and based on current legislation,the optional operation of shops is allowed,with recommended hours from 11:00 to 18:00,for Sunday 15,22 & 29 December 2024.
Festive hours:
Saturday 14 December 2024 10:00 – 18:00
sunday 15 December 11:00 – 18:00
Monday 16 December 10:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 17 december 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Wednesday 18 December 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Thursday 19 December 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Friday 20 December 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday 21 December 2024 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday 22 December 2024 11:00 – 18:00
Monday 23 December 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 24 December 2024 10:00 – 18:00 (Christmas Eve)
Wednesday 25 December 2024 Closed (Holidays)
Thursday 26 December 2024 Closed (Holidays)
Friday 27 December 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday 28 December 2024 10:00 – 18:00
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:00 – 18:00
Monday 30 December 2024 10:00 – 21:00
Tuesday 31 december 2024 10:00 – 18:00 (New Year’s Eve)
Wednesday January 1, 2025 Closed (Holidays)
Thursday, January 2, 2025 Closed
How do shopping festivals contribute to the local economy and community spirit?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Festival Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Eleni Kourouklis, a cultural events expert and a longtime observer of the Athens shopping festival. Dr. Kourouklis, welcome!
Dr. Eleni Kourouklis: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Today is an exciting day, as the festival officially kicks off. Can you tell us a bit about the significance of this event for Athens?
Dr. Kourouklis: Absolutely! The shopping festival in Athens not only marks the start of the holiday shopping season but is also pivotal for local businesses. It attracts both locals and tourists, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the streets of our stunning city.
Editor: That’s fascinating. It really must boost the local economy. What unique activities or promotions should shoppers look out for this year?
Dr. Kourouklis: This year, many shops are offering extended operating hours and special discounts to lure in customers. Additionally, there are cultural events lined up, including art exhibitions and performances that highlight the festive spirit of Athens. It’s a wonderful way to encourage people to shop local while also experiencing the city’s rich culture.
Editor: How do you think shopping festivals like this one impact the community, especially before a holiday as significant as Christmas?
Dr. Kourouklis: The festival fosters a sense of community, encouraging people to come together, socialize, and celebrate in the lead-up to Christmas. It also instills a sense of pride in local merchants and craftspeople.Plus, it can reignite the festive spirit that is sometimes lost in our busy lives.
Editor: That’s an important point. What advice would you give to shoppers looking to make the most of this experience?
Dr. Kourouklis: I’d suggest planning ahead! Check out the stores participating in the festival and thier offerings.Also, take the time to explore some of the lesser-known shops, as you might find unique gifts that truly capture the essence of athens. Lastly, immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere—grab a coffee at a local café, and enjoy the decorations and live performances!
Editor: Great tips! Before we wrap up, how do you see the future of shopping festivals in Athens? Are there any potential changes on the horizon?
Dr. Kourouklis: The trend is leaning towards a more integrated experience—combining online and offline shopping.We might see augmented reality experiences or app-based promotions that enhance the shopping journey. Sustainability will also play a bigger role, where local, eco-friendly products are highlighted. The future looks bright!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kourouklis, for sharing your insights with us today. I’m sure our readers will enjoy the festival and appreciate your expert advice!
Dr. Kourouklis: Thank you for having me! Enjoy the festivities, everyone!
editor: And to our viewers, happy shopping and happy holidays!
