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Are shops open on Christmas Eve in Denmark?

A full closing day under the law.

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Short answer

Christmas Eve (24 December) is a closing day under the Danish shop closing act, just like Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Shops covered by the act may not sell to customers at all that day, with no opening window in the morning. The exceptions are the same as on public holidays: bakeries, small grocery shops below the turnover limit, shops in airports and station buildings, and a few other types. In practice this means three closing days in a row from 24 to 26 December.

Practical info

Why

  1. Christmas Eve is named as a closing day in the law.
  2. The ban covers the whole day, not only the evening.
  3. Exempt shops may still open.

Details

The staffed luggage centre at Copenhagen Central Station is open 08.00–16.00 on 24 December 2026.

Tip

Buy food for 24–26 December by 23 December at the latest.

What may differ

Exempt shops set their own Christmas Eve hours, so check each shop.

Common misconception

Many think shops are open until the afternoon on Christmas Eve, as on New Year's Eve.

What actually happens

The 15.00 rule applies only to New Year's Eve; Christmas Eve is a full closing day.

People also ask

  • Are supermarkets open on 24 December in Denmark?
  • Are shops open on Boxing Day in Denmark?
  • Can I buy bread on Christmas Eve in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Opening hours, prices and services change, so check the official sources before you go.

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