Last updated: 31.12.2023, 05:23 a.m.
By: Bjarne Kommnick
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As a rule, shops are still open on New Year's Eve. This year, however, it falls on a Sunday. Nevertheless, some shops are open.
Kassel – A quick run to the store, a few things and shortly afterwards the New Year's Eve celebration can start – one or the other of you may know this scenario all too well. That's not so easy in most supermarkets this year.
Supermarkets closed on New Year's Eve – the exception applies in Bremen
The fact that New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday this year puts a spanner in the works for last-minute shopping in many places. In principle, there is a ban on opening and selling on Sundays in all federal states. Although some industries are exempt from this, supermarkets are usually not included. As early as Christmas Eve, consumers had to contend with closed shops.
In many years, consumers will still be able to go shopping on New Year's Eve – but in this case, it falls on a Sunday. © Hendrik Schmidt/dpa
However, there is an exception in Bremen. According to the law, supermarkets are allowed to be open here if New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday – at least until 14 p.m. In all other federal states, Saturday, December 30, will be the last opportunity for consumers to go to the supermarket or discounter this year. While for many the fireworks at midnight is the highlight of New Year's Eve, dogs and cats are often frightened by it. This is how the animals can be calmed down.
Supermarkets closed on New Year's Eve – sales outlets at train stations and airports are allowed to open
If you are still dependent on shopping on New Year's Eve and cannot or do not want to go to the Hanseatic city, you can at least find what you are looking for in shops that, unlike supermarkets, are exempt from a Sunday ban. In Lower Saxony, according to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Equality, these are, for example, pharmacies, petrol stations, sales outlets at railway stations for passenger transport, at airports and ferry ports. Supermarkets in health resorts and resorts, in excursion resorts and in places of pilgrimage could also be open on New Year's Eve this year.