In December, Spain traditionally enters a period when the usual rhythm of life shifts due to a series of national holidays. This year, the supermarket chain Mercadona has decided to surprise customers: on December 6, Constitution Day, stores across the country—except in the Basque Country (Euskadi)—will operate as usual, from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This decision sets Mercadona apart from other supermarket chains, which typically close their doors on such days.
December’s holiday calendar is packed: after Constitution Day (December 6) comes the Immaculate Conception (December 8), followed by Christmas and New Year celebrations. On these dates, most stores and supermarkets usually remain closed, forcing residents to plan their shopping in advance. In 2025, Mercadona has decided to break from tradition and open its stores on one of the major national holidays.
Opening hours
On December 6, despite it being a public holiday across Spain, Mercadona doors will be open to customers. The only exception is the Basque Country, where all locations will remain closed. On Sunday, December 7, and Monday, December 8, which is celebrated as the Immaculate Conception, all Mercadona stores will be closed.
From December 9 until the start of the Christmas holidays, Mercadona will return to its standard schedule: stores open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and remain closed on Sundays. This allows shoppers to plan their visits ahead of time and avoid long lines during the holiday rush.
Holiday changes
Ahead of Christmas and New Year, the operating hours are once again adjusted. On December 24 (Wednesday) and December 31 (Wednesday), stores will close earlier than usual—at 7:00 p.m., allowing employees time to prepare for family celebrations. On these days, Mercadona will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On the main winter holidays—December 25 (Christmas), January 1 (New Year), and January 6 (Epiphany)—all stores in the chain will be closed. This is standard practice for most supermarkets in the country, giving employees the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones.
Information for customers
Exact opening hours for each store can be found on special notices at the entrance or on the official website. Mercadona publishes its schedule in advance so customers can plan their shopping and avoid unnecessary trips on days when stores are closed.
In December and January, when demand for groceries is especially high, this transparency helps prevent inconvenience and lines. For many families, it’s a chance to prepare for holiday meals ahead of time and avoid running out of essentials at the worst moment.
Regional differences
The decision to open stores on December 6 does not apply to the Basque Country. In this autonomous region, all Mercadona locations will remain closed, as in previous years. In other regions of Spain, stores will operate on a unified schedule, making planning easier for residents of both large cities and small towns.
Shoppers who are used to making purchases in the final days before the holidays will have an extra day to visit the supermarket. This is especially important for those who work on weekdays and don’t have time to shop in advance.
