On Monday, December 8, Spain celebrates one of its main winter holidays — the Day of the Immaculate Conception (La Inmaculada Concepción). For most people, this is a highly anticipated day off, often turning into an extended December weekend. During these days, daily routines change: streets empty out, and stores and supermarkets adjust their operating hours. Many residents plan their shopping ahead of time to avoid finding their favorite shops closed.
This year, store opening hours are once again raising questions among shoppers. Not all stores will be open, and those that do may change their usual schedule. Knowing where and when you can buy groceries is especially important for those who haven’t stocked up in advance or prefer having fresh food on the table.
Mercadona Schedule
One of the country’s most popular supermarket chains, Mercadona, traditionally closes its doors on holidays and Sundays. Exceptions are extremely rare and depend on the specific region. This Monday, December 8, most Mercadona locations will remain closed. However, some areas may make individual decisions, so those planning to shop there should check their nearest store’s hours in advance.
Carrefour Schedule
Carrefour, the French chain with locations throughout Spain, generally tries to accommodate customer needs even on holidays. Store hours may vary depending on the type of store and the city. In major cities, some hypermarkets and supermarkets will open, but with reduced hours. In smaller towns, stores may remain closed. It’s best to check the current schedule of your local Carrefour branch before visiting.
The situation with Día
Día supermarkets often stay open even on holidays, but much depends on the location. In some areas, Día stores will be open, though hours may change. In others, the doors will remain closed. To avoid showing up to a closed store, it’s recommended to confirm in advance whether your nearest Día will be open on December 8.
Lidl and Alcampo hours
Lidl generally remains open on holidays and keeps its usual hours—from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, adjustments may be made in certain cities, especially for smaller locations or those in shopping centers. Alcampo also typically operates on holidays, but exact opening and closing times can vary by region. In both cases, it’s best to check the details ahead of time.
Schedules for Aldi, El Corte Inglés, and Supercor
Aldi supermarkets generally operate on their regular schedule, but exceptions are possible on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Some stores may have reduced hours or remain closed. El Corte Inglés and its subsidiary Supercor are usually open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., though some locations open only at 11 a.m. Holiday schedules may vary, so it’s best to check in advance before your visit.
In case you didn’t know, Mercadona is the largest Spanish supermarket chain, founded in Valencia in 1977. The company is known for its strict policy on opening hours: stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Carrefour, an international retailer with French roots, has been present in Spain since 1973. Día is a Spanish discount chain that has operated since 1979 and has thousands of locations nationwide. Lidl and Aldi are German brands that are expanding rapidly in the Spanish market, and El Corte Inglés—the largest Spanish department store—also owns the Supercor supermarket chain.
