How Do Stores and Shopping Centers Operate During Christmas Holidays?

In anticipation of Christmas and New Year, the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have reminded about the working hours of stores and public institutions during these days.

• Working Hours Schedule in the Pre-Holiday Period
• Working of Shopping Centers During Holidays
• Frequently Asked Questions About Purchases

Working Hours Schedule in the Pre-Holiday Period

Official holidays are December 25 (Christmas), December 26 (Gift Day), and January 1 (New Year). On these days, all government institutions are closed, and a significant number of stores do not operate. The exception may be small grocery stores, depending on the owner's mood.

On the eve of the holidays – December 24 and December 31 – all stores work until 6:00 PM, and even the owners of small shops are unlikely to stay at their place beyond that time.

Working of Shopping Centers During Holidays and Pre-Holiday Periods

Things are a bit different for shopping centers. Typically, stores will be closed on official holidays and operate on a reduced schedule on the eve, while catering establishments may stay open.

• My Mall Limassol will be closed on December 25 and January 1. On December 24 and December 31, stores will close at 6:00 PM, but all other establishments will continue working until 10:00 PM. On December 26 and January 2, the mall's stores will be closed, while restaurants and entertainment centers will operate until 10:00 PM.

• Mall of Cyprus in Nicosia will be closed on December 25, 26, 1, and 2 January. On December 24 and December 31, the mall's stores will close at 6:00 PM, while other establishments will continue working as usual according to their schedule.

• Kings Avenue Mall in Paphos will also be closed on December 25-26 and January 1-2. On December 24 and December 31, the mall's stores will close at 6:00 PM, while other establishments will continue operating as usual.

• Metropolis Mall in Larnaca will be completely closed on December 25 and January 1. On December 26 and January 2, the mall's stores will be closed, and on December 24 and December 31, the retail outlets will close at 6:00 PM, while entertainment venues and catering will continue operating normally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Purchases During Holidays in Cyprus

When do Cypriots do their holiday shopping?

• Residents of Cyprus tend to make last-minute purchases, so the most "productive" day for stores is December 24, and they usually operate until 6:00 PM.

How do stores and public institutions operate on other holidays?

• On all official holidays, public institutions and most stores are closed. Here is a list of official holidays in Cyprus. However, in tourist areas, you may find open stores, but this will be more of an exception than a rule.