Christmas Eve is almost here, which means time is running out for any last-minute holiday shopping. But before venturing out, double-check store hours – many major retailers shorten hours or close early on December 24th.
Operations can vary by location, so call ahead or look up more specific schedules online if unsure. Here’s a breakdown of Christmas Eve store hours for top national chains:
Walmart
The world’s largest retailer plans to close all locations at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This curtailed schedule applies to Walmart Supercenters as well as Neighborhood Market grocery stores.
Those needing a quick grocery item or stocking stuffer can shop during regular hours earlier in the day. Most Walmarts open at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. depending on location.
Target
Target announced most of its 1,900+ stores will operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. It’s a good destination for picking up last-minute gifts, holiday entertaining supplies, or ingredients for Christmas dinner.
Shoppers can confirm Target’s hours for specific locations using the online store locator. There may be some variation between different stores.
Costco
The membership warehouse club plans to open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 24th. Hours can fluctuate between individual Costco warehouses though, so members should verify timings for their hometown spot.
The early closing gives employees time off to celebrate the holiday with family. Costco also shuts down on Christmas Day.
CVS Pharmacy
Many CVS stores intend to keep normal hours on Christmas Eve, operating during regular weekend timings. However, some locations may shorten hours or close for the holiday.
The drugstore chain recommends customers call their neighborhood CVS or look up hours online before stopping by. Pharmacy hours in particular can vary.
Walgreens
Walgreens expects to remain open regular hours on Christmas Eve at most locations. The drugstore and convenience retailer stays open 24/7 at many busy stores.
Customers can use Walgreens’ online pharmacy finder tool to check Christmas Eve hours and pharmacy timings for specific stores. Holiday adjustments are made on a location-by-location basis.
Starbucks
Starbucks keeps the majority of locations open on Christmas Eve, but adjusts hours based on local demand. Some stores will close early while others maintain normal operations.
Customers can look up holiday hours for their nearest Starbucks via the mobile app or online store locator. It’s wise to confirm before making a special trip.
Kroger
Kroger supermarket chains like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers typically shorten hours on Christmas Eve. Many close at 7 p.m., but this varies across different grocery divisions.
Some Kroger-owned stores may shut down earlier. Checking the website for local branches is recommended. Fuel center hours also differ during the holidays.
Albertsons
Albertsons companies like Safeway, Vons, and Shaw’s offer reduced hours on December 24th, closing most stores early evening. Specific timings range between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. depending on location.
Many Albertsons pharmacies also keep limited hours or close for Christmas Eve, so customers should call ahead before visiting. Check online for store-specific details.
Other Stores Adjusting Hours
In addition to big box retailers and grocers, many other stores trim operations on Christmas Eve:
- Home Depot – Closes at 5 p.m. instead of usual 10 p.m.
- Lowe’s – Shuts down at 6 p.m. across stores.
- IKEA – Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., several hours fewer than normal.
- Publix – Closes at 7 p.m. except some locations vary.
- Aldi – Opens with limited morning hours, verify locally.
- Macy’s – Most stores open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.
- Sprouts – Operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., reduced evening hours.
- Trader Joe’s – Closes all stores by 5 p.m. on December 24th.
- 7-Eleven – 24/7 stores may shorten overnight hours.
- Sheetz – Convenience stores run regular 24/7 schedule.
Call ahead or check online before venturing out to any stores on Christmas Eve this year. Retailers are balancing customer convenience with employee work-life during the busy holiday season.
Smart last-minute shoppers can maximize savings by shopping discount days leading up to Christmas, or taking advantage of extended post-holiday sales. Retailers offer special deals both before, during and after December 25th.
Being organized, flexible and savvy with shopping strategies can help everyone enjoy a less stressful, more affordable holiday season.
