With the holiday season well underway, many are making last-minute preparations for Christmas 2024, which falls on Wednesday, December 25. This year, Christmas Eve is on Tuesday, December 24, and there’s plenty to know about the operating hours of banks, post offices, grocery stores, and other services during this festive period.
Christmas Day is one of the eleven federal holidays recognized by U.S. law under 5 U.S.C. 6103, meaning almost all federal workers receive the day off. Unlike Christmas Day, when the vast majority of federal offices will be closed, Christmas Eve is not designated as a federal holiday, leading many to wonder about the operating hours of key services during this time.
On Christmas Eve, many banks will remain open, but hours will vary. Major banks like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and CitiBank are known to operate on modified schedules. For example, branches of PNC and Truist may close as early as 2 p.m. Customers are reminded to check directly with their local branches for specific closing times to avoid inconveniences.
Turning to the world of finance, it’s also worth noting what happens on Christmas Day itself. All major banks will be closed, so if you’re planning any urgent transactions, it’s best to complete them by Christmas Eve. While traditional bank services won't be available on December 25, online banking will still remain accessible, allowing access to accounts and transactions.
Postal services have their rules set as well. According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), post offices will operate as usual on Christmas Eve, but there will be no mail delivery on Christmas Day. If you have gifts or cards to send, it’s best to ship them on or before December 24, as December 25 is also recognized as a federal holiday, when USPS alongside private carriers will close their doors.
The package delivery giants, UPS and FedEx, will be offering limited services on Christmas Eve. While both companies are expected to deliver packages, customers are encouraged to verify operational details specific to their services. UPS Store locations will typically be open, yet it’s prudent to confirm hours as they may differ. FedEx will have most facilities open; again, checking local hours is wise to avoid last-minute chaos.
When it’s time for shopping, knowing the hours of major retailers is pivotal for anyone scrambling for last-minute gifts. Large chains like Target and Walmart will be open on Christmas Eve, but many will be closing earlier than usual. For example, Target is likely to stay open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., but local hours may vary, so checking each store is recommended. On the other hand, on Christmas Day, most major retailers will close their doors to allow employees time with their families, so anything needed on the holiday itself must be taken care of the day before.
Grocery chains also follow similar patterns. Most grocery stores will remain open on Christmas Eve, but like everything else, many will have reduced hours. For example, Whole Foods and Kroger will be available, but it’s best to check online for precise timings at specific locations. Most grocery retailers will be closed completely on Christmas Day.
Looking at specific chains, Publix, which operates almost 1,400 stores across several states, will be closed on both Christmas Day and Thanksgiving, but will operate on Christmas Eve with earlier closing hours. The usual hours for Publix are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., but the exact timings on Christmas Eve will be posted on the store’s website or at the location.
Restaurants are another consideration for those planning outings during the holiday season. On Christmas Day, the majority of sit-down restaurants will be closed, but some fast-food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks may keep select locations open. The restaurant industry has adapted over the years, allowing some chains to cater to customers still needing dining options on holidays. For the same reason, some convenience stores might remain open, making them good alternatives for last-minute needs.
For those curious about the operations on Christmas Day: as indicated, most stores will not be open. Grocery stores, banks, post offices, and major retailers will mostly shut their doors for the holiday. If you’re wondering about garbage collection on this day, it’s worth noting the City of Memphis has also indicated no collection will take place, along with many other municipalities.
Planning early for the holiday is key to avoiding any last-minute panic! Make those errand runs early on Christmas Eve, keep track of changing hours, and take full advantage of online shopping and services. After all, Christmas is about family, celebration, and enjoying the time together, free of unnecessary hassle. Whether it’s organizing gift exchanges, preparing meals, or resting at home with loved ones, being informed about what’s open allows you to create the best holiday experience possible.
