With the holiday season upon us, many shoppers are making plans for their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities. One popular destination, especially for those preparing large family gatherings, is Costco. Best known for its warehouse shopping experience, Costco offers everything from groceries to gifts, making it the ideal one-stop shop for many. But what are the actual hours for Costco and other major retailers this Christmas?
This year, Costco will close its doors on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, adhering to its longtime tradition of shutting down operations for this holiday. Customers should note this closure should not come as a surprise to loyal members. Historically, Christmas Day is one of the few days each year when Costco does not operate, along with other significant holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July.
For those who are planning to do their last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve, Costco will be open but with modified hours. Stores are set to operate from 9 AM to 5 PM local time on December 24. This provides ample opportunity for customers to stock up on essentials, including hams, prime ribs, and various baked goods.
While Costco will be closed on Christmas, savvy shoppers do have alternatives for last-minute needs. Many other popular retailers have varying hours for Christmas Day, and it's wise to check local listings before heading out. According to the Associated Press, Walmart will also close on Christmas Day, opening instead at 6 AM on December 26. Similarly, most Target stores will be closed on December 25, reopening at 7 AM on December 26.
So what about other stores? While Costco and many grocers will be shutting their doors for Christmas, some chains will remain open. CVS Pharmacy locations may retain normal hours, though some non-24-hour stores may operate with reduced hours. Walgreens is another option, with many stores adjusting their hours to 9 AM to 6 PM on Christmas, though all 24-hour locations will remain open.
For those desiring fast food on the holiday, McDonald's tends to keep many locations open, albeit with varying hours, making it ideal for those on the go. Meanwhile, Starbucks is another popular option where many locations will be open, though customers should check specific hours dependent on local demand.
On the other hand, numerous retail and grocery chains will close on Christmas Day. Stores such as Aldi, Home Depot, IKEA, and Publix will not be open. Major retailers including Macy's and Trader Joe's will also close, prompting serious shoppers to plan accordingly.
Early closure is common on Christmas Eve as well. Many stores will be closing earlier than usual, so it’s best to get your shopping done well before the festivities commence. Aside from Costco, other stores such as Walmart will close at 6 PM, Aldi will be closing their doors by 4 PM, and Target will operate from 7 AM to 8 PM on Christmas Eve, according to established schedules.
For those lucky enough to be gathering for Christmas dinner, there’s still time to think about menu items. Costco, for example, provides various prepared products and baked goods, making it easy for hosts to find tasty options for their gatherings. With baked items such as pies and cakes, and seasonal favorites, reaching out to Costco before their Christmas Eve closure could save many from the holiday rush.
Last year’s challenges due to supply chain issues and general retail shortages during the holidays highlighted the need for planning well ahead of time. Customers are encouraged to set clear schedules and have shopping lists ready to navigate festive busy aisles. Beyond knowing what stores will be open or closed, gathering pre-orders may also be helpful.
If you're planning to stock up on last-minute gifts or festive essentials, be prepared to double-check the operating hours at your local options. Some retailers, like Safeway or Kroger, may have branches open with adjusted hours, but it requires some research to find possibilities.
This Christmas, with most big retailers like Costco closing for the day, being organized with shopping lists and planning routes can help avoid disappointment—as they say, 'a stitch in time saves nine.' Be sure to wish your family and friends happy holidays along the way!
