With Christmas just around the corner, many shoppers are wondering which retailers will be open on Christmas Day as they prepare for the festive season. This year, Christmas falls on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and as tradition dictates, numerous retail and grocery stores will close their doors entirely on this day to allow employees to spend time with family and friends.
Here’s what you need to know about the holiday hours for some popular retail and grocery chains.
Grocery Stores
Wegmans will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, reopening at 6 a.m. on December 26. The same applies to Tops Friendly Markets, which will close at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and not reopen until the following day.
Both ALDI and Walmart will also remain closed on Christmas Day. Walmart locations will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and resume regular hours at 6 a.m. on December 26.
On the other hand, numerous stores will remain open on Christmas Day, albeit with limited hours. For example, many CVS locations are expected to operate during regular hours on Christmas Day, but shoppers are advised to check local store hours, as some may have reduced hours. Walgreens, meanwhile, will maintain adjusted operating hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day for most locations, with 24-hour stores remaining open as usual.
Chain pharmacies tend to be more flexible on holidays, as many consumers may find themselves needing medications or other essentials during this time. While some Rite Aid stores will remain open, the majority will have altered hours, and customers are encouraged to consult their local store beforehand.
Retail Stores
For last-minute gift shopping on December 25, options will be quite limited. Major retailers such as Target, Costco, and Macy's will be closed altogether, with Target closing at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve before reopening at 7 a.m. on December 26. Costco will also shut its doors for the holiday, reinforcing its commitment to giving employees the day off.
Some convenience stores will be available. 7-Eleven and other similar stores will likely remain open 24 hours for anyone needing snacks, drinks, or last-minute supplies. Other convenience stores, like Circle K and Kwik Star, are also expected to be open around the clock.
For those planning to do any last-minute chain store shopping, it’s worthwhile to know which locations will be open. Some restaurants, such as Happy Joes Pizza and Village Inn, will offer limited hours, providing opportunities for dine-in or take-out meals during the holiday.
Here’s the quick breakdown of stores with noted hours on Christmas Day:
Stores Open on Christmas Day:
- Walgreens: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with 24-hour locations open)
- CVS: Many locations open during normal hours; check local store
- Happy Joes Pizza: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- Village Inn: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. (53rd Ave) and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (1st Ave)
Stores Closed on Christmas Day:
- Walmart
- Target
- ALDI
- Costco
- Most grocery chains except select locations of ACME, Albertsons, and others, potentially open with reduced hours
It's apparent this festive period brings about various challenges when it pertains to shopping, with last-minute needs often arising unexpectedly. With the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, consumers will want to verify specific store hours let as not every location adheres to the same schedule. When shopping, call or check respective websites for accurate holiday hours to avoid disappointment.
Whether those last-minute essentials include batteries for gifts, groceries for holiday meals, or medication, knowing where to go can ease the stress of the season. Planning allows everyone to make the most of their holiday without scrambling around at the last minute!
