With Christmas just around the corner, Americans are gearing up for last-minute holiday preparations amid revised store hours. During the busy time leading up to the holiday, shoppers can expect various adjustments to store operations, especially from pharmacies and major retailers.
The rush on Christmas Eve is particularly notable, as many consumers will be eager to snag groceries, gifts, and essentials. A wide range of businesses, including grocery stores, national retailers, and quick-service chains, will operate on altered schedules for the holiday, meaning it’s important to check local store hours to avoid any surprises.
Walmart and Target will both welcome shoppers on Christmas Eve but will close earlier than usual. Walmart’s doors will shut at 6 p.m. local time, and Target will remain open until 8 p.m. Costco has designated hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., whereas Sam's Club will close at 6 p.m. For home improvement needs, Home Depot will close at 5 p.m., and Lowe's by 6 p.m., with Ace Hardware hours varying by location.
Grocery chains will also adjust their operations. Kroger, Food Lion, and Wegmans will cease operations by 6 p.m., but Whole Foods and Publix will remain open until 7 p.m. Notably, Trader Joe's will conclude business early at 5 p.m., whereas Winn-Dixie will extend its hours until 9 p.m.
Many regional chains like Albertsons and Safeway will also have limited hours on Christmas Eve, alongside Aldi, which will close at 4 p.m., and Meijer, which will close at 7 p.m.
Christmas is also about ensuring health needs are met, which raises questions for many about pharmacy hours. CVS will operate on Christmas Eve and Day, with most locations maintaining open status but possibly observing reduced hours. According to CVS spokespersons, customers are encouraged to call their local store or check online to nail down specific hours, as they can vary greatly.
If CVS is unable to meet your needs due to limited hours, alternatives include Cumberland Farms and 7-Eleven, both of which usually operate on Christmas. Walgreens adjusts hours as well but has many stores remain open, including 24-hour pharmacies, providing ample options for shoppers.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) and UPS will continue regular operations on Christmas Eve, ensuring mail delivery follows schedule. FedEx will also provide its usual services, though some locations may adhere to altered hours.
For those needing last-minute gifts, many department stores like Best Buy, Kohl’s, and Macy’s will operate with early closures. Best Buy is slated to open at 8 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.; Kohl's and Macy's will close by 7 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.
Quick-service restaurants such as Starbucks, Dunkin', McDonald’s, and Subway will follow altered hours as well. Chipotle closing time is at 3 p.m., alongside Cracker Barrel, which serves customers only until 2 p.m. Christmas Eve. Full-service spots like Chili’s and Hooters will close at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively, with Red Lobster shutting down at 8 p.m. and Fogo de Chão remaining open until 9:30 p.m.
All this information makes it clear: if you plan to finish shopping or get necessities on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, knowing the timings is imperative. Residents should check local store directories as they navigate through their last-minute preparations, ensuring they have everything they need for joyous celebrations.
