Christmas 2024 is shaping up to be both festive and challenging for shoppers and diners alike, as businesses and services adjust their operating hours during the holiday season. Many are preparing for the usual rush leading up to Christmas, but the realities of holiday closures mean planning is key for those wanting to get last-minute shopping done or dining services.
According to the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Christmas Day, which falls on Wednesday, December 25, will see most city offices, sanitation yards, and collection drop-off centers closed. There won't be any trash or recycling collections on this day, with the city urging residents to take note of these closures well before Christmas.
On the other hand, Christmas Eve on December 24 holds more promise for business activities, with many supermarkets and department stores still operating. For example, Publix and Aldi have designated hours on Christmas Eve, with Publix closing at 7 p.m. and Aldi shutting its doors at 4 p.m. The availability of groceries can be quite pivotal for those last-minute cooks and festive gatherings.
Further south, in South Florida, the holiday madness is similar. Restaurants and cafes are preparing to serve patrons as diverse operating hours roll out. For many, basic conveniences like grabbing groceries or holiday treats are still needed. Some stores, including Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, keep their doors open until the early evening on Christmas Eve before closing for the big day.
When it gets to Christmas Day, the scene changes quite quickly. Major retailers such as Walmart and Target will close their doors to honor the holiday, and confirmation has been received about most banks following suit as well. "Most banks will be closed Wednesday in observance of Christmas," according to reports by USA TODAY.
Interestingly, some convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, open around the clock, even on Christmas Day, providing those last-minute snacks or beverages for those who may be merrymaking. CVS and Walgreens also plan to remain open for limited hours during the holidays, giving people some flexibility to get the essentials.
Retailers are not the only ones adjusting their schedules. The U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx all have modified operations surrounding the holiday. USPS is open on Christmas Eve for standard operations but closes on Christmas. UPS has similar hours, stopping services completely on the holiday. "...no trash or recycling collections on this day..." stated the Baltimore City DPW about their plans.
Adding to the holiday spirit, Starbucks has indicated their operating hours on Christmas Day will be limited, yet many locations anticipate welcoming thirsty customers with festive drinks like Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brûlée Latte.
While many services will cease operations on Christmas Day, mass transit systems like Metrobus and Metrorail adjust their schedules to accommodate travelers with service running only on Sunday schedules, according to local guidelines.
For those curious about what’s open, shopping malls and various entertainment venues often close their doors on Christmas Day, making it imperative to confirm hours beforehand to avoid disappointment. It varies widely by area, reflecting local customs and practices surrounding the festive season.
Christmas 2024 undoubtedly holds myriad meanings—as religious observance, family gatherings, and cultural traditions come to life. This year's Christmas may be unique with limited hours for many businesses, but thoughtful patrons can still enjoy the season with strategic planning.
Information about specific operating hours is already available on many retailers and local business websites, making it easier to get the precise details. This holiday season, it’s all about smart shopping and confirmation to keep the holiday cheer intact!
