Millions of Americans scrambling for last-minute holiday essentials will find most major retailers open Christmas Eve, though many are closing early to give employees time with their families.
Nearly all major chains will shutter completely on Christmas Day, but are extending modified hours on Christmas Eve to accommodate shoppers making final preparations.
Walmart will operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve before closing entirely on Christmas Day. Target stores will stay open slightly longer, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, before locking doors on Christmas.
Home Depot will close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed Christmas Day. The company recommends customers check its store locator tool for local hours. Lowe's store locator shows many locations operating on limited hours for Christmas Eve and closed for Christmas Day.
Warehouse Clubs Split on Hours
Costco locations will be closed on Christmas Day, though the company doesn't specify whether stores will operate on limited hours Christmas Eve. Customers can use the store locator to check local hours.BJ's Wholesale Club locations will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with optical departments open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Christmas Day, all locations including gas stations will be closed.
Sam’s Club will remain open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve for plus members and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for all other club members. All stores are closed Christmas Day.
Grocery Stores Closing Early
Trader Joe's will be open until 5 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Food Lion stores are open until 7 p.m. local time, with pharmacies operating 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.Aldi, with more than 2,100 stores in 38 states, will be closed on Christmas Day. Locations will operate on limited hours for Christmas Eve.
Wegmans says its store hours vary by location and region, with most closing at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Wegmans recommends customers check for local hours.
Stop & Shop stores are open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Whole Foods stores open at their regular time and close at 7 p.m.
Department Stores and Specialty Retailers
Macy's may operate on limited hours for Christmas Eve and will be closed for Christmas Day. Locations will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to Macy's store locator tool.IKEA's stores, locations, warehouses, deliveries and customer services will be closed on Christmas Day. The company doesn't have specific hours for Christmas Eve and recommends customers use the store locator.
Best Buy's store locator shows many locations are closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
HomeGoods, Marshalls, Sierra and T.J. Maxx will all operate on special hours, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kohl's stores will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pharmacies Remain Accessible
CVS stores appear to be operating on various hours for Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Customers can find their location's hours on the store locator page.Walgreens will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but pharmacy hours may differ. Customers can check local holiday hours using the store locator.
Mail and Package Delivery Continues
Local U.S. post office locations will be open on Christmas Eve, and mail will be delivered except for Priority Mail Express. The postal service will also pick up mail placed in blue collection boxes on Dec. 24.UPS will deliver packages on Christmas Eve, though pickup service operates differently that day.