As the holiday season approaches, many residents of San Antonio are gearing up for the busy Christmas shopping week, which can often feel overwhelming due to crowded stores. To help ease the burden, both H-E-B and Walmart have shared insights on how to navigate their stores during this peak shopping time in December 2025.
Walmart spokesperson Kelsey Bohl advises that for shoppers hoping to avoid long lines and overcrowded aisles, the best time to visit is early in the day, particularly within the first few hours after the stores open on weekdays. Walmart locations in San Antonio typically open at 6 a.m. leading up to Christmas. As the demand spikes—over 80% of Walmart customers shop in-store in the three days preceding Christmas—strategic timing can make all the difference.
For those who prefer to shop without the hassle of in-store crowds, Walmart offers convenient online ordering options. With Express Delivery, products can arrive at homes in as little as 30 minutes, while On-Demand Delivery promises arrival within three hours. Additionally, shoppers can take advantage of Same-Day Scheduled delivery, which allows them to choose a convenient delivery time, enhancing flexibility during this busy season. Notably, Walmart has extended its holiday delivery deadline, enabling one-hour Express Delivery on orders placed by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
To entice first-time online customers, Walmart is offering a special discount: new users can receive $10 off their first three orders by using the promo code HOLIDAY10.
H-E-B also reassures shoppers that it will be well-prepared for the surge in customer traffic. According to their spokesperson, the stores will be adequately staffed throughout the holiday week. H-E-B locations will maintain extended hours, closing at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remaining closed on Christmas Day, while returning to regular schedules on days immediately following the holiday.
These measures from both retail giants aim to create a more pleasant shopping experience for those preparing for Christmas gatherings and festive meals, thereby helping to alleviate some of the stress associated with holiday shopping. With solid planning and awareness of store hours and services, San Antonio shoppers can navigate the season with a little more ease and joy.