As millions of Americans gear up for Christmas festivities, many will engage in the familiar tradition of rushing out for last-minute groceries and holiday gifts. With Christmas Eve around the corner, it’s essential to plan ahead as numerous retailers adjust their hours for the day. Below is a comprehensive guide to which grocery stores, restaurants, and big-box retailers will be open on Christmas Eve and their respective hours of operation.
Many grocery store chains will welcome customers on Christmas Eve, albeit with modified hours. For instance, Aldi stores will remain open but will typically close by 4 p.m. Food Lion locations will serve customers until 7 p.m., and their pharmacies will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop & Shop will be open until 6 p.m., while Trader Joe’s will close at 5 p.m. Wegmans will also close doors at 6 p.m., and Whole Foods will maintain regular hours until closing at 7 p.m.
Drugstore chains are also making themselves available; CVS Pharmacy will be open on Christmas Eve, though hours may vary. Walgreens will operate as well, with pharmacy hours differing by location.
For those seeking a meal during the holiday rush, many fast-food chains will remain open, offering a variety of options. Select Applebee’s locations, Chick-fil-A, Burger King, Dunkin’, IHOP, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Starbucks will serve customers. Domino’s, however, will not universally maintain hours, so checking local listings for specific store hours is advisable.
The U.S. Postal Service will continue mail deliveries on Christmas Eve, except for Priority Mail Express, and local post offices will be open for business. UPS will also deliver packages, but it’s recommended to refer to their holiday schedule for specific pickup service adjustments.
Retailers are extending their hours for last-minute gift shopping, making it crucial for shoppers to be aware of closing times. Best Buy will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, while Costco will also be open. Most Dollar General stores will close at 10 p.m., but Home Depot will wrap up early at 5 p.m. Other stores such as HomeGoods, Marshalls, Sierra, and T.J. Maxx will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. JCPenney will open at 9 a.m., with varying closing times. Kohl’s will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Macy’s will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Michaels will close at 6 p.m. Petco’s hours will vary, while Target will open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Walmart will be available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Interestingly, the stock market will be open on Christmas Eve but will close earlier than usual at 1 p.m. EDT.
With many retail options available and extended hours, shoppers can navigate their last-minute plans with greater ease. As the holiday spirit permeates, it’s heartening to see businesses accommodating festive needs and helping to make the season merrier for everyone.