Christmas 2024: What's Open and Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Christmas falls on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. With Thanksgiving having landed late this year, the usual flurry of pre-Christmas shopping days was significantly reduced, leaving many scrambling for those last-minute items.

If you're facing a Christmas morning emergency—missing ingredients for your holiday feast, or batteries for those new toys—don't despair! This comprehensive guide outlines which stores will remain open, offering a lifeline for those unexpected needs.

Grocery stores open on Christmas

Unsurprisingly, most major retailers like Walmart, Target, Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe's will be closed on Christmas Day, reopening on December 26th. However, a few grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores will maintain limited operations.

Albertsons Companies: While many banner stores (Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Randalls, Shaw’s, Vons, and Tom Thumb) will have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, many will be closed on Christmas Day. Check your local store's hours carefully.
Kroger and affiliated stores: Most Kroger stores (including Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, and Foods Co.) will operate with normal hours on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Whole Foods, Aldi, and Trader Joe's: These stores will have modified hours on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.
Costco and Sam's Club: Both warehouse clubs will be closed on Christmas Day. Sam's Club closes at 6 pm local time on Christmas Eve.

Remember, even stores listed as open might have select locations closed or operating under adjusted hours. Always use the store locator on their website to confirm before heading out.

Retail stores open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

The retail landscape on Christmas is much the same. Major players are typically closed for Christmas Day to give employees time with their families. However, there are exceptions, especially on Christmas Eve.

Walmart: Closes at 6 pm local time on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day.
Target: Open from 7 am to 8 pm local time on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
Home Depot: Generally closes at 5 pm on Christmas Eve and remains closed on Christmas Day (check local store hours).
Lowe's: Typically open as normal on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
Macy's: Open from 8 am to 7 pm local time on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.
Kohl's: Open from 7 am to 7 pm local time on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.
Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack: Open with limited hours on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

Many smaller retailers will have their own individual hours, many of which may vary. It is best to contact local businesses directly to verify their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day opening times. Before heading out, make sure to check the times of locally owned businesses.

Pharmacies and Other Essential Services

For those needing prescriptions filled or other essential goods, several pharmacies plan to stay open, although with potentially reduced hours:

CVS Pharmacy: Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but with potentially reduced hours. Check your local store for specific hours.
Rite Aid: Open regular hours on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day.
Walgreens: Open on Christmas Eve and all 24-hour locations remain open on Christmas Day. Many other Walgreens will have limited hours on Christmas Day. Check your local store hours.

Other essential services will be impacted by the holiday:

Postal Services: The United States Postal Service will not be delivering mail on Christmas Day. Fedex and UPS will also not deliver on Christmas Day. FedEx and UPS will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve.
Financial Centers: Most banks will be closed on Christmas Day, adhering to Federal Reserve banking holiday schedules. Mobile banking and ATMs will still be available. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and TD Bank will be closed on Christmas Day. Wells Fargo will close at noon local time on Christmas Eve. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ will also be closed on Christmas Day.

A Christmas Eve Shopping Spree?

While most stores will be operating under a reduced holiday schedule, several remain open on Christmas Eve for last-minute shoppers. If you're planning some Christmas Eve shopping or looking for those final celebratory ingredients for Christmas dinner, remember that several large chains, like Target and Costco, will be open, but with reduced hours. Remember to check individual store hours online before venturing out.

Many stores and restaurants are closing early to give workers more time with their families, and because they anticipate fewer patrons. This means that those looking for any last-minute shopping or a meal out on Christmas Eve should check with the establishments ahead of time to confirm opening times and avoid any disappointments.

Planning Ahead for a Smooth Holiday

This Christmas, planning is key! Whether it’s buying a last-minute gift, picking up groceries, or ensuring you have medication available, remember to check local store hours, call ahead for special circumstances, and remember to factor in reduced opening hours and possible queues.

By being prepared, you can ensure a stress-free Christmas season, allowing you to concentrate on spending quality time with your loved ones instead of frantically running around trying to find those last minute items. Happy Holidays!