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Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are two of the busiest days of the year, whether you’re running last-minute errands, dining out, or preparing for family gatherings. Many businesses adjust their hours to accommodate the holiday, meaning certain stores, restaurants, and services may be open or closed. To help you navigate your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plans, we’ve compiled a guide detailing what’s open and closed, what hours to expect, and how to plan ahead for a smooth holiday.
Christmas Eve 2024: The Final Rush Before the Holiday
Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024, is a day of preparation, with many people trying to finish last-minute shopping, get groceries for their holiday meals, or prepare gifts. Since Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, expect some variations in store hours as retailers prepare for the holiday.
Most major retail stores, including Walmart, Target, and Costco, will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, typically closing earlier than usual. For example, Walmart and Target may close at 6 or 7 p.m., so it’s important to check local store hours before heading out.
Supermarkets and grocery stores, including Kroger, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s, will likely stay open later on Christmas Eve. However, these stores may close earlier than usual to allow their employees to spend time with their families. While Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods typically close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Kroger locations may remain open until 8 or 9 p.m. Check with your local store to be sure.
Restaurants and Dining Out on Christmas Eve
For those who want to avoid cooking and prefer dining out, many restaurants will remain open on Christmas Eve, but often with shorter hours. Popular chain restaurants, as well as independent spots, may have reduced hours. Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and Subway might close earlier than usual, while other mid-range dining options may remain open into the evening.
Upscale restaurants often have special Christmas Eve dinners and fixed-price menus, so it’s wise to book reservations ahead of time. Some restaurants may close early to allow staff to prepare for Christmas Day, so you should plan accordingly.
Christmas Day 2024: What’s Open and Closed
On Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, many businesses will be closed or have limited hours. Here’s a breakdown of what’s open and closed on Christmas Day.
Retail Stores Closed on Christmas Day
If you’re hoping to shop for last-minute gifts or necessities, be aware that many retail stores will be closed on Christmas Day. Both Walmart and Target have confirmed they will be closed on Christmas Day, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re hoping to visit these large retailers.
Additionally, both Costco and Sam’s Club will remain closed on Christmas Day. If you need bulk items, these warehouses will resume normal operations after the holiday, but they won’t be available for shopping on Christmas Day.
Home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s will also be closed. If you’re hoping to pick up tools or building supplies on Christmas Day, you will be out of luck as both chains close for the holiday. Ace Hardware locations may be closed as well, although some independent stores might be open, so it’s worth checking ahead.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
The availability of grocery stores on Christmas Day is more limited. Major grocery store chains like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Kroger will be closed for Christmas Day, so if you plan to buy groceries or essentials, be sure to do so on Christmas Eve.
However, some grocery stores under chains like ACME, Albertsons, and Safeway may operate on reduced hours. For example, Giant Food stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but most pharmacies will be closed. It’s important to check with your local grocery store to confirm their exact hours on Christmas Day.
Pharmacy Services Open on Christmas Day
CVS and Walgreens will remain open on Christmas Day, though with reduced hours. Many CVS locations will open in the morning and close by mid-afternoon, while Walgreens will typically operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day. However, 24-hour locations and pharmacies will follow their regular schedules, so you can count on these locations for any urgent medication or health-related needs.
While some pharmacies may close early on Christmas Day, most will resume regular hours after the holiday. Always verify pharmacy hours in advance to ensure you can pick up any prescriptions you need.
Shipping and Delivery Services
If you are planning to ship or receive packages on Christmas Day, be aware that UPS and FedEx will suspend normal pickup and delivery services for the holiday. While most UPS and FedEx services are halted on Christmas Day, urgent services like UPS Express Critical and FedEx Custom Critical will remain available. If you need to ship a package urgently, these specialized services are your best option.
FedEx Office services will also be closed on Christmas Day. If you need to print or pick up packages from a FedEx location, check store hours ahead of time as most locations will not be operating on Christmas Day.
Other Services Closed on Christmas Day
Most banks, post offices, and stock markets will be closed on Christmas Day. If you need to handle any financial or postal transactions, you should take care of them in advance on Christmas Eve.
Restaurants and Dining Out on Christmas Day
Dining out on Christmas Day can be tricky, as many restaurants close for the holiday. However, there are still options for those looking to eat out. Major chain restaurants, especially those that specialize in holiday meals, may remain open, but be sure to check their hours or make a reservation. Chinese restaurants are traditionally a popular option for Christmas Day dining, as many of them remain open during the holiday.
For those who want to skip cooking altogether, several hotels and catering services offer Christmas Day meals for takeout or dining in. Booking in advance is highly recommended for these options.
Tips for a Smooth Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Plan Ahead: Many businesses close early on Christmas Eve or operate on reduced hours on Christmas Day. It’s crucial to plan your shopping and errands in advance.
- Check Store Hours: Always check the hours for the specific store or service you need. Local variations may apply, and some businesses may adjust their hours unexpectedly.
- Consider Delivery or Takeout: If you’re planning a Christmas meal or gift pickup, explore delivery services, takeout options, or curbside pickup.
- Reserve Early: For dining out or special services like spas or entertainment, make reservations well in advance to secure your spot.
By planning ahead and staying informed about store hours and services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can avoid stress and make the most of the holiday season. Whether you’re shopping, dining out, or handling last-minute errands, having a clear plan will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Christmas celebration.
