As Christmas Eve descends, a familiar scene unfolds across cities: the last-minute scramble for groceries, forgotten gifts, and essential items. For those in India who have left their festive preparations to the final hours, there is significant relief. While Christmas Day will see most businesses shut their doors, a wide array of major grocery and retail chains have confirmed they will remain accessible on Sunday, December 24, albeit with reduced operating hours.
Major Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Eve
If your checklist still includes a crucial grocery run, several leading supermarket chains are ready to serve you. According to information shared with USA TODAY, Walmart will be open on Christmas Eve, but all locations will close early at 6 p.m. local time. The retail giant has confirmed that its stores will remain closed on Christmas Day.
Numerous other grocery stores are also operating with adjusted schedules. Shoppers are strongly advised to verify the specific timings for their local outlet, as hours can vary by location. Here is a consolidated list of closing times for major chains on December 24:
- Costco: Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sam’s Club & BJ’s Wholesale: Warehouses close at 6 p.m.
- Kroger: Most stores shut between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Food Lion, Publix, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter: Close at 7 p.m.
- Meijer: Operates from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Trader Joe’s & Giant Eagle: Close at 5 p.m.
- Aldi: Limited hours; check locally
- Lidl & Wegmans: Close at 6 p.m.
- Winn-Dixie: Open until 9 p.m.
Retail and Specialty Store Timings
The convenience extends beyond groceries. Several prominent retail chains are also keeping their doors open for those seeking last-minute gifts, decorations, or household items. Similar to grocery stores, these retailers will function on shortened hours.
Target will welcome customers from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m., while Kohl's will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Popular discount chains like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshall's will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For home improvement needs, Home Depot closes at 5 p.m. and Lowe's at 6 p.m.
Other notable stores with special Christmas Eve hours include:
- JCPenney: Varying closing times
- Ace Hardware, Sephora: Hours vary by location
- REI: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Burlington: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Belk: Regular stores 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; outlets 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- IKEA: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Staples: Closes at 6 p.m.
- Office Depot & OfficeMax: Close at 5 p.m.
- PetSmart: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Petco: Closes at 7 p.m.
- Tractor Supply Co.: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Final Checklist for Shoppers
The key takeaway for all last-minute shoppers is to always confirm the hours of your local store before venturing out. While the national schedules provide a reliable guideline, individual store timings, especially for chains like Aldi, Ace Hardware, and JCPenney, can differ based on location and local regulations.
This extended accessibility on Christmas Eve offers a crucial window for completing festive preparations. It underscores how major retail and grocery chains are adapting to consumer needs during peak holiday periods, ensuring that everyone can gather what they need to celebrate. So, make your list, check the timings twice, and enjoy a stress-free conclusion to your Christmas shopping.
