Did the festive rush catch you off guard, leaving your Christmas gift list incomplete? Do not worry, as several major retail stores across the United States will keep their doors open for last-minute shoppers on Christmas Eve, offering a final opportunity to pick up presents for loved ones and yourself. However, timings are reduced, and most outlets will be completely shut on Christmas Day. Here is a detailed, last-minute guide to help you navigate the final hours of holiday shopping in 2025.
Major Department and Retail Store Timings
For those relying on large-format retailers, planning is crucial as operating hours are condensed on December 24th. Walmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve before closing for the holiday. Similarly, Target locations will welcome customers from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the 24th.
Macy's is expected to have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, though the exact schedule varies. The company strongly advises shoppers to use its online store locator tool to confirm the timing for their specific location. All these stores will remain closed on December 25th for Christmas.
Home Improvement and Specialty Store Schedules
If your last-minute needs involve home decor or DIY projects, note the special schedules. Home Depot locations will be open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Lowe's will also operate on limited hours, with many of its service departments closing as early as 5 p.m. on the 24th. Both chains will be closed on Christmas Day.
Furniture giant IKEA will shut down all its stores, warehouses, delivery services, and customer support on Christmas Day. For their Christmas Eve schedule, checking local store hours is recommended. Specialty grocer Trader Joe's will close early at 5 p.m. local time on the 24th.
Pharmacy and Regional Grocery Chains
For essential medicines and quick grocery runs, CVS Pharmacy stores will follow varying schedules on Christmas Eve. To avoid disappointment, customers should verify the operating hours of their nearest outlet using the company's store locator. All CVS stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
Regional supermarket chain Wegmans has indicated that its holiday hours depend entirely on the location and region. The best course of action is to check the individual store's schedule online before heading out.
This last-minute guide underscores the importance of verifying local timings as the festive day approaches. With most establishments closing early on Christmas Eve and remaining shut on Christmas Day, prompt action is key to securing those final gifts and essentials. Remember, this is a developing story, and updates may follow, so check back for any changes to the schedules.
