Look, we get it. Holiday prep doesn’t always go according to plan. Maybe the stockings still need stuffers. Maybe you forgot the one essential ingredient for Christmas dinner. Maybe someone insisted they didn’t want a present until 8 p.m. on December 24. Whatever the reason, we know you’re going to have at least one emergency situation (or classic last-minute scramble) before Christmas rolls in.
So here’s your go-to guide for which major national retailers are open on Christmas Eve, what they’re great for, and when they’ll be closing up shop—before Santa arrives, that is.
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Quick Tips for Christmas Eve Shopping
But first, here are some additional helpful hints before you step outside to do some last-minute shopping…
Closing times vary by location: What you’ll see below is typical, but not absolute, especially for mall-based stores who adhere to mall hours. We encourage readers to check local mall hours online or call before going.
Most major retailers will be closed on Christmas Day: That means Christmas Eve is often the last chance to shop in person. Expect crowds because you’re not the only one who has an emergency or procrastinated.
Curbside pickup and same-day delivery: Don’t forget these are options for you that can save the day (or simply save time) even if you’re racing the clock.
Stores Open on Christmas Eve (and What They’re Good For)
Ace Hardware
Good for: tools, batteries, extension cords, hooks, home emergency fixes
Hours: Most locations keep regular business hours and will be open on Christmas Eve, but call your local store to confirm exact times. Many hardware stores close early on the 24th.
Apple Store
Good for: chargers, adapters, last-minute tech gifts or tech support
Hours: Most Apple locations close around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Barnes & Noble
Good for: books, gifts, stocking stuffers, kids’ crafts
Hours: Stores typically close around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Bass Pro Shops
Good for: outdoor gifts, winter gear, stocking stuffers
Hours: Expect stores to open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Belk
Good for: clothing gifts, accessories, last-minute fashion needs
Hours: Most Belk stores are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. before Christmas.
Best Buy
Good for: electronics gifts, gaming accessories, headphones, cameras
Hours: Best Buy is typically open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Cabela’s
Good for: outdoor/gear gifts and apparel
Hours: Like Bass Pro Shops, many stores are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Check your local store for exact times.
Costco
Good for: bulk snacks, drinks, wrapping paper, last-minute gifts
Hours: Costco warehouses operate on reduced hours and typically close around 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
CVS
Good for: toiletries, snacks, medicine, last-minute must-haves
Hours: Many CVS locations are open with varied hours on Christmas Eve. Call ahead to confirm your local store.
Home Depot
Good for: tools, holiday lights, décor, quick home fixes
Hours: Most stores stay open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
HomeGoods
Good for: décor, housewares, cozy gifts
Hours: Most locations are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
IKEA
Good for: furniture gifts, décor, kitchen items
Hours: IKEA stores typically close by 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
JCPenney
Good for: clothes, accessories, home gifts
Hours: Many tellers show stores open on Christmas Eve (exact times vary). Most will close early ahead of Christmas Day.
Kohl’s
Good for: clothing, beauty gifts, toys
Hours: Most stores remain open until about 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Lowe’s
Good for: home improvement gifts, tools, seasonal décor
Hours: Stores typically close around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Macy’s
Good for: fashion gifts, home goods, beauty items
Hours: Macy’s stores often have shortened hours on Christmas Eve; many close by 7 p.m. or earlier.
Marshall’s
Good for: clothing gifts, accessories, home finds
Hours: Most stores keep doors open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Petco
Good for: pet gifts, treats, last-minute supplies
Hours: Many Petco locations are open on Christmas Eve and usually close by around 7 p.m., but check local hours.
PetSmart
Good for: pet toys, food, stocking stuffers
Hours: PetSmart typically operates holiday hours with stores open earlier in the day and closing around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Nordstrom & Nordstrom Rack
Good for: fashion, accessories, beauty gifts
Hours: Store hours vary by location, but most will be open until about 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
REI
Good for: outdoor gifts, gear, active lifestyle presents
Hours: Most REI stores follow early-close holiday schedules on Christmas Eve; typically mid-to-late afternoon (exact times vary by store).
Sam’s Club
Good for: bulk gifts, party trays, last-minute food needs
Hours: Open on Christmas Eve with shortened hours (likely 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.); closed Christmas Day.
Sephora
Good for: beauty gifts, stocking stuffers
Hours: Most Sephora locations have shortened hours on Christmas Eve (often until 6 p.m.).
Staples
Good for: office supplies, tech accessories, prints
Hours: Typically close by 6 p.m.
Target
Good for: everything from décor to gifts to last-minute essentials
Hours: Often open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
TJ Maxx
Good for: clothing, accessories, home finds
Hours: Usually around 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. or similar hours.
Victoria’s Secret
Good for: intimates, gifts, travel sets
Hours: Typical mall/holiday hours with early close.
Walgreens
Good for: last-minute meds, snacks, cards
Hours: Most Walgreens stores remain open on Christmas Eve (and many 24-hr locations stay open).
Walmart
Good for: everything from groceries to gifts to essentials
Hours: Most Walmart stores are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
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