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what shops are open christmas eve

Most major grocery, big-box, and drugstore chains are open on Christmas Eve but close earlier than usual, so last‑minute trips are possible if you go before late afternoon or early evening.

Big grocery chains

Many national grocery stores run reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

  • Aldi : Open with reduced hours, often closing around 4 p.m.
  • Costco : Open, commonly about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Kroger–family stores (Kroger, Ralphs, etc.): Generally open and often stay open later than some rivals, such as until about 8 p.m.
  • Publix : Open at regular time, typically closing around 7 p.m.
  • Walmart : Open, but many locations close early, around 6 p.m.
  • Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Food Lion, Giant, Lidl, Sam’s Club : Open but on shortened hours, most closing mid‑ to late‑afternoon or early evening.

Always check your specific store’s website or app, since exact opening and closing times vary by location.

Big‑box & retail stores

Large general retailers are also open Christmas Eve, again with early closing.

  • Target : Typically open from early morning (around 7 a.m.) and closing early in the evening, such as around 8 p.m.
  • Best Buy : Frequently listed as open roughly 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Dollar General and similar dollar stores : Open with extended but still reduced hours, sometimes until around 10 p.m.
  • Department stores (Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney, T.J. Maxx/HomeGoods/Marshalls): Open with “holiday hours,” usually starting early and closing by early evening.

These shops tend to be busy with last‑minute gift and decor shoppers, so expect lines and limited stock.

Drugstores, convenience & coffee

If you are just grabbing essentials, drugstores and convenience chains are usually your safest bet on Christmas Eve.

  • CVS and Walgreens : Open Christmas Eve, though some locations and pharmacies may reduce hours.
  • 7‑Eleven, Circle K and similar gas‑station convenience stores : Commonly open late and in many spots 24/7.
  • Starbucks : Many locations operate on normal or slightly shorter hours on Christmas Eve, but exact times differ by store.

Calling ahead or using the store locator is smart, especially for pharmacies and in smaller towns.

Fast food & restaurants

Quite a few chain restaurants keep their doors open on Christmas Eve, often with adjusted hours.

  • Some locations of Applebee’s and other casual chains open for part of the day.
  • Many major fast‑food chains such as McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Dunkin’, Chick‑fil‑A, Burger King and Domino’s may open, but hours are set by franchise owners, so they can differ widely.

Reservations or checking online hours can help avoid showing up to a location that decided to close early.

Quick tips for last‑minute runs

  • Plan to shop before late afternoon , since many places shut by 4–7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
  • Use store websites/apps or maps listings to confirm local hours the same day.
  • Expect holiday crowds , especially at grocery stores and big‑box retailers.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.