Christmas is a time for family gatherings, festive traditions, and, of course, some much-needed relaxation. However, for those who need to pick up last-minute gifts, grab groceries, or just need to know what services are still available, understanding which businesses and establishments are open or closed during the holiday season can be a bit tricky. In 2024, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Here’s a guide to what you can expect to be open and closed during this time, so you can plan accordingly.
Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024)
Retail Stores
- Open (Early Hours): Most major retail stores will be open, but they may have reduced hours on Christmas Eve. Think department stores like Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s, as well as grocery stores such as Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods. It’s a good idea to check the store’s specific hours online or call ahead to confirm.
- Close Early: Many retailers and malls will close by mid-afternoon or early evening (around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM), so get your shopping done early in the day.
- Specialty Stores: Small local businesses and boutiques may close earlier or be completely closed, so it’s best to check directly with them.
Grocery Stores
- Open with Reduced Hours: Grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, and local supermarkets will likely operate with shortened hours, closing by 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM. Some may be open later in the evening, but it’s important to confirm before heading out.
- Closed: High-end grocery stores or independent markets may shut for the day, so make sure to stock up on essentials in advance.
Restaurants and Fast Food
- Open (Limited Hours): Many chain restaurants and fast food places, such as McDonald’s and Starbucks, may remain open for take-out, but often with limited hours. Some may offer special holiday menus or pre-packed meals. Fast food outlets and some sit-down chains may close early in the afternoon.
- Closed: Fine dining and local sit-down restaurants will typically be closed for the holiday, though some may offer holiday specials earlier in the day.
Public Services
- Closed: Most federal, state, and local government offices, including post offices, will be closed on Christmas Eve. However, emergency services like fire and police stations remain operational.
- Open: Some essential services like hospitals, urgent care clinics, and pharmacies may be open, albeit with reduced staff and hours.
Public Transportation
- Reduced Service: While most major cities will operate public transportation, expect limited schedules and reduced frequency on buses and trains. Check with your local transit authority for specific details.
Christmas Day (December 25, 2024)
Retail Stores
- Closed: Virtually all major retail stores, including shopping malls, grocery stores, and other non-essential businesses, will be closed. The exception might be a few 24-hour convenience stores (like CVS, Walgreens) that remain open for last-minute purchases.
Grocery Stores
- Closed: Most grocery stores and supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day, so you’ll need to plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. The best bet for last-minute items would be convenience stores or gas station shops.
Restaurants and Fast Food
- Closed: Most sit-down restaurants, cafes, and bars will remain closed on Christmas Day. This includes both local and chain restaurants. However, some major hotels or resort restaurants may offer special holiday dining events.
- Open: A small number of fast food restaurants and select eateries, particularly in busy tourist areas or near hospitals, might remain open. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm.
Public Services
- Closed: Government offices, post offices, libraries, and banks will be closed. Non-essential services and businesses will largely shut for the day.
- Open: Emergency services, hospitals, and urgent care centers will operate as usual. Some pharmacies, particularly in larger cities or inside 24-hour retail outlets, may be open.
Public Transportation
- Limited Service: Major cities may have reduced public transportation schedules on Christmas Day. Most buses, trains, and subways may operate on a Sunday or holiday schedule. Check with local transit agencies for specific hours and routes.
Essential Services You Can Count On
- Hospitals and Urgent Care: These will remain open as usual, and emergency rooms will be operational throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Pharmacies: National pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid may remain open, though hours could be reduced. Independent pharmacies might be closed.
- Gas Stations: Many gas stations, especially those near highways, airports, or major city centers, will remain open, though they might have reduced hours.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Travel Tips
- Airports: Airlines typically operate flights on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though flight schedules might be altered or reduced. If you’re flying, expect longer wait times and ensure your flight is confirmed ahead of time. Most airports will be less crowded on Christmas Day itself.
- Road Traffic: Christmas Eve will see moderate to heavy traffic as people travel to their holiday destinations. On Christmas Day, roads should be quieter, though there might be some delays due to weather conditions or holiday travelers.
Tips for Planning Your Holiday
- Check Hours Ahead of Time: Many businesses, especially smaller ones, may have unpredictable hours, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their website for updates.
- Stock Up in Advance: Avoid the stress of searching for open stores on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by stocking up on essentials like food, medicine, and household items well ahead of time.
- Plan for Online Shopping: If you’re still finishing your holiday shopping, know that many retailers have adjusted shipping times or might not offer next-day shipping as Christmas approaches. It’s wise to complete purchases early.
- Be Patient: Whether you’re waiting in line or trying to get through traffic, remember that many people are celebrating the holidays with family and friends, so some things may take a little longer than usual.
