With Christmas just around the corner, the festive rush is at its peak globally. For those in the United States needing to pick up some final ingredients or forgotten gifts, several major grocery and retail chains will keep their doors open on Christmas Eve, albeit with special holiday hours. Here is a detailed, store-by-store guide to help you plan your last-minute shopping spree.
Major Retailers and Their Christmas Eve Schedules
Understanding the adjusted timings of popular stores can save you a frantic last-minute drive. Most chains will close earlier than usual, and all will remain shut on Christmas Day.
Walmart has confirmed that its stores across the US will be operational on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. However, shoppers should note that operating hours will be limited. All Walmart locations will open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. Following the tradition from the previous year, all Walmart stores will be closed for the entire Christmas Day.
Kroger and Its Family of Stores
A Kroger business representative informed USA TODAY that the Kroger chain and its affiliated stores will remain open on Christmas Eve. The majority of these outlets are expected to close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM local time. Customers are strongly advised to verify the exact timings for their specific store by checking online or calling directly.
The extensive Kroger family includes a wide array of regional brands such as:
- Baker's, City Market, Dillons
- Food 4 Less, Foods Co., Fred Meyer
- Fry's, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store
- King Soopers, Mariano's, Metro Market
- Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick'n Save, QFC
- Ralphs, Ruler, and Smith's Food and Drug
Warehouse Club Hours for Christmas Eve
Bulk-buying destinations are also adjusting their schedules for the festive evening.
According to its official website, the majority of Costco warehouses will welcome members on December 24. Their hours will be from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Sam's Club will also be open, but with a tiered entry system for its members. On Christmas Eve, warehouses will operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM for Plus Members. Regular club members can shop from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Similarly, BJ's Wholesale Club will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The optical departments within BJ's will have slightly shorter hours, functioning from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
Regional Supermarket Chains
Other popular grocery stores have also announced their plans. Food Lion stores will function on Christmas Eve, with most locations closing at 7:00 PM local time. Their in-store pharmacies will have reduced hours, open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The Harris Teeter chain has confirmed it will be open on December 24 as well, with stores planning to shut their doors at 7:00 PM local time.
Key Takeaways for Last-Minute Shoppers
The universal trend across all retailers is an early closure on Christmas Eve and a complete shutdown on Christmas Day. This allows employees to celebrate the holiday with their families. For shoppers, this means planning is crucial. Always double-check the timings of your local store via their website or a quick phone call, as hours can sometimes vary by location despite corporate guidelines. With this information in hand, you can efficiently grab those final items and settle in for a joyful Christmas celebration.
