Before you head out for those final holiday essentials, check this guide to the modified hours for major retailers and grocery stores, from Aldi and Costco to Home Depot and CVS.

Whether you need a forgotten ingredient for Christmas dinner or a last-minute gift, knowing which stores are open can save you a frantic drive on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Many major U.S. retailers operate on reduced hours for December 24th and are closed on December 25th to allow employees time with their families. This guide compiles the announced holiday hours for national chains to help you plan your final holiday errands. Always confirm with your local store using the company's online store locator, as hours can vary by location.

Grocery & Wholesale Stores

·         Aldi: Stores will operate on limited hours for Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. Check your local Aldi for specific early closure times.

·         Costco: All warehouse locations will be closed on Christmas Day. The company has not published specific Christmas Eve hours; members should use the Costco store locator to check if their local warehouse is open.

·         BJ’s Wholesale Club: Locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All BJ’s stores, including gas stations, will be closed on Christmas Day.

Pharmacies & General Retail

·         CVS: Store hours will vary by location on Christmas Eve, with many closing early. Most, if not all, CVS stores will be closed on Christmas Day. Use the CVS store locator to find your pharmacy's specific hours.

·         Best Buy: While not specifying universal hours, the company's store locator indicates most locations will be closed on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours are not standardized, so it is essential to check online.

·         IKEA: All IKEA stores, along with delivery and customer service, will be closed on Christmas Day. The retailer recommends using its store locator for potential Christmas Eve hours, which may be limited.

Home Improvement & Department Stores

·         Home Depot: Stores will be open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day.

·         Lowe’s: Similar to Home Depot, most Lowe’s locations will operate on limited hours for Christmas Eve (with many service departments closing at 5 p.m.) and will be closed on Christmas Day.

Key Tips for Last-Minute Shoppers

1.    Call Ahead or Check Online: Store locator tools on company websites are the most reliable source for your specific location's hours.

2.    Plan for Early Closures: Even if a store is open on Christmas Eve, expect it to close much earlier than usual, typically between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

3.    Online Orders: While you can place orders online, fulfillment for in-store pickup or delivery will not occur on Christmas Day at closed retailers.

4.    Gas Stations & Convenience Stores: Many independent gas stations and convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) may remain open on Christmas Day, though hours can be unpredictable.

With a little planning, you can secure those last-minute items and enjoy a stress-free holiday. From our team to yours, we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas.

Source: Holiday hours were compiled from the official websites and public holiday announcements of the retailers listed, including Aldi, Costco, BJ's Wholesale Club, CVS, Best Buy, IKEA, Home Depot, and Lowe's.