Christmas is that magical time of the year, marked with events and family meets, and all those merriments. It does come with its logistical mess, though, since most businesses are open only for reduced hours or closed completely. Knowing what’s open and what’s closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2024 will just get you all sorted out. This report gives you an in-depth guide to make your journey through the holiday season trouble-free.
Banks
Majority of the banks are going to be open on Christmas Eve, that is, December 24th. Christmas Day, that is, December 25th is a federal holiday, and therefore, large banks such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Capital One, and PNC Bank will be closed.
Truist Bank will close its doors early at 2 PM on Christmas Eve, while CitiBank closes both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Online and mobile banking services will be active, but some transactions could be delayed until December 26, when the banks open again.
Also read : 5 Creative Office Christmas Celebration Ideas to Boost Holiday Cheer
Retail Stores
Walmart and Target
Retailing giants Walmart and Target have made their special hours for Christmas Eve. They will close up early, according to announcements. The Walmart stores are closing at 6 pm, while the Target stores will operate up to 8 pm. Both stores are closed on Christmas Day for the employees to spend a day with their families. Normal operations resume on December 26.
Costco, Sam’s Club, H-E-B
CostCo is accessible from Christmas Eve but might differ with location, and they will be closed on Christmas Day. Sam’s Club will be closed at 6 pm on Christmas Eve and, therefore, will be on December 25. Same is the case with H-E-B, which also closes its doors at 8 pm on Christmas Eve and will be closed at Christmas Day.
Postal Services
The USPS would work on Christmas Eve for regular mail delivery and had open post offices for urgent shipping needs. However, it would close all its offices on Christmas Day, as well as cease regular delivery.
Priority Mail Express
For immediate delivery, its services would function on Christmas Day. This would provide a great amount of relief to people as regards sending and receiving the important packages in the limited season.
Courier Services
UPS
UPS shall offer limited services on Christmas Eve. Air and International Air deliveries shall be permitted only if booked on or before December 19. Ground services shall not be offered.
UPS pickup and delivery services shall not be offered on Christmas Day except for UPS Express Critical, which provides urgent shipments. Ship earlier in advance to avoid delay on shipping needs.
FedEx
FedEx also provides some facilities on Christmas Eve. Fed Ex operates on Christmas day only by FedEx Custom Critical in the case of urgent shipments.
Grocery Stores
Grocery shopping can be a chore on Christmas. Most grocery stores will be open only part of the day Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. For example, H-E-B will close at 8 PM Christmas Eve. It is wise to prepare ahead of time and not have to make a last-minute run.
Restaurants
Most restaurants, especially national chains, will be open Christmas Eve but likely close early. On Christmas Day, most restaurants will be closed but some will offer special holiday menus or take-out services. Check with your local restaurant for actual hours.
Gas Stations
Holiday travelers need gas stations. Most major stations will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but some may have limited hours or be short-staffed. Fill up your tank well in advance to avoid a hassle.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies, for example, CVS and Walgreens typically are open on Christmas Eve but some locations may operate during shorter hours. On Christmas Day, some pharmacy branches will be open but this depends on your location. If you have medication or health-related needs, plan ahead before this day.
Entertainment Venues
Christmas is a holiday in which people just relax, and thus, one finds movie houses as well as skating rinks popular destinations. Most theatres usually open on Christmas eve and Christmas day for their holiday special screenings, however; some places such as amusement parks may be entirely shut down. So remember always to check the calendar prior to leaving.
Public Transport
Public transportation services, which include buses and trains, typically operate on a reduced schedule during the holidays. Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, will be available but may run up in price due to greater demand and wait times. It is smart to plan ahead.
Gyms and Fitness Centers
For fitness enthusiasts, gyms and fitness centers are part of their lives. Many gyms would open with reduced hours on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day. Use the day to have fun out in the open or take some well-deserved rest.
Hospitals and Emergency Services
Hospitals and emergency services are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This includes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Outpatient clinics and non-emergency medical services may have reduced hours or be closed. It is best to call ahead for any medical concerns.
Holiday Closure Tips
- Shop Early: Buy all your holiday gifts before December 24 to avoid a crowded store and early closings.
- Verify Hours Online: Confirm the holiday hours through a website or social media of the store and service provider.
- Stock Up on Essentials: Stock up grocery, medicines, and essentials so that there is no last minute hassle.
- Plan Smart Travel: Fill up gas, book tickets, and confirm transport to avoid disruptions.
- Schedule Shipments Early: Meet shipping deadlines to prevent delays during holidays.
- Be flexible: Prepare for the longer wait and lesser services when businesses fall back to more basic activities.
Why Businesses Close During Christmas
Christmas is a season to spend with family and loved ones, and most businesses close during this period to enable employees to do the same. There is also less demand for services on December 25, which is a practical reason why most businesses would like to close or operate less during that day.
Also read: Walmart Christmas Eve Hours 2024: Shop Smart This Holiday Season
Conclusion
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring the joy of celebrations but altered schedules for businesses and services. Banks, retail stores, postal services, courier companies, and other such essential services follow specific holiday hours. Planning ahead will ensure a hassle-free holiday season.
With all the preparation and knowledge in advance, you would avoid all sorts of inconvenience and make full use of this festival season. Wish you all a wonderful holiday season and treasure all these moments with your loved ones and witness the magic of Christmas!
