Supermarkets' opening hours on Christmas Eve and Day: Walmart, Costco, Target...
Christmas Day is fast approaching and there's little time left to pick up those last-minute essentials to make this a Holiday season to remember.
With just two days to go until the big day there is little time to get any last-minute supplies that you may need for Christmas. The pandemic has disrupted many people’s plans this holiday season with millions of Americans unable to visit family and advised against travel, and limits placed on restaurants, bars and stores.
In these circumstances we have seen long queues outside stores for weeks and you can expect more of the same on Christmas Eve. With so many avoiding stores during the pandemic stores are even experiencing massive lines in parking lots and curbside pick-up areas.
Supermarket opening times Christmas Eve 2020
Despite the disruption this year, most stores are operating similar hours to last year to minimise the risk of crowds. In general, 6pm is the most common closing time on 24 December 2020.
However there are some exceptions with Best Buy stores closing at 7pm. Target, which did not close its stores until 10pm last year, will close at 8pm.
As for the other major supermarket chains:
Costco: Hours can vary and senior hours may apply, but many stores are open 9am to 5pm. Thursday.
Walgreens: Most stores open until midnight and open regular hours Christmas Day; pharmacy hours vary.
Walmart: All stores close at 6pm and all locations will be closed Christmas Day.
World Market: 10am to 6pm.
Grocery stores opening on Christmas Day 2020
As usual there are a small number of grocery stores who will be opening for reduced hours on Christmas Day, in case you are missing any vital ingredients for your holiday dinner. Bear in mind that the times may vary in different states so it is always worth checking before you head out.
Albertsons: Most Albertson's locations will be open from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Christmas Day.
Giant: Some Giant stores will remain open on Christmas Day, with hours of 8am to 5pm.
Safeway: Some Safeway's will be open on Christmas Day, contact your local store for more details.
Same-day delivery on offer from some supermarkets
The home delivery market has experienced an unprecedented surge in 2020 with millions of Americans unable or unwilling to leave their homes. Same-day delivery services has thrived in these conditions and Evaline George, director of business communications at Shipt, said it had because a convenience in these circumstances.
“Early in 2020, we had a goal for people to view same-day delivery not as a luxury, but as a convenience. What we have seen is that the American consumer and retailer have embraced that," she told USA Today.
If you want to take advantage of this convenient new way to shop this Christmas Target is offering same-day Christmas Eve delivery for orders placed as late at 5pm on Thursday 24 December. Orders can be placed on the Target app or website and are delivered through Shipt.
Walmart also offer something similar with their own in-house delivery service. However you will need to get your orders in soon because the cut-off for Christmas Eve delivery is 1pm on 24 December. If you opt for express delivery you will receive your order ($35 or more) in two hours or less, pending availability.