Walmart Christmas Eve Hours 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before Last-Minute Shopping

Christmas Eve is one of those days when time seems to slip through your fingers. Whether you forgot to buy batteries for that remote-controlled car or suddenly realized you’re short on wrapping paper, knowing exactly when Walmart is open can save your holiday plans. Let me walk you through everything about Walmart’s Christmas Eve hours, including what you should expect and how to make the most of your visit.

What Are Walmart’s Christmas Eve Hours in 2025?

Walmart stores typically operate with modified hours on Christmas Eve, though the exact timing can vary by location. For Christmas Eve 2025, most Walmart locations are expected to open at their regular time—usually 6:00 AM—and close earlier than usual, around 6:00 PM. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation.

Some Walmart Supercenters in busier areas might extend their walmart christmas eve hours slightly, while smaller Neighborhood Markets could adjust differently. The key point here is that Walmart does not stay open 24 hours on Christmas Eve, even at locations that normally operate around the clock.

How Walmart Christmas Eve Hours Compare to Regular Days

On a typical day, Walmart Supercenters are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with some 24-hour locations still operating in select markets. But Christmas Eve is different. The retailer respects that employees need time to get home and spend the evening with their families, which is why you’ll notice that walmart hours christmas eve are significantly reduced.

This early closure on Christmas Eve has become standard practice across major retailers. Target, for instance, also closes early on December 24th, typically around 8:00 PM. Meanwhile, stores like Costco usually wrap up operations by 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve as well.

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Is Walmart Open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Yes, Walmart is open on Christmas Eve 2025. Unlike Christmas Day itself, when Walmart stores remain closed nationwide, Christmas Eve sees most locations welcoming shoppers for that final holiday rush. This has been Walmart’s consistent policy for years, allowing customers one last chance to grab forgotten items before the big day.

The question “is walmart open on christmas eve” trends heavily every December because people genuinely need to confirm before making the trip. And the answer remains the same: yes, but with reduced hours.

Understanding the Differences: Walmart Christmas Eve Hours Across Store Formats

Walmart operates different store formats, and their Christmas Eve schedules can vary:

Walmart Supercenters are the large, full-service stores you probably think of first. These locations typically maintain the 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule on Christmas Eve.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets are smaller, grocery-focused stores. These might close even earlier, sometimes around 5:00 PM, since they cater more to quick grocery runs rather than general merchandise shopping.

Walmart Pickup and Delivery services also operate on Christmas Eve, though with limited time slots. If you’re planning to use curbside pickup or same-day delivery, I’d recommend placing your order by the morning of December 24th to secure a slot.

What Time Does Walmart Close on Christmas Eve?

The standard closing time for Walmart on Christmas Eve is 6:00 PM local time. This means whether you’re shopping in California, Texas, or New York, you should plan to complete your shopping and checkout by early evening. Store associates will typically start making closing announcements around 5:30 PM to give customers time to wrap up.

If you’re wondering what time does walmart close on christmas eve in your specific area, the most reliable approach is calling your local store directly or checking the Walmart store finder online. Individual locations sometimes adjust based on local factors.

How to Confirm Your Local Walmart’s Christmas Eve Schedule

Here’s exactly how to verify walmart christmas eve hours for your nearest location:

First, visit walmart.com and use the store finder feature. Enter your zip code or city name. When you click on your preferred store, scroll down to the hours section. During the holiday season, Walmart updates this information to reflect special hours like those on Christmas Eve.

Alternatively, you can download the Walmart app, which shows store-specific hours and even lets you see how busy a location is in real-time. This feature has been incredibly helpful during busy shopping days.

The third option is simply calling the store directly. Every Walmart’s phone number is listed online, and speaking to someone at the customer service desk takes only a minute.

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Why Does Walmart Close Early on Christmas Eve?

Walmart’s decision to reduce walmart hours christmas eve comes down to respecting employee time off during the holidays. Retail workers often work extended hours during the busy shopping season, and closing early on Christmas Eve allows them to spend the evening with their families.

This practice has become more pronounced in recent years as retailers increasingly recognize the importance of work-life balance, especially during major holidays. Walmart made significant changes to its holiday scheduling after feedback from employees and advocacy groups highlighted the challenges of working late on Christmas Eve.

Planning Your Christmas Eve Walmart Trip

If you absolutely need to visit Walmart on Christmas Eve, timing matters tremendously. Based on shopping pattern data, the busiest periods are typically between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Shoppers flood in during late morning and early afternoon, making checkout lines longer and parking lots more crowded.

Your best strategy? Shop either right when the store opens at 6:00 AM or during the mid-afternoon lull around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Yes, you’re closer to closing time, but the crowds thin out as people head home.

Also, go in with a list. Wandering aimlessly during walmart christmas eve hours is a recipe for frustration. Know exactly what you need, where it’s located, and have a backup plan if something is out of stock.

What Happens After Christmas Eve? Walmart’s Christmas Day Hours

Here’s something crucial to remember: Walmart is completely closed on Christmas Day. All locations, including Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, remain shut. This has been Walmart’s policy consistently, making it one of the few days each year when the retail giant closes entirely.

If you’re asking “is target open on christmas eve” or comparing other retailers, Target also closes on December 25th, while staying open with reduced hours on Christmas Eve. The pattern is similar across most major retailers.

Target Christmas Eve Hours and Other Competitor Comparisons

Since many people compare options, let’s look at target christmas eve hours as well. Target typically opens at 7:00 AM and closes around 8:00 PM on Christmas Eve. This gives Target a slight advantage if you’re shopping later in the day compared to walmart christmas eve hours.

Dollar General and Dollar Tree also maintain modified schedules, usually closing between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on December 24th. Best Buy and other electronics retailers follow similar patterns, recognizing that Christmas Eve is when people do their absolute last-minute shopping.

Costco’s christmas eve hours are even more limited—they typically close by 6:00 PM as well, sometimes earlier at 5:00 PM. Grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway often stay open later, sometimes until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.

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Is Costco Open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, Costco is open on Christmas Eve, though with reduced hours. Most Costco warehouses close around 6:00 PM on December 24th, similar to Walmart. However, you should verify your local Costco’s specific schedule as some locations adjust differently based on regional demand.

The question “is costco open on christmas eve” gets searched alongside walmart inquiries because shoppers often compare bulk shopping options during the holiday season. Both retailers close early and remain completely closed on Christmas Day itself.

Stores Open on Christmas Eve: Your Complete Shopping Options

Beyond Walmart, here’s what you can expect from other retailers on Christmas Eve:

CVS and Walgreens typically maintain regular hours or close slightly early, making them reliable for last-minute pharmacy needs or small gift items.

Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix usually operate with extended hours on Christmas Eve, often staying open until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM to accommodate food shoppers.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K often remain open later or maintain 24-hour operations, though some locations might close early.

Gas stations with attached convenience stores are your best bet for extremely late-night needs on Christmas Eve.

Understanding which stores open on christmas eve helps you plan backup options if Walmart doesn’t have what you need or if you’re running late.

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Online Shopping and Delivery Options for Christmas Eve

If you’re concerned about making it to Walmart during their christmas eve hours, consider online alternatives. Walmart’s website continues taking orders through Christmas Eve, though delivery timing becomes highly restricted.

For same-day delivery, orders typically need to be placed by mid-morning on December 24th to have any chance of arriving the same day. Express delivery might be available in some metro areas but comes with premium pricing.

Amazon, meanwhile, offers last-minute options for Prime members, though anything ordered on Christmas Eve itself is unlikely to arrive before December 26th. Their “Get it by Christmas” cutoff usually falls around December 21st for standard shipping.

Real Experiences: What Shoppers Say About Christmas Eve at Walmart

Looking at Reddit discussions and online forums about walmart christmas eve hours, shoppers consistently mention a few themes. First, the parking situation can be chaotic—arrive expecting a full lot and prepare to walk a bit.

Second, popular items sell out quickly. Batteries, gift bags, wrapping supplies, and certain toys often disappear by early afternoon. One Reddit user shared that they arrived at 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve looking for AA batteries and found completely empty shelves.

Third, store associates are understandably ready to leave by closing time. Multiple shoppers noted that checkout lanes start closing progressively after 5:30 PM, funneling everyone toward fewer registers. This creates longer wait times right before the store closes.

Common Mistakes People Make Shopping Christmas Eve at Walmart

One major error is assuming walmart hours christmas eve match regular hours. Arriving at 7:00 PM expecting the store to be open leads to disappointment and wasted time.

Another mistake is not having a backup store in mind. If Walmart doesn’t have what you need, knowing whether Target is still open or which grocery stores have extended hours saves precious time.

Finally, some shoppers underestimate checkout time. Even with self-checkout options, the lines on Christmas Eve can add 20-30 minutes to your shopping trip. Factor this into your planning, especially if you’re coordinating with family dinner schedules.

How to Make the Most of Walmart Christmas Eve Hours

Arrive early if possible—the 6:00 AM opening sees surprisingly few shoppers considering it’s Christmas Eve. Use the Walmart app to create a shopping list organized by aisle location, which speeds up your trip significantly.

Consider using Walmart Pay through the app for faster checkout, especially at self-service stations. If you’re buying electronics or high-value items, having your payment method ready on your phone eliminates fumbling with cards and wallets.

Park toward the back of the lot if arriving during peak hours. Yes, it’s a longer walk, but you’ll save time not circling for closer spots and you’ll get out faster when leaving.

The Future of Holiday Shopping Hours

Retail trends suggest that early closures on Christmas Eve and full closures on Christmas Day will likely continue and possibly expand. As employee advocacy grows stronger and work-life balance becomes a more prominent business concern, major retailers are finding that closing on major holidays doesn’t significantly impact annual revenue while substantially improving employee satisfaction.

Walmart has publicly committed to these policies in recent years, and barring unforeseen circumstances, walmart christmas eve hours will probably remain consistent with the 6:00 PM closure time for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion: Planning Your Christmas Eve Walmart Trip Successfully

Understanding walmart christmas eve hours comes down to three key points: most stores open at 6:00 AM, close at 6:00 PM, and are completely closed on Christmas Day itself. These hours apply to the vast majority of Walmart locations across the United States, though regional variations exist.

Your smartest move is verifying your local store’s specific schedule through Walmart’s website or app, planning to shop either very early or during the mid-afternoon lull, and having a clear list of what you need. Remember that popular items sell out quickly, checkout lines get long as closing time approaches, and backup plans are essential.

Whether you’re grabbing forgotten ingredients for Christmas dinner, picking up last-minute gifts, or just need batteries for all those new toys, knowing exactly when Walmart is open on Christmas Eve eliminates stress and helps you get home faster to enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.