It's that time of year. Stockings are hung by the chimney, lights are glistening, and stores are adjusting their hours to accommodate holiday shopping. But once the buzz of the holiday season really gets going, many stores close up for the actual holiday. But don't worry, if you need a last-minute treat or ingredient, you won't be completely stuck.
We took a look at grocers across the U.S. to find out which ones have open hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so you don't have to waste your time or money driving around town to figure it out yourself. Just make sure to call and confirm at your specific location before heading out.
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Albertson's
While many Albertson's locations are known to close on Christmas Day, some will have adjusted, shortened hours between 8 am and 4 pm. Albertson's will remain open on Christmas Eve.
Safeway
If you need it early on Christmas Eve, Safeway keeps hours from 6 am to 8 pm. Each Safeway chain abides by its own holiday hour adjustments, though some will be open on Christmas Day — just be sure to call before you leave.
Sprouts Farmer's Market
Sprouts Farmers' Market will be open on Christmas Eve from 7 am to 10 pm. Sprouts will be closed on Christmas Day and reopen at 7 am the next day.
Morton Williams
Morton Williams serves the greater New York City area, and opened their doors on Christmas Day last year from 7am to 7pm, so we're expecting something similar for this year.
Hy-Vee
While most Hy-Vee locations are open from 6 am to 5pm on Christmas Eve, the hours vary depending on your location. All storefronts are completely closed on Christmas Day, and doors open back up at 6am on December 26th.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's will have reduced hours for Christmas Eve and will be closing at 5 pm, and most locations are expected to be closed on Christmas Day.
Publix
All Publix locations will be closed on Christmas Day this year. If you need to head in to get something last-minute, note that they will be open Christmas Eve, but you'll have to complete your shopping by the time they close at 7 pm.
Wawa
Wawa is a grocery chain known for being open 24 hours a day. While this is largely true 365 days a year, there are some locations that will slightly modify their hours on major holidays. Check your location's holiday hours for more information.
Winn Dixie
While it has varied from year to year, popular southern grocer Winn Dixie will host hours from 7 am to 9 pm on Christmas Eve, but close entirely on Christmas Day.
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Big Saver Foods
Big Saver Foods is a great spot to shop if you're on the West Coast. While locations likely have shortened hours on Christmas Eve, the chain is generally open from 7am to 8pm on Christmas Day to accommodate the holiday shoppers.
Costco
While they should be hosting normal hours on Christmas Eve, all Costco locations nationwide are closed on Christmas in observance of the holiday. They are also closed on Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
BJ's
While BJ's locations are known to be open from 8 am to 9 pm daily, their holiday hours vary. Luckily, they are also posted publicly and are similar every year. On Christmas Eve, there will be shortened hours and the stores will close at 6pm. They will be closed for Christmas Day.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods is open even more often than Aldi, with modified hours at most locations on Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Christmas Eve. Every single location shuts its doors on Christmas Day, and that is the only time their lights are off nationwide.
Giant Food
East Coast grocery chain Giant Food will be open for Christmas Eve, though hours may vary depending on location. Most locations open back up from 8am to 5pm on Christmas Day, so feel free to run out and grab any last-minute necessities if you're close to one.
Sam's Club
While Sam's Club's modified Christmas Eve hours will be 10 am to 6 pm. They will be closed on Christmas Day.
Ralph's
Ralph's has a pretty easy schedule for the holidays and abides by it nationwide every year. The store will close at 10 pm on Christmas Eve, with fuel centers shuttering at 9 pm and most pharmacies at 5 pm. The majority of Ralph's locations will be closed on Christmas day.
Bottom line
While most grocers are open (albeit for limited hours) on the 24th, there aren't many full-service grocers open on Christmas Day — but there are still some options out there. Save money on groceries and other fun items by taking advantage of holiday pricing all the way down to the wire.
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