Holiday store clocks just shifted, and your gift plan needs to shift with them. I have the latest on Target hours and the rest of the big-box lineup, right now. If you are plotting a last dash for toys, pantry backups, or curbside pickups, this is your map to open doors, short lines, and fewer headaches.
The short version, so you can move
Most major retailers run reduced hours on Christmas Eve. Many are closed on Christmas Day. That includes Target. Pharmacies and pickup services often shut earlier than the main floor, and some grocery divisions make their own calls. Treat corporate hours as a guide, then verify your specific store before you leave the driveway.
Target holiday hours, at a glance. Most stores close at 8 pm on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day. Local stores can adjust, so check yours first.
Quick snapshot for last minute stops
Use this snapshot to sketch your route, then confirm locally.
- Target, usually until 8 pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
- Walmart, often until 6 pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
- H E B, typically until 8 pm on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
- Kroger, many divisions close 6 to 8 pm on Christmas Eve, many closed Christmas Day
- Costco, usually early close on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day
These are standard patterns I am seeing across markets. Your neighborhood location can shift by an hour or two. Small-format stores, like urban Targets or local grocers, tend to close earlier.
Store by store, what matters for hobbyists and homebodies
Target is the big swing for gift hunters. Think toys, board games, craft kits, and stocking stuffers. Most locations cut off at 8 pm on Christmas Eve. CVS inside Target usually shortens hours even further. Since the building closes on Christmas Day, the in-store pharmacy is not available then. Curbside and same day delivery often stop mid to late afternoon on Christmas Eve to let workers close down on time.
Walmart is a solid backup if you are filling craft drawers or grabbing a new puzzle. Expect a 6 pm close on Christmas Eve at most stores. Pharmacy and vision centers shut earlier than that. Walmart is closed on Christmas Day in most places.
H E B is a Texas mainstay for food gifts, cookie tins, and last minute wrapping gear. The chain typically shuts at 8 pm on Christmas Eve and remains closed on Christmas Day. Curbside slots fill fast today. If your app shows no pickup times, walk in early for the cleanest run.
Kroger is more variable, since divisions set local hours. Many close between 6 and 8 pm on Christmas Eve. Some are closed on Christmas Day, others open with tight morning windows. If you rely on the floral counter for hostess gifts, visit before lunch. Those counters often close first.
Costco is your bulk hero for party trays and batteries. Expect an early Christmas Eve close, often a 5 pm roll down, and a full close on Christmas Day. The photo counter and hearing aid center usually close well before the warehouse.
Pharmacy hours are not the same as store hours. Plan refills for the morning. Many pharmacies close early on Christmas Eve and may be closed on Christmas Day, even if a nearby convenience pharmacy is open.
Pickup, delivery, and the craft table rescue
If you are trying to save time, curbside can still win. Here is how to lock a plan in minutes.
- Open the retailer app, then set your store location.
- Check pickup cutoffs, which often end hours before the store closes.
- Place the order, then wait for a ready notification before you leave.
- If slots are gone, switch to delivery or walk in early.
Same day delivery windows also shrink as the day goes on. Art supplies, candles, and baking goods tend to sell out first. Consider swapping colors or brands if your exact item is out. Your home project will still land.
Best time to shop today. Be at the doors within the first hour. You will find full shelves, open parking, and faster lines.
Smart timing for a calmer run
Early morning is gold. You get fresh stock and fewer carts in the aisles. Midday brings families and longer returns lines. Late afternoon becomes a rush to close. If you must go late, make a short list and park near the garden or side entrance to shave minutes. Bring reusable bags, keep receipts handy, and use self checkout if your cart is small.
Know your backups too. Craft store gift cards, puzzle books, and candle kits save the day when big boxes close. A simple cocoa basket with marshmallows, a cozy mug, and a handwritten note beats a frantic search down a dark aisle.
The bottom line
Target hours are tightening tonight, and the same goes for Walmart, H E B, Kroger, and Costco. Most close early on Christmas Eve and go dark on Christmas Day. Treat these as live conditions. Confirm your local store, move early, and keep a flexible list. Do that, and you will be back home with gifts, snacks, and calm before the lights twinkle.
