Target’s Christmas Eve Hours: What to Know

Breaking: Target will shorten hours on Christmas Eve, and close on Christmas Day. If you still need gifts, craft supplies, or party gear, this is your window. I have the plan to help you finish fast, enjoy the holiday, and even squeeze in a hobby win. 🎁

What you need to know right now

Target stores will operate on reduced hours on Christmas Eve. Many locations plan to close in the early evening, with a common wrap time around 8 pm. Some smaller markets may shut closer to 6 pm. A few urban stores could push a little later. The chain will close on Christmas Day.

Holiday schedules vary by store and city. Confirm before you go. Use Target’s store locator, the Target app, or call your local store to get today’s exact hours. That minute of checking can save you a wasted drive.

How Target stacks up to other stops

Big retailers tighten hours on Christmas Eve. Warehouse clubs often close mid afternoon. Off price chains and department stores usually shut in the early evening. Many grocers run shorter days, then lock up for Christmas Day or shift to limited hours.

This matters if you are stitching together a multi store run. Start with any store that closes the earliest. End at Target for the broadest mix. It covers toys, games, pantry basics, décor, and emergency wrapping.

Beat the rush, enjoy the day

Your best move is simple. Go early. Lines are shorter, shelves are fuller, and staff has more time to help. Keep your list tight. Shop the sections that deliver the most fun for the least stress.

• Board games and puzzles for family time
• Craft kits, markers, yarn, and glue for holiday projects
• Baking supplies and serveware for hosts and bakers
• Stocking stuffers, candles, and cozy socks for quick wins
• Gift cards for the last name you forgot

If the aisle looks picked over, pivot fast. Swap a sold out board game for a puzzle and a pack of cocoa. Replace a hard to find Lego set with a creative craft box. Most families want something to do together tonight. Give them that.

Same day options, still in play

In store hours may shrink, but same day services can save you precious time. Order Pickup is ideal if the item is in your store. Drive Up lets you skip the aisles and stay warm. Same day delivery can bail you out if you cannot leave home.

Watch the clock. Pickup and delivery windows can fill fast as closing time nears. Items go out of stock faster today. If you see it available, place the order right away. You can always edit the cart within a short window.

For hobbyists, think kits and consumables. A sketchbook plus pencils. A candle making kit plus extra wicks. Baking pans plus parchment and sprinkles. Experiences count too. Pair a journal with a planned coffee date. Pair a puzzle with a promise of hot cocoa and music. Small ideas become big memories when you frame them well.

Stay calm, shop smart

Traffic gets sticky near dinner. Parking lots grow tense. Patience pays. Park a little farther out. Skip the cart if you only need a few items. Use self checkout when your basket is simple. Keep a backup item in mind for any must have.

Keep an eye on the front of the store. Seasonal staff will often steer you to faster lanes and open extra registers as crowds build. Smile, thank the team, and keep it moving. Your good mood sets the tone at home.

Christmas Eve shopping can be joyful. It can feel like sport. You are hunting for final touches that bring people together. Quick games for after dinner. A craft to calm the noise. A candle to soften the room. Target’s shortened hours mean you need a plan, not panic.

Here is the bottom line. Most Target stores will close early this evening, and all will be closed on Christmas Day. Check your local hours, use the app, and move early. Grab what sparks connection, not clutter. Then get home, light the tree, and make the night your own. ⏰