Costco is closing early on New Year’s Eve. The warehouse giant will run reduced hours on December 31, then go dark on January 1. If you are planning one last stock‑up, move fast. Doors will not stay open late, and many departments wind down before the registers do. Here is what to know, plus what to grab before the ball drops. 🥂
Costco New Year’s Eve hours, at a glance
Costco warehouses are open on New Year’s Eve with shortened hours. Closing times vary by location, but many clubs wrap up in the early evening, often around 6 pm local time. Morning openings are also standard, yet some warehouses push doors a bit later than usual for the holiday.
All United States locations are closed on New Year’s Day. That pause covers the main sales floor and key services.
All U.S. Costco warehouses are closed on January 1. Plan prescriptions, returns, and party restocks before the early close on December 31.
Expect a different rhythm in the building. Bakery racks clear quickly. Liquor aisles see heavy traffic by mid afternoon. Gas lines surge after lunch as drivers top off before the holiday. Aim for late morning to dodge the worst waits.
What is closed and when
Exact hours depend on your warehouse. Several departments also close earlier than the main floor.
- Pharmacy, optical, hearing, tire, and photo may post shorter holiday hours
- Gas stations often open early, then close early to match the warehouse
- Food court may shut down before the final register cutoff
Department hours can change without much notice on December 31. Check your local warehouse page or the Costco app before you go.
If you need a prescription pickup or tire repair, do not wait. Those counters tend to close first.
How to shop smart before the early close
Speed is everything today. Traffic builds through midday, and many items sell down by late afternoon. Here is the simplest winning plan.
- Check your warehouse hours in the app, then set a leave‑by time.
- Build a short list, five to eight items, and stick to it.
- Shop perimeter first for fresh and ready‑to‑serve food.
- Hit staple aisles last for pantry, drinks, and paper goods.
- Fuel up before shopping if the line is short.
Use the Costco app to confirm hours, find the busiest times chart, and pull your digital membership card at the door. It saves crucial minutes.
If timing is tight, consider placing a Same‑Day delivery order through Costco’s partner service. Delivery windows are limited on holidays, and some cut off early. Do not count on January 1 fulfillment, since warehouses are closed and operations pause.
Deals to target now
New Year’s Eve is about speed and value. Look for items that save prep time and stretch your party budget.
- Party trays and deli favorites like shrimp rings, sushi, and croissant sandwiches
- Cheese, charcuterie, crackers, and fresh bakery desserts
- Sparkling wine and nonalcoholic bubbly, plus mixers and ice
- Batteries, paper towels, napkins, and trash bags for cleanup
You will also see strong prices on fitness gear, pantry bulk buys, and storage bins. Retailers push fresh starts at year end, and Costco leans into that with seasonal resets. Expect markdowns on some winter apparel and gift sets as space clears for January inventory. Electronics promotions are still around, though the deepest TV discounts often shift into early January. If a model you want is already marked down today, grab it. Stock counts are tight after holiday rush.
Missed the window? Your backup moves
If your warehouse is closing sooner than you can get there, you still have options. Several big‑box competitors stay open later on New Year’s Eve, though many also cut hours. Drugstores and grocers often keep evening schedules for last‑minute party goods. Still, prices on bulk beverages, paper products, and trays are usually better at Costco. Compare only when you must.
Returns will have to wait. The first day to bring back holiday items is January 2, when normal operations resume. That includes electronics return counters. Keep your receipt and all accessories together to speed your trip. If you are planning a big restock at the start of the year, expect heavy traffic on that Tuesday morning. Early birds will have the easiest run.
Bottom line
Costco is open on New Year’s Eve with reduced hours, then closed all day on January 1. Shop late morning for the fastest experience, and keep your list tight. Focus on ready‑to‑serve food, sparkling drinks, and cleanup essentials. Confirm your local hours in the app to avoid a wasted drive, and do not count on last‑minute department services. Finish the year stocked and stress free, then enjoy the holiday. ⏰
