As Christmas approaches, millions of Americans are finalizing shopping lists, planning family meals, and handling last-minute errands. One question comes up every year, especially for those relying on big-box retailers for essentials: is walmart open on christmas eve? For 2025, the answer is clear, confirmed, and important for anyone planning a holiday shopping trip.
Walmart will be open on Christmas Eve 2025, but not for its usual full day. The retailer has confirmed reduced hours nationwide, giving shoppers a window to prepare while allowing employees time to observe the holiday with their families. Understanding these hours can help you avoid stress, crowds, and closed doors.
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Walmart Christmas Eve Hours for 2025
Walmart stores across the United States will be open on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with shortened operating hours. Most locations are scheduled to open early in the morning and close earlier than normal in the evening.
For the majority of Walmart Supercenters, discount stores, and Neighborhood Markets, stores are expected to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve. These hours apply broadly nationwide, although exact times may vary slightly by location.
The early closing is intentional and consistent with Walmart’s holiday practices in recent years. Shoppers should plan to complete all purchases well before closing, as doors will shut promptly at the designated time.
Why Walmart Closes Early on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, but it is also a time when retailers prioritize employee well-being. Walmart’s decision to reduce hours reflects a balance between customer demand and giving workers time to prepare for and celebrate Christmas.
Closing early helps Walmart:
- Provide employees with time to spend with family and friends
- Reduce overnight holiday workloads
- Maintain consistent scheduling nationwide
- Encourage customers to shop earlier and avoid last-minute congestion
This approach aligns Walmart with many major U.S. retailers that also shorten hours on December 24.
What You Can Buy at Walmart on Christmas Eve
During Christmas Eve operating hours, Walmart stores remain fully stocked and operational. Shoppers can purchase nearly everything available on a normal day, depending on inventory.
Groceries and Holiday Meals
Walmart remains a popular destination for Christmas dinner essentials, including:
- Fresh produce and meat
- Frozen foods
- Bakery items
- Snacks, beverages, and desserts
Many shoppers rely on Walmart for last-minute ingredients, making early visits especially important.
Gifts and Holiday Supplies
Christmas Eve shoppers can still find:
- Toys and games
- Electronics and accessories
- Clothing and winter apparel
- Gift bags, wrapping paper, and cards
- Decorations and holiday lighting
Availability may be limited for high-demand items, so earlier shopping improves selection.
Household Essentials
Walmart continues to sell everyday necessities on Christmas Eve, including cleaning supplies, paper goods, personal care products, and over-the-counter medications.
Pharmacy and In-Store Service Hours
While Walmart stores remain open until early evening, some in-store services may close earlier than the main store.
- Pharmacies: Many Walmart pharmacies operate on reduced schedules on Christmas Eve and may close earlier than 6:00 p.m.
- Vision centers and clinics: These services often close well before store closing time.
- Customer service desks: Services like returns, money services, and bill payments may stop earlier in the day depending on location.
Customers who need pharmacy refills or in-store services should plan to visit earlier in the day.
Pickup and Delivery on Christmas Eve
Walmart’s online order pickup and delivery services typically run on modified schedules on Christmas Eve.
- Same-day pickup slots may be limited and cut off earlier than usual
- Delivery windows may fill quickly or stop by mid-afternoon
- Orders placed late in the day may not be fulfilled until after Christmas
To avoid disruptions, shoppers should place online orders at least one day in advance whenever possible.
Is Walmart Open on Christmas Day?
While Walmart is open on Christmas Eve, all Walmart stores will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025.
This closure applies to:
- Walmart Supercenters
- Walmart discount stores
- Neighborhood Markets
No in-store shopping, pickup, or pharmacy services will be available on Christmas Day. Stores will reopen on December 26 under normal operating hours.
This full-day closure reflects Walmart’s ongoing policy to give employees Christmas Day off nationwide.
How Walmart Compares to Other Retailers
Walmart’s holiday schedule closely matches other major retailers in the U.S.
- Many large chains close early on Christmas Eve
- Most big-box stores close entirely on Christmas Day
- Some convenience stores and gas stations remain open with limited hours
Because of these closures, Christmas Eve becomes the final shopping opportunity for many households, increasing traffic at Walmart locations across the country.
Best Times to Shop at Walmart on Christmas Eve
If you plan to shop on December 24, timing matters.
Morning Hours
Early morning is typically the best time to shop. Shelves are freshly stocked, crowds are smaller, and checkout lines move faster.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon
This period tends to be the busiest. Shoppers doing last-minute errands often arrive during these hours, leading to longer waits.
Late Afternoon
Traffic may thin out slightly, but selection can be limited, and stores prepare for early closing. Arriving too late risks missing the cutoff entirely.
Tips for a Smooth Christmas Eve Walmart Visit
To make the most of Walmart’s Christmas Eve hours, consider these practical tips:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure availability
- Make a list to reduce time spent in the store
- Check local store hours in advance
- Don’t rely on late-day pharmacy services
- Complete checkout well before closing time
Preparation is key, especially since Walmart will be closed the following day.
What Happens After Christmas
On December 26, Walmart stores reopen for regular business hours. This day often marks the start of post-holiday sales, returns, and restocking. Shoppers looking for deals or exchanging gifts typically return after Christmas Day.
Bottom Line for Holiday Shoppers
For anyone planning holiday errands, the answer to is walmart open on christmas eve is yes — but only for a limited time. Walmart will operate on reduced hours, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and then close completely on Christmas Day.
Knowing these hours in advance helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you can complete your holiday shopping without surprises. Planning ahead remains the best way to enjoy a smoother, more relaxed Christmas season.
What’s on your Christmas Eve shopping list this year? Share your plans or stay tuned for more timely retail updates.