Target hours today on Christmas Eve are one of the top concerns for U.S. shoppers as the holiday season reaches its peak. With December 24th serving as the last major day for in-store purchases before Christmas Day, millions of Americans are heading to Target to pick up gifts, groceries, last-minute essentials, decorations, and more. Target has officially confirmed that its stores are open today with adjusted holiday hours, and understanding these times can help you plan your day without surprises.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Target hours today — including national operating hours, local variations, service availability, comparisons with other major retailers, tips for effective shopping, and what to expect after stores close for the holiday. This article delivers the latest verified retail information for U.S. consumers on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
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What Are Target Hours Today? Holiday Schedule Explained
Today — Wednesday, December 24, 2025 — Target stores across the U.S. are open on a special holiday schedule designed for Christmas Eve shoppers. Rather than sticking to the retailer’s typical extended holiday hours, Target is operating with modified hours that apply nationwide.
Here’s the standard schedule you can expect for Target hours today:
- Opening time: 7:00 a.m. local time
- Closing time: 8:00 p.m. local time
These hours apply to most Target stores, whether you’re in a major metropolitan area or a smaller community. The holiday schedule shifts away from extended evening hours so that team members can prepare for the Christmas holiday and customers can complete errands earlier in the day.
Target stores will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, December 25, 2025, for Christmas Day. This closure allows employees to spend time with family and aligns with long-standing company policy to fully observe the holiday.
Why Target Hours Today Are Modified for Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is one of the busiest retail days of the year, and most store chains adjust their schedules to balance customer demand with holiday staffing needs.
Target’s holiday schedule works like this:
- Earlier in the season, from late November through most of December, most Target stores stay open late to serve shoppers during peak holiday weeks.
- On Christmas Eve, Target transitions to a holiday-focused schedule with earlier closing times.
- On Christmas Day, all stores remain closed.
The decision to shorten hours on December 24 — today — reflects a broader retail pattern in the U.S., where many major chains reduce operating hours on the day before Christmas to support both shoppers and staff.
These adjusted hours help Target manage foot traffic and ensure a smooth and safe shopping environment during one of the year’s most intense retail periods.
How Target Hours Today Compare to Last Week
Earlier this week, many Target stores operated extended holiday hours. For much of December leading up to today, the retailer kept doors open later than on regular weekdays, often until midnight, to accommodate heavy customer flow.
As of today, Target has shifted away from those extended hours to a more focused Christmas Eve schedule that prioritizes earlier closure.
This change means:
- Customers should arrive earlier in the day to complete shopping.
- Evening errands may be affected if you plan to shop closer to closing time.
- Some services, like pharmacy counters or special departments, may close earlier than the main store hours.
Understanding these differences helps shoppers avoid disappointment, especially during high-traffic hours.
Target Hours Today Across the U.S.: What to Expect Locally
While most Target locations follow the 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. schedule today, there can be slight local variations.
Large Metropolitan Areas
In major cities with high holiday shopping traffic, such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas, Target stores typically adhere to the standard Christmas Eve hours. Some urban stores may experience:
- Earlier closing of pharmacy or specialty sections
- More crowded aisles and registers during peak times
- Limited late-day parking availability
Because these locations attract more last-minute shoppers, customers are encouraged to arrive early to avoid lines.
Suburban and Smaller Markets
Suburban and rural Target stores also normally open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but these locations may see smoother traffic throughout the day. In some smaller markets:
- Evening crowds may be lighter
- Checkout lines tend to clear faster later in the day
- Stock levels on key gifts or essentials may vary more widely
Urban Small-Format Stores
Target’s small urban store formats — often located in dense downtowns — may open at slightly different times or limit evening services due to local building rules, staffing, or foot traffic patterns. If you plan to shop at a smaller Target store today, it’s a good idea to check that store’s specific hours ahead of your visit.
What Services Are Available During Target Hours Today
Target hours today not only dictate door-to-door shopping time but also influence the availability of various in-store services. Here’s how different sections typically operate on Christmas Eve:
Pharmacy
Pharmacy doors often close before the main store does. On Christmas Eve, expect pharmacy hours to end earlier — sometimes around late afternoon — reflecting reduced staffing and limited prescriptions on the holiday.
Order Pickup and Drive Up
Target’s pickup options — including Drive Up and Order Pickup — operate during the posted store hours. If you’ve placed an online order, make sure pickup is scheduled well before 8:00 p.m., as these services generally shut down close to store closing time.
Returns and Exchanges
Most Target stores honor returns and exchanges during operating hours, but curbside or self-checkout kiosks may have earlier cut-off times to process returns smoothly before closing.
Holiday Promotions and Seasonal Sections
During Target hours today, expect staffed holiday gift sections, seasonal décor displays, and special offers. These sections help customers quickly locate gifts, festive items, and last-minute essentials.
How Target Hours Today Compare With Other Major Retailers
Christmas Eve brings adjusted hours across the retail industry. Here’s how Target stacks up against several other major U.S. chains:
| Retailer | Christmas Eve Hours | Christmas Day |
|---|---|---|
| Target | 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Closed |
| Walmart | 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Closed |
| Costco | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Closed |
| Kohl’s | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Closed |
| Whole Foods | 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Closed |
| Best Buy | 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Closed |
Compared to other retailers, Target remains open comfortably later than some competitors, yet still respects the holiday timing with earlier closure than regular season hours. Because major chains adjust differently — with some closing as early as mid-afternoon — Target’s 8:00 p.m. timeframe offers a broad window for shoppers still trying to finalize gifts or essentials.
Planning Your Shopping Around Target Hours Today
With millions of Americans on the move today, making a smart shopping plan can save time and stress. Here are some practical tips to make the most of Target hours today:
1. Go Early
Arriving between opening and early afternoon will help you avoid peak crowds. Gift selections, checkout lanes, and parking availability are all easier to manage earlier in the day.
2. Check Local Hours
Some Target stores may vary slightly based on regional policies or center requirements. A quick online check or call ahead can confirm your local store’s specific schedule.
3. Use Pickup Services
If you ordered ahead, schedule Pickup or Drive Up early in the day. These services usually close slightly before the main store shuts down.
4. Know Service Cutoffs
Pharmacy, returns, and special departments often close before 8:00 p.m. If these services matter to your trip, plan accordingly.
5. Avoid Peak Hours
Late afternoon to early evening tends to be busier as last-minute shoppers arrive. Shopping mid-day often results in shorter lines and better staff support.
Why Today’s Target Hours Matter for Holiday Shoppers
Today is a crucial day for last-minute errands, gift adjustments, and holiday necessities.
Target hours today matter for several reasons:
- Many families rely on Target for gifts, groceries, and holiday supplies.
- Christmas Eve represents one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the U.S.
- Retailers adjust schedules nationwide on Dec. 24, making timing essential.
Understanding store hours ensures you finish errands with time to spare and minimizes unnecessary stress.
What Happens After Target Hours Today
Once Target stores close at 8:00 p.m. tonight, doors will remain shut on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025. The full day closure allows team members nationwide to celebrate and rest with family.
After the holiday:
- Stores will reopen on Friday, December 26 with regular or slightly extended hours for post-holiday shopping.
- Online shopping remains available throughout the holidays, even during in-store closures.
- Pickup and delivery services re-activate according to each location’s reopening schedule.
Preparing for the temporary closure tonight helps you focus on holiday festivities tomorrow without an unexpected store visit.
Final Thoughts on Target Hours Today
Target hours today on Christmas Eve 2025 offer a solid window for last-minute holiday shopping, with consistent times across most U.S. locations. Shoppers can go in the morning or afternoon and still have plenty of time to find gifts, essentials, and seasonal favorites before stores close at 8:00 p.m.
Understanding holiday schedules, planning your trip, and knowing service cutoffs helps reduce last-minute rush stress. With Target being one of the most visited big-box retailers in the U.S., armed with the right information you can finish your Christmas Eve errands smoothly and confidently.
How was your Target shopping experience today? Share your local store’s hours or tips in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!