Every holiday season, shoppers across the United States plan their schedules around one essential question: is walmart open on christmas eve? With Christmas Eve falling on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Walmart’s confirmed holiday schedule plays a major role for families handling last-minute grocery runs, gift purchases, and household essentials.
For 2025, Walmart will open its doors on Christmas Eve but operate under reduced hours nationwide. Knowing exactly what to expect can help shoppers avoid frustration, plan ahead, and complete their holiday preparations smoothly.
Walmart’s Official Christmas Eve Hours in 2025
Walmart has confirmed that its U.S. stores will remain open on Christmas Eve with shortened hours compared to a typical business day. Most Walmart locations, including Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets, are scheduled to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time on December 24.
This early closure is consistent across the country, although minor variations may occur depending on location size or local regulations. Shoppers should expect doors to close promptly at the posted time, with no late entry permitted.
Because Christmas Eve is one of the busiest retail days of the year, Walmart encourages customers to complete shopping earlier rather than waiting until the final hour.
Why Walmart Reduces Hours on Christmas Eve
Walmart’s Christmas Eve schedule reflects a long-standing company policy focused on balancing customer needs with employee well-being. While the retailer understands that shoppers rely heavily on its stores during the holidays, it also prioritizes giving associates time to prepare for Christmas Day.
Reducing hours on December 24 allows Walmart to:
- Provide employees with guaranteed time off before Christmas
- Maintain consistent operations nationwide
- Reduce late-night holiday strain on workers
- Encourage customers to shop earlier in the day
This approach has become standard among major U.S. retailers and is widely expected by regular holiday shoppers.
What Shoppers Can Buy on Christmas Eve at Walmart
Despite closing early, Walmart stores remain fully operational throughout Christmas Eve business hours. Customers can purchase the same categories of items available on any normal day, subject to inventory availability.
Groceries and Food Essentials
Walmart is a primary destination for Christmas meal preparation. On Christmas Eve, shoppers can expect access to:
- Fresh produce and packaged foods
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Frozen meals and appetizers
- Bakery items and desserts
- Beverages, snacks, and party supplies
Because demand is high, some popular items may sell out by afternoon.
Gifts and Seasonal Items
Walmart remains a key source for last-minute gifts, including:
- Toys and board games
- Electronics and accessories
- Clothing and winter apparel
- Holiday décor and decorations
- Gift wrap, boxes, and greeting cards
Selection tends to be strongest in the morning hours, making early visits especially valuable.
Everyday Household Needs
Customers can also purchase cleaning products, paper goods, personal care items, and over-the-counter health products, making Walmart a reliable stop for forgotten essentials.
Pharmacy and In-Store Service Availability
While stores remain open until early evening, several in-store services may operate on reduced schedules on Christmas Eve.
- Pharmacies often close earlier than the main store and may shut down by mid-afternoon.
- Vision centers and clinics typically close well before store closing time.
- Customer service counters may stop processing returns or financial services earlier in the day.
Anyone needing prescriptions or specialized services should visit Walmart earlier on December 24.
Online Orders, Pickup, and Delivery
Walmart’s digital services continue on Christmas Eve but with limitations.
- Same-day pickup slots are often restricted and fill quickly
- Delivery services may end earlier than usual
- Orders placed late on December 24 may not be processed until after Christmas
To avoid delays, customers should finalize online orders at least one day before Christmas Eve whenever possible.
Is Walmart Open on Christmas Day?
Although Walmart welcomes shoppers on Christmas Eve, all Walmart locations will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025.
This includes:
- Walmart Supercenters
- Walmart discount stores
- Neighborhood Markets
No in-store shopping, pharmacy services, or pickup options will be available. Stores reopen on December 26 with standard hours.
This full closure has become a widely recognized Walmart policy and is consistent nationwide.
How Walmart’s Schedule Compares to Other Retailers
Walmart’s holiday hours closely mirror those of other large retailers across the country.
- Many national chains close early on Christmas Eve
- Most big-box stores shut down completely on Christmas Day
- Limited retail options remain available on December 25
Because of this, Christmas Eve is often the final opportunity for shoppers to complete essential purchases before the holiday.
Best Times to Shop at Walmart on Christmas Eve
Planning your visit can make a significant difference in your shopping experience.
Early Morning
Stores are typically calmer, shelves are stocked, and checkout lines are shorter. This is the ideal time to shop.
Midday Rush
Late morning through early afternoon tends to be the busiest period, with higher foot traffic and longer waits.
Late Afternoon
Inventory may be limited, and shoppers risk missing the early closing time. Entering the store too late can result in unfinished shopping.
Helpful Tips for Christmas Eve Walmart Shoppers
To make your visit efficient and stress-free:
- Shop as early as possible
- Prepare a detailed list before arriving
- Confirm local store hours in advance
- Don’t rely on late-day pharmacy access
- Complete checkout well before closing
Being proactive ensures you avoid crowds and last-minute disappointment.
What to Expect After Christmas
Walmart stores reopen on December 26, marking the start of post-holiday activity. Shoppers often return for:
- Gift returns and exchanges
- Clearance and seasonal markdowns
- Restocked grocery and household items
December 26 is typically busy, but less hectic than Christmas Eve.
Final Takeaway for Holiday Planning
For anyone organizing holiday errands, the answer to is walmart open on christmas eve is clear: yes, Walmart will be open, but only for a limited window. Stores will generally operate from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. before closing for Christmas Day.
Understanding Walmart’s holiday schedule allows shoppers to plan ahead, avoid crowds, and complete essential purchases without unnecessary stress. Early preparation remains the best strategy for a smoother holiday season.
What items do you usually buy on Christmas Eve? Share your thoughts or check back for more timely holiday updates.