Ah, Christmas! The season of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and, let’s be honest, a bit of last-minute shopping panic. You’ve got your list, you’ve checked it twice, and maybe you even forgot a gift or two. It’s easy to assume that every store is open on Christmas Day, right? After all, when you’re in a pinch, you just want to grab that perfect present. But before you head out in a flurry of holiday excitement, let’s take a closer look at six stores that you might think are open on Christmas, but they actually aren’t. Spoiler alert: you might want to plan your shopping spree a little differently!
1. Target
Target is often the go-to for everything from groceries to gifts, but here’s the kicker: they’re closed on Christmas Day. Yep, that’s right! While you might be dreaming of red carts filled with last-minute goodies, you’ll find the store doors firmly shut. They typically reopen on December 26th, so if you’re in desperate need of some wrapping paper or a random gift for Aunt Mildred, you’ll have to wait just a bit longer. Pro tip: stock up on your essentials beforehand, so you’re not left scrambling!
2. Walmart
Walmart is another big name that many assume will be open on Christmas. After all, it’s the place to find just about anything, right? Sadly, they also close their doors on Christmas Day. You might find some locations open on Christmas Eve for extended hours, but when it comes to the big day, you’ll have to hit the brakes on your shopping plans. Plan accordingly, or risk being the only person in the parking lot wondering why the lights are off!
3. Costco

Ah, beloved Costco! The land of bulk purchases and free samples. However, even this treasure trove of goodies takes a break on Christmas Day. They want their employees to enjoy the holiday with their families, which is pretty commendable. If you’re hoping to snag that gigantic cheese wheel or a last-minute gift card, you’ll have to wait until the day after Christmas. But hey, maybe it’s a good excuse to skip the crowds and enjoy a cozy day at home instead!
4. Home Depot
Thinking of tackling some home improvement projects over the holidays? You might want to think twice about heading to Home Depot on Christmas. They’re closed, too! Whether you’re looking to fix that leaky sink or just want to grab some seasonal decor, you’ll have to plan ahead. Who knew that the hammer you didn’t pick up could lead to a DIY disaster? So, stock up on your supplies before the holiday, and maybe take that day to relax instead of fixing things!
5. Best Buy
If you’re in search of the latest tech gadgets or that must-have gaming console, Best Buy might be on your radar. But hold your horses! They also close their doors for Christmas. So if you’re thinking of surprising someone with a shiny new gadget, you’ll need to shop smart and go before the big day. Alternatively, you could just wrap up a “rain check” card and let your loved one pick it out later. It’s the thought that counts, right?
6. Macy’s
Macy’s is a classic shopping destination for holiday gifts, but don’t plan on strolling through those iconic doors on Christmas Day. They’re closed as well, giving their staff a much-needed break to enjoy the holiday cheer. If you’re hoping to score those last-minute deals, make sure to visit before the 25th. And who knows? You might even find some amazing sales in the days leading up to Christmas—perfect for getting a jump on next year’s gift-giving!
Wrap-Up: Planning Ahead is Key
So there you have it—six stores that you might assume would be open on Christmas but are actually closed. It’s a little surprising, right? With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget that some places close their doors to let their employees enjoy time with family. As you gear up for the festivities, make sure to plan your shopping trips wisely. And if all else fails, there’s always online shopping—because who doesn’t love a good pajama-clad browsing session over a cup of hot cocoa?
Happy holidays, and may your gift-giving be smooth and stress-free!
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