2014 Walmart Christmas Eve Hours: What Time Do Stores Close For Last-Minute Holiday Shoppers?

What time does Walmart close on Christmas Eve 2014, and are any other stores staying open late for last-minute holiday shoppers?

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Holiday hours vary at not only big box retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Toys R Us, and Target, but at grocery stores and liquor stores as well. If you’re hoping to grab a few last minute gifts, here’s the low-down on what time stores will be locking their doors in preparation for Santa’s arrival. Not only are retail stores closing early, but most banks and the U.S. Post Office will only be open special holiday hours.

Walmart reports that the only holiday that it remains closed on is Christmas, but shoppers will have time to grab stocking stuffers, gift cards, and toys on Christmas Eve — all Walmart stores will close at 8 p.m. local time on December 24.

Some retailers will be keeping their stores open as late as 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve for people who still need to finish their holiday shopping, although NJ.com reports that big department stores, like Macy’s, are shutting down at 6 p.m. depending on the location.

If toys are on your holiday list, expect most Toys R Us locations to stay open until 9 p.m., right around the time kids will be able to track Santa online in the U.S. Toys R Us spokeswoman Alyssa Peera tells NJ.com that most locations will be open starting at 6 a.m. on December 23, and will remain open all the way through 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

“Last year, customer traffic at our Toys R Us stores increased in the days leading up to Christmas, as shoppers rushed to complete their holiday shopping. The offering of extended store hours and 24-hour shopping provides additional convenience for gift-givers during the final shopping days of the season, and in previous years, countless customers have taken advantage of these hours across the country.”

Target is one of the retailers that will stay open the longest on Christmas Eve. Most locations will be open until midnight through December 23, but on December 24, doors will close at 10 p.m. In a press release issued by Target, the company’s chief merchandising officer, Kathee Tesija says, “We know our guests have a lot to tackle the week before Christmas and we want to make sure shopping remains fun and stress-free.”

Most Kmart and Sears stores will be trying to get as much of your business as possible by staying open until 10 p.m. Kohl’s is expected to close their stores at 6 p.m., but it’s important to call ahead to be sure as many retailers have different holiday hours based on location.

CNN reports that many stores are offering same-day pick up for gifts ordered as late as Tuesday — a big time-saver for last-minute shoppers. Order online and get to the store before it closes to pick up your gifts.

Are you a last-minute holiday shopper? If stores are closed when you finally get out the door to shop on Christmas Eve, 24-hour CVS or 7-11 stores may be your best bet for gift cards, a bag of candy, or even a lottery ticket.

[Image: Dot Com Gift Shop]