Most know Christmas Day is a holiday in the U.S., but what about Christmas Eve?
Turns out, it is not actually a federal holiday.
That won't mean that many people don't get the day off work, however.
Here's what to know:
What are federal holidays?
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, January 01 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, January 20 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| Monday, January 20 * | Inauguration Day |
| Monday, February 17 ** | Washington’s Birthday |
| Monday, May 26 | Memorial Day |
| Thursday, June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Friday, July 04 | Independence Day |
| Monday, September 01 | Labor Day |
| Monday, October 13 | Columbus Day |
| Tuesday, November 11 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday, November 27 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Thursday, December 25 | Christmas Day |
What's closed on Christmas Eve?
Local
President Joe Biden issued an executive order last week ordering "all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government" closed and "employees excused from duty on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the day before Christmas Day."
Illinois Secretary of State offices will be closed on Christmas Eve.
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Is garbage picked up on Christmas Eve?
In Chicago, garbage is picked up on Christmas Eve but holiday schedules remain in place for Christmas Day, when garbage will not be picked up.
You'll want to check your city's schedule for the holiday week.
Is mail delivered on Christmas Eve?
According to the United States Postal Service, local post offices will be open on Christmas Eve, but USPS urges customers to check each location for specific hours.
Mail will be collected from blue collection boxes and regular mail will be delivered.
Are banks open on Christmas Eve?
Many banks will be open for Christmas Eve, however, they may have adjusted hours.
Chase Bank, for example, does not list Christmas Eve on its holiday closures schedule.
You'll want to check with your bank before going to ensure their hours.
What stores are open on Christmas Eve?
While many stores like Target and Walmart will be open on Christmas Eve, several will have limited hours and others will close.
Aldi
Aldi stores will operate on "limited hours" on Christmas Eve. Customers are encouraged to check their local store.
Best Buy
According to the website, many Best Buy stores will be "open for extended holiday hours," though customers are encouraged to check their location for exact times.
Mall-based Best Buy stores vary based on mall hours, Best Buy said.
On Christmas Eve, most Best Buy stores are expected to be open until 6 p.m.
Costco
Christmas Eve, Costco store hours vary by location, with many open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CVS
Store hours may vary by location, with some CVS locations open on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jewel Osco
Leading up to Christmas Eve, all Jewel Osco stores have normal hours, with stores open at 6 a.m. through midnight.
Christmas Eve, stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Heinen's
Last year, Heinen's stores closed at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All stores were also closed on Christmas Day, and the day after.
Heinen's encourages customers to call their local store for their holiday store hours. Most stores are expected to open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Kohl's
Kohl's has extended store hours leading up to the holidays, from Dec. 20 to Dec. 23, with most locations open from 8 a.m. until midnight.
Christmas Eve, stores will open early, at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Orders placed by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24 will be available before stores close on Christmas Eve.
Macy's
Macy's holiday hours stores may vary, with most stores open on Christmas Eve from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Mariano's
All stores and fuel centers will open at 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve and close at 6 p.m., Mariano's said, with most Mariano's pharmacies closing at 4 p.m. that day.
Meijer
Meijer stores may vary by location, with many stores open on Christmas Eve from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Starbucks
Starbucks hours vary by location and store, according to a spokesperson. Many stores on Christmas Eve may have reduced hours.
Customers are encouraged to use the Starbucks app or the Starbucks store locator for more.
Target
Through Dec. 23, the Minnesota-based retailer is offering extended hours, with stores open at 7 a.m. until midnight local time.
Christmas Eve, Target stores will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Trader Joe's
Most Trader Joe's stores will close early on Christmas Eve, with many stores open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customers are encouraged to check their local stores.
TJ Maxx
Local stores may have extended hours leading up to Christmas week.
On Christmas Eve, most stores will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with stores closed on Christmas Day.
Walmart
Walmart stores are typically open from 6 a.m. 11 p.m.
On Christmas Eve, store hours may vary by location, with many opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m.
Whole Foods
Most Whole Foods stores will be open on Christmas Eve, but hours may vary by location, with many open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customers are encouraged to check their local stores.
Walgreens
Store hours may vary, with Walgreens stores on Christmas Eve typically open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Woodman's Food Market
Woodman's Food Market locations are typically open 24 hours, but not on holidays.
Store hours on Christmas Eve may vary, with most stores expected to be open from midnight to 5:45 p.m.
