The holiday season is an incredibly joyful but also hectic time. Many people find themselves sprinting between work, home, and various parties. As a result, they might forget to buy something they need before Christmas day arrives. Since every retailer can set its own holiday schedule, you might know where you can turn for a last-minute gift, food item, or other necessity. If you think you may need to shop on Christmas, you might wonder whether Target will close for Christmas. If so, here’s what you need to know.
Is Target Closed for Christmas 2019?
Yes, Target stores close on Christmas Day. In fact, Christmas is only one of two days during the year when Targets aren’t open. The other holiday where Target closes is Easter. On every other day of the year, Target stores welcome customers with open arms. However, the retailer does occasionally close early on certain holidays.
Target Stores Christmas Week Schedule
While Target closes on Christmas, that’s the only day during Christmas week when the retailer isn’t open. In fact, many Targets have extended hours in the days leading up to the holiday, making it easier for shoppers to grab last-minute gifts, food items, and more.
In general, Target stores follow a similar schedule during the week before Christmas. Here’s a look at the typical Target’s operating hours during the runup to the holiday and the day after:
- Wednesday, December 18: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Thursday, December 19: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Friday, December 20: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Saturday, December 21: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Sunday, December 22: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Monday, December 23: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Tuesday, December 24: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Wednesday, December 25: Closed
- Thursday, December 26: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
It’s important to note that not all Target locations use the exact same schedule. If you are planning on heading to Target early in the morning or late at night, it’s wise to confirm that your preferred store will be open. You can either call your store for information or use Target’s online store locator. That way, you can make sure you don’t arrive to find a closed store.
Shopping on the Target Website
If you prefer to shop online instead of in-store, there is a decent selection of shipping options on Target’s website this holiday season. However, it’s important to understand that none of them include delivery on Christmas day, even the same-day delivery service. Instead, if you need to order items from the Target website for Christmas, you need to order in advance and choose an option that ensures it arrives by Christmas Eve, December 24.
Shoppers who live in an area with Shipt service can receive a same-day delivery for a Target online purchase. As long as you place an order before the last two hours the store is open and are willing to pay the fee (about $10), you can place an order on Christmas Eve and get your items in time.
For stores with same-day curbside pickup, the cutoff time can vary. At many Targets, as long as you place your order by 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, it will be ready in time. However, the cutoff may vary by location, so you’ll want to check with your store if you need to make a last-minute purchase and don’t want to go inside.
If you want your purchase to be mailed to you, you’ll need to order far enough in advance. Target’s standard shipping takes three to five business days, depending on where you live. However, select items and an eligible purchase amount can score you free next day delivery. If you qualify, you could potentially order as late as 7:00 pm on December 23.
Certain items are eligible for free two-day shipping. However, that option requires two business days for shipping, not just two days. For those orders, you’ll need to complete the purchase by 12:00 pm at the shipment destination zip code on Friday, December 20.
Unexpected Order Delivery Delays
It’s important to note that the week before Christmas is an incredibly busy time for package and mail delivery services. If a carrier is overburdened, there is a chance that your order will be delayed. Additionally, weather issues, like severe winter storms, can also slow down deliveries.
While Target may offer a delivery guarantee, there’s always a chance the unexpected can occur. Even though Target is a retail giant, it has no control over an order once it leaves its warehouse or store and is given to a carrier or delivery service.
If you want to ensure that your order will make it before Christmas, it’s best to place it as soon as possible or selected the fastest shipping option (though that may come with a higher fee). That way, you increase your odds of it arriving before Christmas Day.
Stores Open on Christmas Day
If you genuinely need an item on Christmas Day, you do have options. Even though Target and many other retailers close, some do open their doors on the holiday. Usually, the hours are limited, but they typically fall during the morning, afternoon, and into the early evening.
Here are a few stores that are welcoming customers on Christmas:
- Albertsons
- CVS
- Family Dollar
- Rite Aid
- Safeway
- Walgreens
It’s important to note that Christmas Day hours at those stores may vary. Additionally, some locations might close even in much of the chain opens. If you want to see if yours will be open on Christmas just in case you need it, it’s best to find out in advance. That way, if you need to do some shopping on the holiday, you know where you can go.
Do you plan on trying to do any shopping on Christmas Day? Do you wish more stores were open on Christmas? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Read More:
- 2019 Walmart Holiday Schedule
- Target Holiday Schedule 2019 and Store Hours
- 2019 Costco Holiday Schedule – Updated
- U.S. National Park Holidays 2019
- 2019 Sam’s Club Holiday Hours and Schedule
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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.
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