Need to buy an absolute last-minute present or critical item for your holiday dinner? It's going to be tricky
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Maybe you just realized that in the midst of holiday insanity you forgot to get a present for Aunt Edna. Perhaps you somehow don’t have a key ingredient for Christmas dinner. Or maybe you just want to get away from the family for a bit. Whatever the reason, you’re in a bind.
Finding a store that’s open and can come to your rescue can be a hit-or-miss affair, but there are a few options. Creativity is essential – and you might have to drive further than you want. Just remember that hours may vary and some municipalities have laws prohibiting major stores from opening on Christmas. Not every location follows the company's suggested hours, either. It's always a good idea to call first.
Grocery stores open on Christmas
7-Eleven
Acme (select locations)
Albertson's (select locations)
Casey’s General Store
Safeway
Wawa
Grocery stores closed on Christmas
Aldi
BJ's Wholesale
Costco
Food Lion
The Fresh Market
Harris Teeter
HEB
Kroger
Publix
Ralphs
Stop & Shop
Trader Joes
Walmart
Wegmans
Whole Foods
Winn-Dixie
Retailers open on Christmas
Amazon (Obviously, there are no deliveries today, but in a pinch, you can blame shipping delays. And a gift card can be emailed over today.)
Circle K
CVS
Duane Reade
Starbucks
Walgreens
Most major movie theater chains
Retailers closed on Christmas
Pretty much everyone else. Big chains like Walmart and Target give their employees the day off, but the clearance sales start going full blast tomorrow, which offer the chance at big savings.