Chicago – Chicago-area shoppers scrambling to finish holiday errands this week should double-check store and mall hours before heading out, as many major retailers are operating on extended schedules ahead of Christmas — while others will close early or shut down entirely on Dec. 25.
With Christmas Eve falling midweek and holiday foot traffic expected to spike, retailers across the region have adjusted hours to accommodate last-minute shoppers. However, not all locations follow the same schedule, and hours can vary by store and suburb.
Below is a comprehensive guide to holiday store and mall hours across the Chicago area, including what’s open late, what’s closing early, and what won’t open at all on Christmas Day.
Big-Box and National Retailers
Several major retailers are extending hours in the days leading up to Christmas, but nearly all will close on Dec. 25.
Target locations across the Chicago area will operate on varying schedules depending on location. Many stores are staying open as late as midnight Monday and Tuesday, while most are expected to close around 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All Target stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
Walmart stores will generally remain open during regular business hours this week but will close early at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All locations will remain closed on Dec. 25.
Costco warehouses will operate from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through most of the week but will close early at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All Costco locations will be closed on Christmas Day.
Sam’s Club stores are expected to remain open until 8 p.m. this week, with early closure at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and no hours on Christmas Day.
Department Stores and Specialty Retailers
Department stores and specialty chains are also adjusting schedules, with some staying open especially late on Tuesday.
Kohl’s stores are among the latest closers, opening at 7 a.m. and remaining open until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. On Christmas Eve, locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed by full closure on Dec. 25.
Macy’s store hours vary by location, but many Chicago-area stores will stay open until 9 or 10 p.m. Tuesday. Expect shortened hours on Christmas Eve, with all locations closed Christmas Day.
Nordstrom locations will remain open until 9 p.m. Tuesday, close early at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and remain closed on Dec. 25.
Old Navy stores are expected to stay open until 11 p.m. Tuesday, close early at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and remain closed on Christmas Day.
Home and Lifestyle Stores
Home improvement and décor stores are also adjusting schedules to account for holiday demand.
Home Depot stores will generally operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., but will close early at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day.
Lowe’s store hours vary by location, though all locations will be closed on Dec. 25.
HomeGoods locations will open as early as 7 a.m. and remain open until 11 p.m. Tuesday. On Christmas Eve, stores will close at 6 p.m., followed by full closure on Christmas Day.
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IKEA stores are expected to open at 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, close at 9 p.m. Tuesday, and shut down early at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. All locations will be closed Dec. 25.
Grocery and Specialty Markets
Shoppers planning last-minute food runs should plan carefully.
Trader Joe’s locations are expected to close at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day.
Barnes & Noble stores will generally operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. leading up to the holiday, with hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, followed by full closure on Dec. 25.
Chicago-Area Mall Hours
Most malls are extending hours early in the week but closing early on Christmas Eve.
Woodfield Mall will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Oakbrook Center will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, then 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Most malls across the region will be closed on Christmas Day.
Plan Ahead Before You Go
Retailers encourage shoppers to check local listings or store locators before heading out, as hours can vary by location and staffing availability. With weather and holiday traffic adding to congestion, planning ahead could save time and frustration.
What store hours surprised you this year, or where are you doing your last-minute shopping?
Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.
