… despite what the classic poem implies, there’s usually a fair amount of activity this time of year.
Once you reach adulthood, the uncomplicated, wide-eyed delight of the holidays can be crowded out by a wave of seasonal pressure. Sure, the decor is festive and the food is satisfying, but there’s simply a lot to get done.
If you suddenly realize it’s Christmas Eve (how did that sneak up on you?) and your tree still lacks presents, don’t panic. Thanks to modern retail, many stores remain open on Dec. 24, often with extended hours.
Even better: a good number of those retailers provide free same-day in-store pickup. Yes — even on Christmas Eve.
Store Pickup: The Savinly Trick You Didn’t Know You Needed
So why is in-store pickup such a big deal? After all, you still need to leave the house.
That’s true — it isn’t as effortless as home delivery.
But pickup is brilliant for several reasons, starting with the fact that it’s almost always complimentary.
That means you enjoy the perks of online shopping (easy searching, browsing by categories, comparing options across tabs, and avoiding empty shelves) — without paying extra for shipping. Sign us up.
Additionally, shopping online lets you combine savings strategies — think cashback portals, rewards cards, discounted gift cards and the like — to amplify your discounts.
Because shipping fees can often wipe out the benefits of stacking offers, in-store pickup becomes an ideal compromise.
And while you do need to head to the store, you’ll dodge most of the chaos. You won’t be weaving between carts hunting for items, and frequently you won’t even have to wait in the main checkout line — you can use a less-trafficked customer service counter instead.
Plus, sometimes you truly need the item that same day. Think: Christmas Eve emergencies.
Which brings us to…
15 Retailers Offering Free In-Store Pickup on Christmas Eve 2017
Here are the spots to try if the holiday sneaks up on you.
1. Apple
Apple stores will be open on Christmas Eve, although hours differ by location — see your local store’s times here.
Ordering for pickup is straightforward. As Apple PR rep Ashley O’Brien explained, “if the store is open, customers can pick up.”
2. Bed, Bath & Beyond
Bed, Bath & Beyond uses a “reserve online” option — you’ll only be charged a $1 authorization until you collect your item, which will be ready within two hours.
A Bed, Bath & Beyond representative noted that stores will be open on Christmas Eve with hours that may vary — you can still reserve items online that day if they’re in stock and reserved by 2 p.m.
3. Best Buy
Best Buy will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, according to public relations specialist Danielle Schumann, and customers can place store pickup orders as late as 4 p.m. that day (more info).
4. The Home Depot
The Home Depot will be open on Christmas Eve, and items ordered online that day can typically be picked up within two hours. Be sure to confirm holiday hours with your local store, as they can vary.
5. J.C. Penney
Your neighborhood Penney’s will open at 7 a.m. on Christmas Eve, and yes, you can pick up in-store — provided you place your order by noon. Closing times vary, so check with your local store if you plan to collect items that day.
“2016 was the first holiday season J.C. Penney offered buy online, pick up in store same-day service at all locations,” wrote corporate communications rep Joey Thomas.
6. Kohl’s
Kohl’s is open on Christmas Eve and provides free store pickup. A phone representative confirmed that pickup is available on the 24th — just verify store hours, since they differ by location, and place your order to be ready for pickup at least two hours before closing.
One additional note: throughout the year, if an item is out of stock in-store, Kohl’s won’t ship it to the store — it must be shipped to a personal address.
7. Macy’s
Macy’s not only offers in-store pickup — it gives you a reward for using it. You’ll receive an extra 15% or 20% off pass for your next in-store purchase.
Most Macy’s locations are open on Christmas Eve with hours that may be shortened. For same-day pickup, orders must be placed by 12 p.m. local time.
8. Nordstrom
Nordstrom has free same-day store pickup and even offers gift wrapping.
Most Nordstroms are open on Christmas Eve, but hours may be reduced. A customer service rep recommended placing orders by Dec. 23 to be safe, though pickup will be available on the 24th.
9. Pier 1
You can pick up purchases in-store on Christmas Eve, Pier 1 PR manager Melissa Simon said, as long as you place your order at least two hours before closing in your area.
Find local Pier 1 holiday hours here.
10. Target
Target confirmed via Twitter that same-day store pickup will be available on Christmas Eve. Check local hours, but they’re usually fairly generous — many locations stay open late; our nearby store is open until 9 p.m.
Orders placed before 7 p.m. are often ready within two hours, according to Target’s tweet.
Pro tip: consider using grocery pick up services where available to save time while you collect other items.
11. Toys R Us
Toys R Us goes all out for the holiday season.
From Saturday, Dec. 17 through Thursday, Dec. 21, Toys R Us stores nationwide will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. local time, and they’ll run 63 continuous hours from 6 a.m. Dec. 22 through 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
If you’d rather skip much of the madness, you can place an in-store pickup order by 12 p.m. EST and collect it on Christmas Eve.
12. Babies R Us
Babies R Us doesn’t match the big kids’ extended schedule, but you can still order for pickup on Christmas Eve.
Babies R Us stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 24, and online orders can be placed as late as 12 p.m. EST for pickup that day.
13. & 14. Sears and Kmart
Sears and Kmart go a step further than basic free pickup: if you join the complimentary Shop Your Way program,you can stay in your car and have your purchase brought out to you — no stepping into the store required!
Sears will offer extended holiday hours and will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, while Kmart will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Both chains will provide same-day pickup on the holiday, but to be cautious, place orders at least four hours before the time you’d like to collect them.
15. Walmart
To ease the last-minute holiday rush, Walmart has broadened its pickup services — and sometimes the online price via pickup can be better.
Eligible items can be ordered online as late as 6 p.m. on Dec. 23 and picked up anytime on Christmas Eve, according to a Walmart spokesperson.
Maria Lopez has contributed to lifestyle and finance outlets including Savinly, Everyday Frugal, WanderWrite and Budgeting Better. Her work centers on practical tips for saving, travel, and seasonal planning.
