Is Costco Open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve? Holiday Hours

Costco’s the go-to for bulk shopping, especially when the holidays roll in. Folks often ask if Costco is open on big days like Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.

In the U.S., Costco warehouses close on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. But they’re usually open on Christmas Eve, just with shorter hours.

So, if you’re planning a last-minute run, it’s good to check the hours for your local warehouse. Hours can shift by location, and nobody wants to show up to locked doors.

Even when warehouses close for the holiday, Costco.com stays open 24/7. You can also use Costco same-day delivery for last-minute grocery needs if it is available in your area.

Is Costco Open on Thanksgiving?

Nope, Costco doesn’t open on Thanksgiving Day. Every U.S. warehouse shuts down for the holiday, giving employees the day off.

This closure is a big deal for anyone planning meals or prepping for gatherings. If you need something, you’ll have to grab it before or after.

Thanksgiving Day Hours and Closures

On Thanksgiving, every Costco warehouse stays closed all day. No shopping, no services, no exceptions.

They’ve done this for years now, sticking with a full closure instead of just cutting back hours. It’s just how they do things.

Don’t count on regular hours around Thanksgiving. If you want to avoid a scramble, plan your trip for another day.

Reasons for Thanksgiving Day Closure

Costco shuts down so employees can spend the day with family and actually enjoy the holiday. It’s in line with what a lot of other big stores do, honestly.

It also just makes sense. staffing a huge warehouse on a national holiday sounds like a headache. Keeping things consistent helps everyone know what to expect.

For more details on Costco’s holiday hours, see Costco’s holiday hours page.

Is Costco Open on Christmas Eve?

Costco does open on Christmas Eve, but don’t expect a full day. Hours are cut back, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.

Christmas Eve Operating Hours

Most locations open at 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, which is an hour earlier than usual. That gives folks a head start on last-minute shopping for holiday stuff.

But again, hours can be a little different depending on where you are. It’s always a safe bet to double-check your local store’s schedule.

Early Closing Times on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Costco usually closes up shop by 5 p.m. That way, employees can get out early and enjoy their own holiday plans.

Normally, they’d close at 8:30 p.m., so it’s a pretty big shift. If you’re cutting it close, call ahead or check online to avoid disappointment.

The Costco gas station may also close earlier on Christmas Eve. If you need to fill up, try to go in the morning to play it safe.

Costco Holiday Schedule Overview

Costco’s holiday schedule is pretty straightforward. Some holidays are full closures, and others just have shorter hours.

Confirmed Holiday Closures

Costco shuts down on a handful of big holidays every year. These are New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Every warehouse, everywhere, closes up, no exceptions. That covers all the basics, including the pharmacy and food court.

After these holidays, things go back to normal hours. It’s just something to keep in mind when you’re planning a trip.

For a closer look at the first day of the year, see our guide on whether Costco is open on New Year’s Day.

Holidays with Modified Hours

On certain holidays, Costco opens but only for a shorter day. Take Christmas Eve, for example: doors open at 9 a.m., but by 5 p.m. they’re closed again.

Black Friday is a different beast, sometimes hours are extended to handle the crowds. Local hours might still vary, so it’s smart to check before heading out. For a full rundown of savings, check our guide to Costco Black Friday deals.

Differences Between Warehouse and Department Hours

One last thing: the main warehouse hours aren’t always the same as the special departments inside. The pharmacy or optical section might close earlier or later, which matters if you’re heading in for something specific.

Gas, Pharmacy, and Other Departments

The gas station usually opens earlier and closes later than the warehouse. That means you can fill up even when the main store’s shut or on a tight schedule.

On holidays like Christmas Eve, gas station hours might stick pretty close to normal, even if the warehouse wraps up early.

Pharmacies inside Costco have their own hours. They often close before the warehouse does and might not open at all on certain holidays.

If you rely on the pharmacy, it’s smart to double-check their hours, nobody likes a wasted trip.

Departments like optical and the food court usually close up shop earlier, or just don’t open on holidays. These schedules jump around a lot depending on the location.

Honestly, it’s best to check department hours separately from the main warehouse times if you want to avoid any surprises.

Questions that might come to your mind

Can I shop on Costco.com during Thanksgiving or Christmas?

Yes. Costco.com stays open year-round, including all holidays. You won’t have access to the food court or in-store services, but you can order online and have items shipped to your door.

Does Costco close early the day before Thanksgiving?

There is no official early closure on Thanksgiving Eve. However, stores tend to get very busy that day. Arriving early in the morning is the best way to avoid long lines and crowded aisles.

What payment methods work during holiday hours?

All regular Costco payment methods work the same during holiday hours. Visa credit cards, debit cards, cash, and Costco Shop Cards are all accepted as usual.

Are Costco holiday hours the same in Canada?

Not always. Canadian Costco locations follow a different holiday calendar. Canadian Thanksgiving falls in October, not November. Check the Costco Canada website for specific closure dates.