As the festive season hits its peak, New Yorkers scrambling for last-minute holiday goodies might hit a snag on Christmas Day, with a slew of big-name stores keeping doors shut tight. But the race against the Christmas clock won't be futile for all, as some local stores and national chains will be dishing out holiday hours for those in a pinch.
On the grocery front, Texans who miscalculated their Christmas meal prep might need to hustle. According to KVUE, Austin-area H-E-B stores, which closed their doors at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, won't be welcoming customers again until December 26. An empty shelf at the Whataburger might meet those aiming for a festive burger - it's the only day of year these joints aren't flipping patties.
Fret not, though; hope isn't lost for everyone. While the country's largest retailer, Walmart, turned off the lights at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve and won't be relighting until the day after Christmas, other locales are more forgiving. For instance, Austin-area CVS and Walgreens are set to remain open on Christmas, with the latter only tweaking its hours slightly, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as noted by KVUE. And should you need to gas up or grab a snack, major convenience stores including 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Speedway will keep the cash registers ringing even on the day of good cheer.
For those looking to get their hands on a last-minute gift or craving a cup of Joe, several Starbucks and McDonald's locations in the area have pledged to stay open, though a call ahead is a smart move to avoid a wasted trip, as suggested by KVUE. And for those who find their kitchens lacking a critical ingredient, some Randalls stores are keeping their doors ajar, albeit with early closing times.
While the pickings might be slim and the hours short, these steadfast establishments could be the unsung heroes for the unprepared revelers. Just don't expect to toast with spirits from local liquor stores; Texas law ensures they're closed, giving workers and patrons alike a chance to relax, reflect, and prepare for the New Year's Eve festivities ahead, as per KXAN.
