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Here's Everything You Need To Know About Target's Holiday Hours

by Elizabeth Helen Spencer

Not long, ago it would have been unthinkable for any store to open on Christmas Day. It used to be that our options for last-minute shopping or entertainment on Dec. 25 were limited to movie theaters, Chinese restaurants, and the occasional gas station or 24-hour convenience store. But as Black Friday has crept backward, interrupting Thanksgiving dinner, it's not surprising to see later closing times on Christmas Eve and more businesses open on Christmas. Recently I noticed a banner outside my local Starbucks that announces the coffee shop is open on Christmas Day. So, is Target open on Christmas Day? People are wondering what their options are for last-minute gifts and battery runs. And of course, no one wants to miss the start of post-holiday sales.

According to the operator at my closest Target location, they will be open until 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day, and open at 7 a.m. the day after Christmas. I couldn't find any information about general holiday hours on Target's website, so I recommend calling your local store to confirm those hours. Even with Christmas off-limits, the late Christmas Eve hours give you plenty of time to run out after the kids are in bed for stocking stuffers, additional wrapping supplies, and other last-minute needs.

If you hope to do all of your holiday shopping online, Target.com states that you must order by 11:59 p.m. CST on Dec. 20 to get free delivery by Dec. 23. So it's time to check your list twice and make a final commitment to what's going to be under the tree. If you're shopping for kids, Target currently has a "Merry toy sale" on its website in which you save $10 off a $50 purchase and $25 off $100. No promo code is required and you can browse Target's 2017 Top Toys List for ideas. They're also offering 30 percent off kids' clothes, which always make a practical (if not exciting) gift.

Target's "Weekend Deals" are another way to save on gift buying both in stores and online. Here's what's on sale this second-to-last weekend before Christmas:

"This Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17 is all about movies, just in time for the premier of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Gear up with 20 percent off Star Wars treasures across toys, apparel, and home decor (excludes Star Wars LEGOs). Feeling like staying in? We’ve got another great deal: Pick up Transformers: The Last Knight, Baywatch, Saban’s Power Rangers,War for the Plant of the Apes and more fave new releases for just $10. It’s all only this weekend—and only at Target, both in stores and on Target.com!"

Check back next week to find out what they have in store for the last weekend before Christmas.

Looking for a fun experience to lighten the stress that often accompanies holiday shopping? Target offers a festive photo booth in some of its stores. Located in the Wondershop at the back of the store, the Lego-themed backdrop is available all day through Dec. 17 for selfies. On weekends, an employee will be on hand to take photos of friends and families with their cameras. This is not only a fun in-store experience; it's also a great way to get a Santa photo with your kids without paying high mall Santa prices.

Other notable holiday offers at Target include the new Hearth & Hand Magnolia line from Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their designs include rustic home decor for the holidays and beyond, wooden kids' toys, and hostess gifts. And if you're shopping for someone hard to please, take advantage of the new Target.com GiftNow feature, which allows the recipient to approve or exchange the gift you selected before it ships to them.

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