Is Five Below Open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, most Five Below stores are open on Christmas Eve, typically operating on reduced holiday hours—usually from 8 AM to 6 PM local time. However, store hours can vary by location, so it’s essential to verify the specific schedule for your nearest Five Below using their official store locator or by calling the store directly. This variation in opening times makes "is Five Below open on Christmas Eve" a frequently searched query as shoppers prepare last-minute holiday errands.

Understanding Five Below's Holiday Operating Schedule

Five Below, known for its trendy, affordable products priced at $5 and under, remains accessible to customers during much of the holiday season. As one of the go-to retailers for stocking stuffers, gifts, snacks, and seasonal décor, many consumers rely on Five Below during the final stretch before Christmas. Given this demand, the company generally keeps its doors open on Christmas Eve, though not on Christmas Day itself.

The decision to open on December 24th aligns with broader retail trends. Many discount and variety stores choose to operate on limited schedules the day before major holidays to accommodate last-minute shoppers while still allowing employees time to celebrate with family. In contrast, Five Below locations are closed on Christmas Day (December 25), consistent with most national retail chains.

Typical Christmas Eve Hours for Five Below in 2024

In 2024, the majority of Five Below stores are expected to follow a standard Christmas Eve operating window: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time. This nine-hour day allows for ample shopping time while ensuring staff can finish early enough to enjoy the holiday evening.

It's important to note that these hours are not guaranteed across all locations. Factors such as regional customs, mall operating policies (for stores located inside shopping centers), and local labor regulations may influence exact opening and closing times. For example:

• Free-standing locations may have more flexibility and are more likely to follow the standard 8 AM–6 PM schedule.
• Mall-based stores often adhere to the host mall’s holiday hours, which might be shorter—sometimes closing as early as 5 PM.
• Stores in different states may face varying business operation laws, although no U.S. state mandates retail closures on Christmas Eve, giving individual retailers full discretion.

How Store Location Affects Christmas Eve Availability

Geographic differences play a key role in determining whether and when a particular Five Below is open on Christmas Eve. Urban areas with high foot traffic may see longer or more reliable hours compared to rural locations where staffing and customer volume are lower. Additionally, stores in regions with strong religious traditions surrounding Christmas may opt for earlier closures out of respect for community norms—even if not legally required.

To ensure accuracy, customers should avoid relying on general announcements or third-party websites. Instead, they should use the official Five Below store locator, which provides real-time updates on holiday hours for each individual store. The tool allows users to enter their ZIP code or city and view detailed information including phone number, address, regular hours, and any special holiday adjustments.

Why Retailers Like Five Below Stay Open on Christmas Eve

The choice to remain open on Christmas Eve reflects both consumer behavior and business strategy. Despite being a festive family day, millions of Americans still engage in last-minute shopping, either because they’ve forgotten gifts, underestimated needs, or waited for final sales. According to the National Retail Federation, nearly 30% of holiday shoppers complete their purchases in the week leading up to Christmas—a trend that makes holiday availability crucial for retailers.

For Five Below, staying open serves multiple purposes:

1. Meeting demand for affordable gifts: With items ranging from slippers and puzzles to candy and tech accessories, Five Below offers quick, budget-friendly solutions.
2. Capturing impulse buys: Shoppers picking up one item often leave with several, boosting revenue even during shortened days.
3. Supporting working families: Many people only have time to shop after work or on weekends; keeping stores open until Christmas Eve ensures accessibility.
4. Enhancing brand loyalty: Reliable holiday access strengthens customer trust and satisfaction.

Comparison with Other Major Retailers on Christmas Eve

To better understand Five Below’s position, it helps to compare its policy with other popular retailers. The table below outlines typical Christmas Eve operations for major U.S. chains in 2024.

Retailer	Open on Christmas Eve?	Typical Hours	Notes
Five Below	Yes (most locations)	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Varies by mall policy and region
Walmart	Yes	7:00 AM – 11:00 PM	Extended hours; closes late
Target	Yes	7:00 AM – 9:00 PM	Some close earlier in malls
CVS Pharmacy	Yes	24 hours or 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Pharmacies remain open
Best Buy	Yes	8:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Limited mall locations may differ
Apple Stores	Yes	9:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Follow mall hours
Kohl's	Yes	8:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Mall-dependent variations
Dollar Tree	Yes	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM	Similar model to Five Below
Amazon Fresh	Yes	7:00 AM – 11:00 PM	Urban grocery demand
Trader Joe’s	No	Closed	Closes early on Dec 24 in some areas

As shown, Five Below falls in line with most major retailers by remaining open but shortening its hours. It contrasts sharply with companies like Trader Joe’s, which closes entirely on Christmas Eve, reflecting differing corporate philosophies around work-life balance and holiday culture.

Common Misconceptions About Five Below’s Holiday Hours

Several myths circulate annually about Five Below’s availability during the holidays. Addressing these helps prevent frustration and misinformation:

• Myth: All Five Below stores close early at 3 PM. While some mall-based locations may shut down earlier due to mall-wide rules, the standard closing time is 6 PM.
• Myth: Five Below is open on Christmas Day. No Five Below stores operate on December 25. All locations are closed for the holiday.
• Myth: Holiday hours are posted far in advance. While general guidelines emerge in December, exact times may not appear online until one to two weeks before Christmas Eve.
• Myth: Online orders ship on Christmas Eve. While the website accepts orders, shipping halts on December 24, and fulfillment resumes after the holiday.

How to Confirm Your Local Five Below’s Christmas Eve Hours

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Five Below Store Locator: Go to fivebelow.com/store-locator and search by ZIP code or city.
2. Check for Holiday Notices: Look for banners or alerts on the store’s individual page indicating modified Christmas Eve hours.
3. Call the Store Directly: Phone numbers are listed for each location. Calling ahead eliminates guesswork, especially if you're traveling or making time-sensitive plans.
4. Follow Five Below on Social Media: The brand occasionally posts regional updates on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
5. Download the Five Below App: The mobile app includes store-specific details and push notifications about closures or hour changes.

Tips for Shopping at Five Below on Christmas Eve

If you plan to visit a Five Below store on December 24, consider these practical tips to make your trip efficient and stress-free:

• Arrive Early: Lines can grow quickly as the day progresses. Aim to arrive shortly after opening to avoid crowds.
• Bring a List: With so many fun items, it’s easy to get distracted. A shopping list keeps you focused on what you need.
• Check Inventory Online: While Five Below doesn’t offer real-time inventory checks, browsing the website gives an idea of current stock and popular items.
• Pack Reusable Bags: Since Five Below does not provide gift wrapping, bringing your own bags speeds up checkout and makes gifting easier.
• Use Contactless Payment: Speed through checkout using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or tap-to-pay cards.
• Verify Return Policy Before Buying: Holiday return windows may extend into January, but proof of purchase is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Five Below open on Christmas Day 2024?

No, all Five Below stores are closed on Christmas Day (December 25, 2024). They typically reopen on December 26, Boxing Day, with regular or post-holiday sale hours.

Do Five Below stores have special Christmas Eve deals?

Five Below does not usually run formal Christmas Eve promotions, but they often feature seasonal items and clearance sections. Some locations may offer surprise discounts or bonus points for app users.

Are Five Below stores open on New Year’s Eve?

Yes, most Five Below locations are open on New Year’s Eve (December 31), generally operating on normal weekday hours unless located in a mall with special closure rules.

Can I return a Christmas gift to Five Below after the holidays?

Yes, Five Below accepts returns with a receipt within 30 days of purchase. During the holiday season, they may extend this window to early January. Always check the receipt for exact return deadlines.

Does Five Below deliver on Christmas Eve?

No, Five Below does not offer same-day delivery or curbside pickup on Christmas Eve. Online orders placed before December 23 will ship normally, but no shipments occur on the 24th or 25th.