Christmas Eve shopping can be hectic, especially when it comes to stocking up on last-minute essentials or festive treats.
For Costco members, knowing whether the warehouse is open on Christmas Eve and how long it stays open can save both time and stress. So, is Costco open on Christmas Eve in the UK?
The short answer is yes but there are important details to know about opening hours, early closings, and service availability.
In this guide, we’ll explore Costco’s Christmas Eve hours, store variations, closing times, and practical tips for making the most of your last-minute shop.
What Are Costco’s Christmas Eve Opening Hours in the UK?
In the UK, Costco generally opens its doors on Christmas Eve with adjusted trading hours to accommodate both shoppers and staff during the holiday season.
On this date, shoppers can expect the warehouses to operate with earlier start times and earlier closures than on a regular trading day.
These changes are consistent across many UK locations, though some local differences may apply.
Warehouses typically open to Executive Members one hour earlier than regular Trade and Individual members.
This allows for a smoother shopping experience and helps to manage the increased customer volume expected on 24th December.
Typical Opening Times on 24th December
To help clarify the opening structure, the following table outlines the expected schedule:
| Membership Type | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Executive Members | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
| Trade & Individual | 10:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
These timings are based on average warehouse schedules. However, variations may occur in high-traffic cities or based on operational requirements.
As a result, customers should always confirm directly with their local branch by using Costco’s online store finder tool.
Special Early Access for Executive Members
Executive Members can benefit from an earlier entry time of 9:00 AM in most locations. This advantage is particularly useful for shoppers looking to avoid the midday rush or those hoping to secure seasonal goods before they sell out.
This early opening is especially helpful for customers purchasing:
- Fresh meat and seafood
- Christmas desserts and puddings
- Bulk beverages and festive drinks
Executive membership holders are advised to arrive as close to 9:00 AM as possible to take full advantage of quieter aisles and better product availability.
Does Every Costco UK Location Follow the Same Holiday Hours?
While Costco maintains a relatively consistent holiday schedule across the UK, individual locations may deviate slightly due to factors such as store size, staffing levels, and local area regulations.
Urban warehouses, in particular, may adjust hours to better suit regional demand or transport restrictions.
Why You Should Check the Local Warehouse Timings?
Not all warehouses will follow the exact 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule. A few sites may implement even earlier closings due to logistical needs.
Additionally, some departments such as the Pharmacy or Optical Centre may operate independently of the main warehouse schedule, closing ahead of the store itself.
Costco warehouses post signage in-store with updated holiday hours and will often notify members via email or mobile alerts.
Relying on general information alone may lead to inconvenience, especially during such a limited shopping window.
Using the Costco UK Store Finder Tool
The most reliable way to confirm specific holiday hours is by using the official Costco UK Store Finder. This online tool allows members to:
- Search by postcode or city
- View each store’s contact details and address
- See real-time updates to opening hours
- Find details for services like fuel, optical, and hearing centres
This is especially important if you plan to travel to a location outside your immediate area or are coordinating your visit around work or school schedules.
What Time Does Costco Close on Christmas Eve?
Most Costco UK warehouses close strictly at 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve. However, internal closing routines usually begin earlier to facilitate a smooth shutdown by the scheduled time.
Standard Closing Time Across UK Stores
The 5:00 PM closing time applies to nearly all standard UK warehouses, regardless of location.
Final customer announcements generally begin around 4:30 PM, prompting shoppers to head towards the tills and complete their purchases.
Once checkout lanes close, no further transactions are permitted, and remaining customers are directed to the exits.
It’s therefore advisable not to arrive at the warehouse after 4:00 PM, especially if you’re expecting to complete a full trolley of shopping.
Service Department Closures (Pharmacy, Optical, etc.)
Some Costco departments maintain different closing times from the main warehouse. These departments are often staffed by professionals with set schedules that may not align with general trading hours.
A second table helps clarify the typical operating hours of key service departments on Christmas Eve:
| Department | Likely Closing Time |
| Pharmacy | 3:00 PM |
| Optical Centre | 3:00 PM |
| Hearing Aid Centre | 2:30 PM |
| Photo Centre | 3:30 PM |
| Tyre Centre | 4:00 PM |
To avoid disappointment, members requiring specific services should call their local warehouse in advance.
The operating hours of these departments are often affected by licensing and professional guidelines that vary from standard store policies.
Is Costco Open on Christmas Day or Boxing Day in the UK?
Costco UK warehouses are not open on Christmas Day (25th December) or Boxing Day (26th December).
These are full public holidays, and the company observes them annually to provide employees with time off during the festive period.
Additionally, Costco locations are closed on New Year’s Day (1st January), another key holiday when operations are paused across the country.
For any urgent purchases, members are advised to shop before Christmas Eve or wait until 27th December, when regular hours resume.
The closure of stores on 25th and 26th December also applies to:
- Costco fuel stations
- Costco Business Delivery services
- Online order processing and deliveries
This complete shutdown underscores the importance of planning ahead if you’re relying on Costco for your festive food or gift shopping.
Can You Do Last-Minute Christmas Shopping at Costco?
Yes, Costco is a popular destination for last-minute shopping, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
The warehouse format allows members to pick up groceries, electronics, home goods, and gifts in one trip, saving valuable time during the busy season.
However, success with last-minute shopping at Costco depends heavily on timing and preparation.
The 24th of December is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, which means longer queues, higher footfall, and limited stock in certain departments.
Items most likely to sell out early include:
- Fresh produce (vegetables, fruits, meat)
- High-demand toys and electronics
- Gift sets and hampers
- Christmas confectionery and baked goods
Shopping early in the day improves the chances of securing everything on your list without having to visit multiple stores. Late arrivals on Christmas Eve often face limited choices, particularly in refrigerated and bakery sections.
What Tips Should You Know for Christmas Eve Shopping at Costco?
Shopping at Costco on Christmas Eve can be efficient and rewarding with the right strategy. The key is to avoid peak hours and to streamline your visit to reduce stress.
Best Time to Visit to Avoid the Crowds
- 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM is generally the quietest window, particularly for Executive Members
- By 11:00 AM, aisles and tills become noticeably busier
- Between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, crowds often peak and parking becomes more difficult
While shopping in the late afternoon might seem appealing to avoid crowds, it comes with the risk of limited product availability and a rushed checkout experience.
Parking, Queues and Entry Management
On 24th December, many warehouse locations implement car park controls and increased staff presence to manage incoming vehicles. Additional stewards may be stationed to guide traffic flow, but congestion is still likely.
Inside the store, queue systems may be introduced at:
- Entry points (to control crowd flow)
- Tills (to speed up checkout process)
- Product-specific areas such as meat, bakery or electronics
If you’re in a hurry, consider shopping in pairs — one person queues while the other completes item selection. This can help save valuable minutes when time is limited.
Safety and COVID-19 Protocols
While COVID-19 restrictions have been relaxed in many areas, some locations may still enforce:
- Mask-wearing in confined or high-risk spaces
- Use of hand sanitisers at entrance points
- Spaced queuing in busy departments
It’s advisable to check the current safety guidelines listed on the Costco website or posted at your local branch.
How Can You Plan Your Costco Holiday Shopping Efficiently?
Planning is essential to reduce the stress and inefficiency associated with last-minute holiday shopping. Costco’s warehouse layout and bulk packaging format can be overwhelming without a clear game plan.
Creating a Holiday Shopping Checklist
To stay on track and reduce time spent wandering aisles, prepare a checklist broken into key sections:
- Fresh groceries: turkey, vegetables, dairy
- Packaged goods: stuffing, snacks, chocolates
- Beverages: wines, soft drinks, spirits
- Gift items: books, toys, electronics
- Festive extras: wrapping paper, batteries, candles
Having a pre-planned list also helps reduce impulse purchases, which can quickly increase your bill and overwhelm your available storage space at home.
Knowing What’s In Stock During Christmas Week
Costco’s product availability changes frequently, especially during the festive season. Many holiday items are brought in as seasonal stock, which means once they’re gone, they are unlikely to be restocked until the following year.
If you’re hoping to pick up a popular holiday deal, such as:
- Pre-lit artificial trees
- Decorative LED lights
- Christmas-themed homeware or table settings
- Luxury food baskets or chocolate towers
you’ll have more success by shopping a few days before Christmas Eve. Waiting until the last minute for these high-demand items carries a high chance of missing out.
Conclusion
Costco is open on Christmas Eve in the UK, usually until 5:00 PM, and offers everything from groceries to electronics for last-minute holiday needs.
However, with shortened hours, heavy footfall, and potential for early sell-outs, it’s essential to arrive early, shop smart, and verify local opening times before visiting.
Whether you’re finishing off your festive food list or picking up a final gift, Costco remains a solid choice — just plan accordingly to avoid the rush.
FAQs
What are Costco UK holiday opening times for December 2025?
Costco UK typically opens until 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, remains closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and resumes normal trading hours afterward.
Are Costco fuel stations open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, most Costco petrol stations follow the same hours as the main warehouse. However, they may close slightly earlier, depending on location.
Can non-members shop at Costco during the holidays?
No, only members can shop at Costco year-round. Non-members cannot enter or purchase items unless accompanied by a member and under specific conditions.
Does Costco offer holiday gift wrapping or special services?
Costco does not provide gift-wrapping services, but they do offer a selection of holiday wrapping supplies and gift bags in-store.
Is the Costco food court open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, but the food court typically closes 30–60 minutes before the main warehouse does. Be sure to arrive early if you want to grab a bite.
Are there special Christmas discounts at Costco UK?
Yes, Costco often offers seasonal promotions and member-only discounts during December. Check the holiday catalogue or website for current deals.
How busy is Costco on Christmas Eve?
Costco is extremely busy on 24th December. Expect long queues, full car parks, and crowded aisles particularly between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
