A Guide To Last-Minute Christmas Shopping, Shipping In Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD, MA — Many of us know the feeling: It’s Christmas Eve in Chelmsford. Gifts are wrapped, and as we carefully arrange them under the tree, we realize we forgot to buy a present for our mother-in-law or our favorite uncle, Bob. Now what?

Luckily, several retail stores in Chelmsford will be open on Christmas Eve — and, in some cases, Christmas Day — so you can pick up those last-minute gifts and other necessities.

Before you step out to shop, you should note: Store hours can vary by location. A good rule of thumb is to call ahead to your store of choice before leaving the house.

Here’s a look at retail stores that will be open in Chelmsford this Christmas, according to lists compiled by Parade, Good Housekeeping and others.

Retail Store Hours

Bed, Bath & Beyond: Stores will be open for reduced hours on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

CVS: Many locations, including those open 24 hours, will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Family Dollar/Dollar Tree: Select stores will open for reduced hours on Christmas Day. Call ahead to your local store to confirm hours.

GameStop: Most stores will be open until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.

Home Depot: Open regular hours on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day.

Kohl’s: Stores will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.

Macy’s: Hours will vary on Christmas Eve, so call ahead to confirm hours at your preferred location; closed Christmas Day.

Marshalls: Most stores will be open until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.

Old Navy: Hours vary by location, but most stores will be open until 7 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day.

PetSmart: Most stores will be open until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve; all stores will be closed Christmas Day.

Target: Stores will be open Christmas Eve, though hours may vary; closed on Christmas Day.

TJ Maxx: Most stores will be open until 6 p.m. Christmas Eve; closed Christmas Day.

Walgreens: Stores will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though hours will vary by location. Call ahead to confirm hours at your preferred store.

Chelmsford Mall Hours

For other last-minute gifts, you can visit these Chelmsford-area malls, many of which will be open for limited hours on Christmas Eve.

• Chelmsford Mall: Open Christmas Eve, check individual store hours
• Chelmsford Town Center: Open Christmas Eve, check individual store hours
• Drum Hill Shopping Center: Open Christmas Eve, check individual store hours

Last-Minute Shipping Deadlines

If you still need to ship a gift to someone special, it’s best not to wait until Christmas or Christmas Eve. Here are the 2021 holiday shipping deadlines you need to know:

U.S. Postal Service

• USPS Retail Ground: Wednesday, Dec. 15
• First-Class Mail: Friday, Dec. 17
• Priority Mail: Saturday, Dec. 18
• USPS Priority Mail Express: Thursday, Dec. 23

If you’re shipping abroad or to a member of the U.S. military, special deadlines apply.

UPS

• UPS Ground Shipping: Monday, Dec. 20
• UPS 3 Day Select: Tuesday, Dec. 21
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Wednesday, Dec. 22
• UPS Next Day Air: Thursday, Dec. 23

FedEx

• FedEx Ground/Home Delivery: Wednesday, Dec. 15
• FedEx Express Saver: Tuesday, Dec. 21
• FedEx 2Day: Wednesday, Dec. 22
• FedEx Overnight: Thursday, Dec. 23