Columbia’s Christmas Day: Stores Open and Community Dinner

News Summary

This Christmas Day, Columbia offers essential shopping options and a community dinner for those in need. Local stores like Walgreens and CVS will provide necessary services, while St. Luke United Methodist Church hosts its 14th annual Christmas Day Dinner, ensuring no one goes without warmth and joy during the holidays.

Columbia’s Christmas Day: Essential Stores Open and Community Dinner Serving Those in Need

Christmas Day in Columbia is coming up, and while many businesses take a break to celebrate the holiday, there are still some spots in town where you can get your last-minute essentials. If you find yourself in need of some holiday supplies or just looking to indulge in a little retail therapy, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

What’s Open for Last-Minute Shopping?

On Christmas Eve, many stores will close early, so it’s good to plan ahead. ALDI will shut its doors at 4 p.m. on December 24, perfect for grabbing any last groceries. For those who prefer bulk shopping, Costco will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, before taking a break on Christmas Day. As for Walmart, it will also be closed on Christmas Day, so make sure to visit it the day before.

Do you need some quick snacks or other essentials at the very last moment? Dollar General will welcome customers until 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but they will follow suit and close on Christmas Day. If you are near Kroger, be aware they will not be open when Christmas rolls around. Meanwhile, Sam’s Club will be closing at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

If you find yourself needing some last-minute items on Christmas Eve, Target has got your back, remaining open until 8 p.m. for any of your last-minute gifting needs. Just be aware that Trader Joe’s will close at 6 p.m. and then not open on Christmas Day. Whether you are looking for festive treats or seasonal essentials, Whole Foods will also open its doors from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve but will be closed for Christmas.

Healthcare on the Holiday

Are you in need of pharmacy services on Christmas Day? Luckily, Walgreens will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and CVS will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This means you can pick up any medications or health supplies you might need to keep the celebrations going.

A Warm Meal for Everyone!

While not everyone enjoys a traditional holiday meal at home, some in the community might be looking for a warm, inviting space to share the day with others. The St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbia has been a beacon of light on Christmas Day for over a decade, hosting its 14th annual Christmas Day Dinner. Beginning at 1 p.m., this church event serves delicious meals for those in need. It’s not just about food; it’s about sharing warmth and joy with everyone in the community.

This year, approximately 70 kind-hearted individuals gathered at the church to partake in the feast. Besides the meals, the church also offered shoes and clothes to those who needed them, showing that the holiday spirit is truly about giving back. They also handed out free COVID-19 tests to ensure community safety during this joyous, yet cautious, season.

Volunteers play an integral role in this remarkable event, coming together to prepare and serve meals while embodying the spirit of community service. The church emphasizes its mission to heal, feed, and care for the residents of Columbia, ensuring that nobody goes without joy this holiday season.

So whether you need to grab something quick from a local store on Christmas Eve or want to share a meal with friends and neighbors, Columbia is here to bring cheer and support to its community on Christmas Day!