Many businesses close early Christmas Eve

If you’re waiting until Christmas Eve to get your shopping done, you may need to alter your schedule because many stores will close early Thursday, Dec. 24.

Even some grocery stores will shut their doors early, but for the first time in years a few major grocers will be open on Christmas. Albertsons and both Safeway stores in Whatcom County will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 25.

A few coffee places, restaurants, mini marts, gas stations, pubs and Walgreens are among the other businesses open Dec. 25.

Most government offices will be closed Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day.

Following is the status of places on Christmas Eve and Christmas. For places not listed here, call ahead to check hours.

A list of businesses open on Christmas Day will be published in the Dec. 25 newspaper and online at bhamherald.com.

GROCERY STORES

Haggen: Christmas Eve hours vary by store location; all stores closed on Christmas. The Fairhaven store will close at 8 p.m. Thursday, Meridian and Sehome stores close at 10 p.m., and the Ferndale and Barkley stores are open until midnight.

The Market/Cost Cutter: All Whatcom County stores (The Market at Birch Bay, Blaine Cost Cutter, Lynden Food Pavilion and Everson Market) close at 7 p.m. Thursday. All closed Friday.

Albertsons: Closes at 9 p.m. Thursday, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Fred Meyer: Closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday.

Safeway: Closes at 7 p.m. Thursday, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.

Winco: Closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday.

Community Food Co-op: Both locations close at 6 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday.

Trader Joe’s: Closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday.

Everybody’s Store: Closes at 6 p.m. Thursday, closed Friday.

OFFICES, SCHOOLS, SERVICES

Whatcom County offices: Most closed Thursday and Friday.

Bellingham city offices: Closed Thursday and Friday.

Bellingham parking meters: Not enforced Thursday or Friday.

Whatcom County Library System and Bookmobile: Closed Thursday and Friday.

Bellingham Public Library: Closed Thursday and Friday.

BANKS

All banks are closed Christmas Day, though many still offer online transactions. Hours vary on Christmas Eve, with many closing earlier than usual.

SERVICES

U.S. Postal Service: Regular mail delivery Thursday, but post offices will close early, with many shutting their doors at noon. Mail dropped in blue boxes might be collected earlier than the posted time in many locations. No mail delivery Friday.

Garbage: Both SSC and Nooksack Valley Disposal will pick up garbage as usual. If you have a Friday regular pickup, put out your trash Thursday night because trucks might be running earlier than normal. SSC offices, recycling center and transfer station closed Friday.

Whatcom Transportation Authority: Regular schedule Thursday, no buses Friday.

The Bellingham Herald: Regular newspaper delivery both days. Customer service office closes at 3 p.m. Thursday; for missed papers call 360-676-2660 by noon. Customer service closed Friday and Saturday.

Boys & Girls Club: Bellingham club closed Thursday through Jan. 2. Ferndale club closed Thursday and Friday. Lynden club closed until Jan. 4.

SCHOOLS

Public schools: Classes resume in January.

Local colleges: Classes resume in January.

STORES, RESTAURANTS

Call ahead to check hours of stores or restaurants. Many stores will close 6 p.m. or earlier on Thursday. A few big-box retailers will stay open a bit later. Some restaurants will close early Thursday. Most are closed Friday.

ENTERTAINMENT

Whatcom Museum: Closed Thursday and Friday.

Movie theaters: Regal Cinemas, Pickford Film Center and the Limelight open all days; show times vary.

This story was originally published December 22, 2015 at 3:11 PM with the headline "Many businesses close early Christmas Eve."