Ulta Christmas Eve Hours: December 24 Schedule And Tips

If you're racing to grab last-minute beauty gifts on December 24th, you need to know that Ulta Beauty stores operate on shortened schedules. Most locations open early at around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM and close their doors by 6:00 PM. While you can squeeze in some final shopping on Christmas Eve, physical locations close down completely on Christmas Day, meaning December 24th is your absolute final window for in-store purchases and gift card pickups.

Knowing the exact operating hours is only half the battle. December 24 is one of the busiest retail days of the year, packed with frantic shoppers, depleted inventory shelves, and long checkout lines. Navigating the chaos requires a solid strategy so you don't waste precious holiday hours driving across town.

Typical Ulta Christmas Eve Hours

Ulta stores generally open earlier than usual on December 24 to accommodate last-minute holiday shoppers, but they also shut down well before evening festivities begin.

• Opening Time: Most stores unlock their doors between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM local time.
• Closing Time: The vast majority of locations pull down their security gates strictly at 6:00 PM local time.
• Salon Services: The styling and brow bars inside Ulta operate on even shorter hours, often wrapping up midday to let technicians head home.

Corporate schedules can vary slightly depending on local mall guidelines or franchise structures. If your nearest Ulta is embedded inside a major shopping mall, its hours might be bound by the mall's master Christmas Eve schedule rather than standalone store policies.

How to Verify Your Local Store Schedule

Never rely solely on general national averages when dealing with holiday hours. Regional weather events, mall restrictions, or local staffing shortages can alter operating times unexpectedly.

You can check your local branch using official channels:

1. Head over to the Ulta Store Locator on their main website.
2. Type in your current zip code or city name.
3. Review the specific holiday hours banner listed for your chosen location.
4. Call the store directly if the online portal hasn't updated its live schedule banner yet.

Making a quick phone call before you walk out the door saves you from finding a locked glass door at 5:45 PM.

Strategies for a Stress-Free December 24 Shopping Trip

Walking into a beauty supply store on Christmas Eve without a plan is a recipe for frustration. Shelves are picked clean, popular gift sets vanish early, and registers move slowly.

Check Stock Online Before You Leave

Don't guess whether your favorite perfume or holiday palette is in stock. Use the Ulta app or website to check inventory levels at your specific store location. Many platforms allow you to place a buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) order, though retailers frequently pause or limit curbside features on peak days like December 24 due to high order volumes.

Go Early in the Morning

The first two hours after opening—typically 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM—are the quietest moments of the day. Inventory is neat, aisles are clear, and staff members can actually help you track down hidden items in the back stockroom. By 2:00 PM, stores resemble a battlefield of unwrapped tester products and chaotic lines.

Have Flexible Gift Backups

If you're hunting for a specific viral skincare item or a trending makeup set, accept that it's likely sold out by Christmas Eve afternoon. Keep a mental list of flexible alternatives. If a particular luxury perfume isn't available, look for pre-packaged discovery sets or universal body care kits that offer similar luxury appeal.

What to Do When Stores Are Closed

If you miss the 6:00 PM cutoff on December 24, your in-store options vanish. Ulta stores remain entirely closed on December 25, reopening for normal business hours on December 26 (often timed with Boxing Day sales).

However, you aren't completely out of luck if you forgot a present. You can still visit Ulta Online to purchase digital gift cards. E-gift cards are delivered instantly via email, making them the ultimate lifesaver for last-minute gifting emergencies when physical storefronts are locked tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ulta salons open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, but they usually close earlier than the retail floor. Most in-store salon services wrap up by early afternoon on December 24 to accommodate stylists traveling for the holidays.

Can I use coupons on Christmas Eve?

Standard Ulta coupons and rewards points generally apply on December 24, but check the fine print of specific promotional flyers. Major brand exclusions often apply to prestige beauty and fragrances regardless of the date.

Does Ulta offer curbside pickup on December 24?

It depends on store traffic. Many locations disable or severely restrict curbside pickup on Christmas Eve because staff members are entirely focused on managing heavy in-store checkout queues.

What are Ulta's hours on Christmas Day?

All physical Ulta stores and salons are completely closed on December 25. Normal operating hours resume the following morning.