If you're scrambling for a last-minute gift on December 24, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Ulta Christmas Eve hours typically run from 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, giving you a reliable window to snap up emergency stocking stuffers or prestige palettes. However, retail schedules shift quickly during the holiday rush, and relying on generic web listings can leave you staring at locked doors.
Knowing precisely when doors open and close helps you avoid wasted gas and holiday stress. Let's break down what you need to know about navigating Ulta Beauty's schedule on December 24, how to confirm your local branch, and what alternative options exist if you arrive too late.
What to Expect From Ulta on December 24
Most nationwide locations operate on shortened schedules for the holiday. While standard days usually see stores open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Christmas Eve forces a compressed timeline to let staff head home for the evening.
Doors generally open earlier than usual—often between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM—to accommodate early birds. At the same time, operations wrap up sharply at 6:00 PM for the vast majority of storefronts. If your local shop sits inside an enclosed shopping mall, expect its hours to mirror the mall's closing time, which can occasionally mean shutting down even earlier at 5:00 PM.
In-Store Services on Christmas Eve
Grabbing a gift is one thing, but getting your hair or brows styled is another. On December 24, salon services inside Ulta operate under heavily restricted schedules. Stylists finish appointments well before the evening shutdown, and walk-ins are virtually nonexistent. If you booked a blowout or color treatment for that morning, confirm your slot days in advance, because running late could mean missing your appointment entirely.
How to Verify Your Local Store Schedule
Never assume your nearest location follows the national average. Regional management and local ordinances can shift operational windows.
- Go directly to the official Ulta Store Locator.
- Type in your ZIP code or city name to filter results.
- Check the specific location card for listed holiday hours.
- Call the store directly if the digital hours look ambiguous or unupdated.
Taking two minutes to call ahead saves you from a wasted trip when parking lots are jammed and traffic is at its worst.
What Happens Right After Christmas Eve?
Planning your holiday beauty routine requires looking at the surrounding dates. Knowing the schedule for the days bookending December 24 keeps your gift exchange on track.
- Christmas Day (December 25): All physical stores nationwide remain completely closed. Employees get the day off, and zero retail or salon operations take place.
- Boxing Day / December 26: Normal business hours resume, typically opening around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and closing at 9:00 PM. This is prime time for post-holiday clearance events and gift card redemption.
While physical stores sit dark on December 25, the digital storefront at Ulta Beauty stays accessible 24/7. You can purchase instant digital gift cards on Christmas Day if you forgot someone entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do curbside pickup on Christmas Eve?
Curbside pickup is usually available during early morning hours on December 24, but stores often turn off online pickup options a few hours before closing to clear out pending queue orders. Place your order as early as possible.
Does Ulta run special sales on December 24?
Most major holiday sales and promotional discounts wind down right before Christmas Eve or transition into final clearance markdowns. Don't expect massive doorbusters on the 24th, as inventory is usually picked clean by then.
What if I miss the 6:00 PM cutoff?
If you arrive after doors lock, physical retail is done for the night. Your best alternative is purchasing an e-gift card directly from their website, which delivers to the recipient's inbox instantly.
Are all Ulta locations open on Christmas Eve?
Nearly all corporate stores open with modified hours, but standalone units tend to have more flexible hours than those tethered to strict indoor shopping centers. Always verify individually.
