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Retail hours for last minute shoppers

Large Christmas decorations hang inside Hamilton Place Mall as shoppers take advantage of Black Friday sales.

Christmas is upon us! But perhaps you have run out of wrapping paper. Or you have to do some last-minute shopping. Or you really need a cup of coffee that wasn't made by someone you are related to. What do you do? Where can you go? Which stores are even open?

First and foremost, coffee. Starbucks said most of its stores will be open today until as late as 8 p.m. and most will also be open on Christmas Day for those of you who need caffeine to power through late-night gift wrapping or the crack-of-dawn frenzy of kids unwrapping presents. (Also known as "the joy of a child's Christmas.")

If you are more of a Dunkin' Donuts person, you may be in luck, although local stores will be open only until 2 p.m. today. Michelle King, a spokeswoman, said many of its locations will also be open on Christmas Day.

The three Chattanooga-area malls operated by CBL & Associates Properties — Hamilton Place and Northgate Mall in Chattanooga and Walnut Square Mall in Dalton— are open today until 6 p.m and will be closed for Christmas on Sunday. Some stores at Bradley Square Mall will stay open as late as 9 p.m. tonight but will also be closed Sunday.

For last-minute gift-shopping and unforeseen household needs, Wal-Mart will be open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve but is closed on Christmas Day, the only day of the year that Wal-Mart does not open. Target will close at 10 or 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and also will close on Christmas Day.

What if those cousins you weren't expecting suddenly show up for dinner, leaving you short on food? You might have a tough time, as several major grocery stores will be closed on Christmas. Food City will close at 6 p.m. tonight and be closed on Sunday. You'll have to buy your subs from Publix before 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. It will be closed on Christmas Day.

If you are looking to go out to eat on Sunday, area Waffle Houses, IHOP and Huddle Houses will be open, along with many of Chattanooga's finer eateries, including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Back Inn Cafe, The Chattanoogan and Fuji Steakhouse, among others.

CVS is also open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although hours will vary store to store.

"It would be best for customers to check with their store," said Stephanie Cunha, a spokeswoman.

Walgreen's will be a sure bet, though. Its 24-hour locations will operate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and its non-24-hour stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day and until midnight on Christmas Eve.

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