Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Santa visited Walmart in New Ulm Sunday.

NEW ULM — Christmas is a week away, meaning there are only a few more shopping days remaining and many of the local stores have special holiday hours.

Most stores will have extended hours in the lead-up to Christmas, but cut-back hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Almost no businesses will be open on Christmas Day.

Herberger’s is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day this week except Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the store will close early at 6 p.m. and will remain closed all Christmas.

Inspired will be open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Christmas Eve the store be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Christmas.

Runnings will keep regular hours all week, but will only be open from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Christmas Eve and will close on Christmas Day.

Bailey Creek Boutique is open 10 a.m to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays; 10 a.m to 8 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The store will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The Guten Tag House will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The store is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The 9 a.m to 5 p.m. hours will resume Dec. 26 through Dec. 30. The shop will also be closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

New Ulm’s Walmart will also have holiday hours. The store will close early at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Christmas Day. Store staff did confirm Santa Claus will make an appearance at Walmart from noon to 4 p.m. next Saturday and Sunday. Santa has made regular appearances at Walmart over the weekend since Thanksgiving. Santa estimated that he gives out between 75 and 100 candy canes whenever he visits Walmart.

Santa said this year children have been asking for remote control flying drones, Hatchimals and, of course, Legos.