Groceries: All Lunds and Byerly's stores close Wednesday at 4 p.m. Some chains, such as Cub Foods, may be open later. Call your local store for hours.

Shopping: Malls and stores mostly open by 8 a.m., but many close early. Mall of America closes at 6 p.m. Wednesday, as does Burnsville Center. Rosedale closes at 5 p.m., Ridgedale at 4 p.m. and the Minneapolis Macy's at 6 p.m.

Mass transit: Many customers will turn the Christmas holiday into a long weekend. Expect reduced service on Wednesday and Friday.

Routes will follow Saturday schedules except where noted. Consult metrotransit.org for details on your route. Saturday fares will be charged (except where noted).

The Transit Information Center will be open Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Minneapolis Service Center will be open both days from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. (the St. Paul Service Center will be closed). Customer Relations and Lost & Found will be open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on both days.

Post offices: All post offices nationwide will be open Christmas Eve (and closed on Christmas Day), but most will close at noon. Mail delivery for Dec. 24 will be the same as any other weekday.