Google Maps has been getting increasingly useful as time goes on, even allowing users to see the hours that a store is open.

However, Google will be taking that to the next level this holiday season, allowing users to see a store's business hours for the holidays. When users search for a store within seven days of a certain holiday, users will be able to see whether or not stores have special schedules for that holiday.

"Ever trekked all the way to your favorite restaurant just to realize it's closed for the holidays? Well, we have," said Google in a blog post. "Now Google Maps and Google Search will help you avoid that common holiday mistake."

Even if holiday hours are not listed, Google will show users a warning that will say something like "Christmas Eve might affect these hours," ensuring that users aren't too surprised if they head to a store on Christmas Eve, only to find it closed.

According to Google, the new feature will be available globally, so different holidays in different countries will show up, and users will also be able to filter their search results to see only stores that are "open now." In case there was any doubt, hours will be matched on both desktop and mobile versions of Google Maps and Search.

Google has been giving Maps a number of new features of late, even going as far as to separate Street View from the normal Google Maps app. Most recently, Google added the Great Walks of New Zealand to Street View, enabling users to roam the Great Walks on their phones.

Via: The Verge