Christmas Day is one of the few holidays when the majority of businesses close their doors so employees can celebrate with family. But not everyone spends the entire day at home—some people need to grab last-minute groceries, pick up medicine, or grab a cup of coffee on the go. If you’re wondering what stores are open on Christmas Day, the answer is: only a select few. Most large retailers, supermarkets, and shopping malls remain closed, but certain convenience stores, pharmacies, and restaurants keep limited hours.
In this guide, we’ll explore which types of stores you can expect to be open, what to check before heading out, and how to plan ahead for your holiday shopping needs.
Why Most Stores Close on Christmas Day
What Stores Are Open on Christmas Day is a federal holiday in the United States, and many businesses give their employees the day off. Large chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger consistently close every year on December 25th. For workers, it’s one of the rare opportunities to spend time with loved ones. For customers, it means planning shopping trips before Christmas Eve is essential.
However, not every store shuts down. Some essential services and convenience-based businesses stay open because they provide necessities that people may urgently need.
What Stores Are Typically Open on Christmas Day
Here’s a breakdown of what you can usually find open on December 25th:
1. Convenience Stores & Gas Stations
- 7-Eleven: Most locations are open 24/7, including Christmas Day.
- Circle K: Generally stays open, but hours vary by location.
- Wawa, Sheetz, Casey’s, and QuikTrip: Many remain open for both food and fuel.
2. Pharmacies & Drugstores
- CVS: Many stores (including 24-hour locations) are open. Pharmacy hours may be reduced.
- Walgreens: Select stores open all day, though smaller locations might close.
- Rite Aid: Many locations remain open, but hours differ.
3. Grocery Stores
While most supermarkets shut down, a few exceptions exist:
- Albertsons/Safeway: Some locations open in the morning with reduced hours.
- Acme: Select stores may open, typically in the morning.
- Asian, Middle Eastern, or local specialty markets: These may remain open, depending on community and ownership.
4. Coffee Shops & Restaurants
- Starbucks: Many locations open, especially those inside airports or city centers.
- Dunkin’: Select franchises remain open with limited hours.
- Fast Food Chains (McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s, etc.): Hours vary by location and franchise ownership.
5. Other Businesses
- Movie Theaters: Many theaters, like AMC and Regal, are open since Christmas is a popular movie-release day.
- Hotels: Gift shops and restaurants inside hotels generally operate on normal hours.
Tips for Shopping on Christmas Day
- Call ahead: Even if a chain is “known” to be open, hours differ by city and franchise.
- Plan early: If you need groceries, buy them by Christmas Eve, since major supermarkets won’t reopen until December 26.
- Expect crowds: Convenience stores and coffee shops can get busy with travelers and last-minute shoppers.
- Be prepared to pay more: Smaller convenience stores often charge higher prices than large supermarkets.
How to Avoid Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Emergencies
- Stock up early: Make a detailed shopping list and finish errands a few days before Christmas.
- Double-check prescriptions: Refill medications before December 24 to avoid relying on reduced pharmacy hours.
- Plan meals ahead: Buy ingredients and supplies early, since grocery stores close down for the entire day.
- Have backups: Keep non-perishable food, snacks, and gift cards at home for emergencies.
FAQs About Stores Open on Christmas Day
Are Walmart and Target open on Christmas Day?
No. Both Walmart and Target close every year on December 25th. They typically reopen on December 26 with extended hours and holiday sales.
Is CVS open on Christmas Day?
Yes, many CVS stores are open, especially 24-hour locations. However, pharmacy counters may have reduced hours, so check in advance if you need prescriptions.
Can I buy groceries on Christmas Day?
Most grocery stores, including Kroger, Publix, and Whole Foods, are closed. Some Safeway, Albertsons, or smaller independent markets may open in the morning with reduced hours.
Are gas stations open on Christmas Day?
Yes, most gas stations remain open, especially large chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and QuikTrip. Smaller, locally owned stations may close.
What restaurants are open on Christmas Day?
Many fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, such as McDonald’s, Dunkin’, and Starbucks, keep limited hours. Sit-down chains like Denny’s, IHOP, and some Chinese restaurants are traditionally open all day.
Are banks and post offices open on Christmas Day?
No. What Stores Are Open on Christmas Day is a federal holiday, so banks, government offices, and post offices are closed. ATMs, online banking, and digital services are still available.
Do shopping malls open on What Stores Are Open on Christmas Day?
Generally, no. Shopping malls and retail stores remain closed, but theaters, restaurants, and entertainment venues within malls may be open.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking yourself, “What stores are open on Christmas Day?” the answer depends on what you need. While big-box retailers and most grocery stores stay closed, convenience stores, select pharmacies, gas stations, coffee shops, and some restaurants remain open with reduced hours. Planning ahead can save you from the stress of scrambling on December 25th, but if you do find yourself in need, you’ll still have a few options available.
