Stores Open on Christmas – Christmas Day is one of the few holidays when many businesses close nationwide. Still, several major retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants remain open to serve last minute shoppers and travelers. If you are asking which stores are open on Christmas Day, this guide gives you a clear, updated breakdown so you do not waste time driving to locked doors.
This article covers grocery stores, retail chains, convenience stores, pharmacies, and restaurants that typically operate on December 25, along with tips to confirm local hours.
Are Stores Open on Christmas Day?
Yes, some stores are open on Christmas Day, but hours are usually limited. Most big box retailers close, while convenience stores, select grocery chains, pharmacies, and fast food restaurants often remain open.
Key rule: assume reduced hours unless confirmed otherwise.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day
Most major grocery chains close on Christmas Day, but a few exceptions exist.
Grocery Stores Usually Open
- Albertsons
Select locations are open with reduced hours. Store level decisions apply. - Safeway
Many locations open for limited hours. Pharmacy counters may be closed. - Vons
Similar to Safeway. Holiday hours vary by region. - Whole Foods Market
Some stores open with shortened hours, usually closing early afternoon. - Asian and international grocery stores
Many independently owned stores remain open, especially in urban areas.
Grocery Stores Usually Closed
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger
- Publix
- Aldi
- Trader Joe’s
- Sam’s Club
If groceries are critical, plan ahead or rely on convenience stores.
Convenience Stores Open on Christmas Day
Convenience stores are your safest bet.
Open Nationwide
- 7-Eleven
Open 24 hours at most locations. - Circle K
Most stores open, hours vary. - Wawa
Open 24 hours, including food service. - Sheetz
Open 24 hours. - Speedway
Many locations open all day.
These stores cover essentials like snacks, drinks, milk, ice, and basic household items.
Pharmacies Open on Christmas Day
Pharmacy access matters during holidays, especially for prescriptions.
Pharmacies Usually Open
- CVS Pharmacy
Many locations open, often with reduced hours. 24 hour CVS stores typically remain open. - Walgreens
Select locations open, especially 24 hour stores.
Pharmacies Usually Closed
- Rite Aid
- Walmart Pharmacy
- Costco Pharmacy
Always confirm prescription hours separately from store hours.
Retail Stores Open on Christmas Day
Most major retailers close completely, but a few exceptions exist.
Retailers Often Open
- Dollar General
Many locations open with limited hours. - Family Dollar
Select stores open. - Dollar Tree
Some locations open. Hours vary. - CVS
Retail section open where stores operate. - Walgreens
Retail areas open at select locations.
Retailers Closed on Christmas Day
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Kohl’s
- IKEA
- Apple Store
If you need electronics, furniture, or clothing, you are out of luck on Christmas Day.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Restaurants are more likely to open than retail stores, especially fast food and chain dining.
Fast Food Restaurants Open
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Dunkin’
- Taco Bell
- Burger King
- KFC
Franchise owned locations decide independently, so hours vary.
Sit Down and Chain Restaurants Open
- Denny’s
- IHOP
- Waffle House
- Cracker Barrel
- Applebee’s
- Golden Corral
Chinese restaurants are famously open on Christmas and remain one of the most reliable dining options.
Gas Stations Open on Christmas Day
Almost all gas stations remain open.
- Shell
- Chevron
- BP
- Exxon
- Mobil
Attached convenience stores usually follow holiday schedules but fuel pumps operate regardless.
Are Malls Open on Christmas Day?
No. Most shopping malls are closed entirely. Individual restaurants or movie theaters attached to malls may operate with external entrances.
Movie Theaters Open on Christmas Day
Yes. Christmas Day is a major movie release date.
- AMC Theatres
- Regal Cinemas
- Cinemark
Showtimes vary, but theaters usually open by midday.
Tips to Avoid Holiday Mistakes
- Check store locators on official websites.
- Call ahead if the visit matters.
- Search Google Maps for real time holiday hours.
- Plan backups in case a store closes early.
- Expect shorter hours even if listed as open.
- Do not assume normal operations.
Most large retailers, including Walmart and Target, close all locations on Christmas Day. Grocery store access is limited, with only select regional or independently owned markets choosing to open for reduced hours. Major national grocery chains typically remain closed on December 25.
For essential needs, convenience stores and gas stations are the most reliable option. Chains such as 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, and Speedway usually operate on Christmas Day and offer basic food items, beverages, and household necessities.
Pharmacy access is still available in many areas. CVS and Walgreens keep select locations open, particularly 24-hour stores. Prescription counters may operate on shorter schedules, so checking local hours is important.
Dining options are broader than retail. Many fast food restaurants, diners, and chain restaurants remain open on Christmas Day, although hours vary by franchise. Chinese restaurants and 24-hour diners are especially dependable choices.
Final Guidance for Christmas Day Shopping
If you are searching for Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025, plan around convenience stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and quick-service restaurants. Grocery shopping and major retail purchases should be completed before December 25 to avoid limited availability and reduced hours.
Execution rule: verify local hours, expect early closures, and plan backups.