Key Takeaways
- A lot of CVS and Walgreens pharmacies are open on Christmas day, but hours are different, so check ahead to be safe.
- Convenience stores like Casey’s and 24-hour spots like Pilot Flying J will be a God-send for chips, beverages or last-minute needs.
- Specific stores such as Giant Food, ACME and Safeway will have limited hours so get your grocery run in early and anticipate a reduced selection.
- Coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin’ typically open their doors for some holiday drinks and treats – a nice cozy spot for a caffeine break!
- Fast food joints like McDonald’s and Taco Bell can offer up speedy meal options, but as always, check their holiday hours locally.
- Most major retailers and department stores will be closed, so definitely double check hours online or by phone before you head out.
A lot of stores are open on Christmas Day, but options can be limited in most American cities. Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and some Walgreens often remain open providing people a place for last minute necessities.
Even some gas stations and big hotel gift shops plow through the holiday. Grocery is slim pickings with just some regional chains open for restricted hours.
For complete info, our guide below lays out what’s open close to you.
Your Christmas Day Lifesavers
What stores are open on Christmas day? On Christmas Day, there are always last-minute lifesavers everybody forgot – dinner items, batteries for new toys, and headache medicine. Some department stores are open, while others close or operate on reduced hours. Here’s a quick list of the types of local grocery stores you can count on during the holiday.
- Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and select independents
- Convenience Stores: Casey’s, Pilot Flying J, 7-Eleven, Circle K
- Grocers: Select Giant Food, ACME, Safeway, and some local grocers
- Coffee Shops: Starbucks, Dunkin’, local favorites
- Fast Food: McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, some Chick-fil-A locations
1. Pharmacies
CVS is one of those dependable companies that you can count on for last-minute health needs as many of them maintain regular hours, even on Christmas. Walgreens stores typically 9 a.m. To 6 p.m., but hours may vary by location–best to call ahead before you make the trip, so you don’t get stranded in an eerie-looking parking lot.
A few Rite Aids stay open, but smaller independent pharmacies could close or only open for a limited span. Pharmacies are the place to be for cold meds, prescription pick-ups or forgotten personal care products. If someone in your house wakes up sick or you run out of allergy pills, a quick dash can be a lifesaver.
2. Convenience Stores
Casey’s is a big hit in a lot of towns and generally opens at 10am on Christmas. These stores carry snacks, beverages and even some grocery staples like bread or milk. For those in need of a middle-of-the-night hit, Pilot Flying J is open 24 hours, so you can snag what you crave en route to Grandma’s or post-feast.
Most 7-Elevens and Circle Ks are open normal hours, so they’re a pretty safe bet for quick snacks, drinks, or a gallon of milk when everyone else is closed. Convenience stores really are people’s lifesavers.
3. Select Grocers
What grocery stores are open on Christmas Day? Giant Food, for instance, might have a few openings — but always with limited hours. ACME & Safeway, sometimes, but never all day, smaller grocers, maybe, maybe not.
Not all stores will be open for last-minute shoppers, so look it up online or call before you head out. If you’re missing a vital dinner component, having a plan B is wise. Make a list of what you need before you go.
4. Coffee Shops
Starbucks for one is keeping some locations open, slinging those peppermint mochas and holiday treats. Dunkin’ is another big name that might have fast breakfast or holiday donuts, depending on the store.
Local coffee shops will surprise you—some keep regulars happy with hot drinks and a place to sit, even on Christmas morning. Whether you want a peaceful respite or a caffeine fix before welcoming family these stops were the bomb.
5. Fast Food Chains
McDonald’s and Taco Bell are among the more reliable fast food spots open on Christmas Day, but hours may vary by location. Wendy’s and certain Chick-fil-A locations will be open as well, but it’s recommended that you verify their hours on the web or give them a phone call.
The drive-thru is our Christmas Day lifesavers. Put together a shortlist of your nearest possibilities so you can snatch up meals quick and return to the festivities.
Don’t Bother Driving Here
Most big stores are closed on Christmas day. So chains like Macy’s, Best Buy and Target are shut down across the nation. There’s something about these destinations that want their employees spending time with family. If you’re planning on dropping by the mall or department stores, you’ll encounter locked doors, not sales.
Even the busiest of malls year round – think The Galleria in Houston or King of Prussia Mall in PA – are quiet on Christmas. Walmart and Costco, popular grocery chains, are also closed, along with nearly every national grocery and electronics store. Just a few of the drugstores and smaller convenience shops are on limited hours.
Attempting to drive out for some last-minute gifts or errands becomes a pain. The traffic can get crazy, even though less are shopping. Flat tires, accidents and jams on the main roads and highways that slow down everyone as they stop to see family or go to church.
Shopping mall parking lots that are normally filled with shoppers remain almost deserted, but you still may not find a spot if you venture near the venues with open restaurants or cinemas. In downtown districts or near tourist spots, it’s even worse. On top of the typical congestion, certain cities close down streets for events or parades, so it’s virtually not an option to get around by car.
You could encounter construction, as some crews utilize the lighter weekday traffic for repairs. For my fellow northerners, icy roads and winter weather only compound the stress.
Public transit doesn’t do much good either. Nearly all buses and trains operate on a Sunday or holiday schedule, which means there are fewer rides available. In cities like New York or Chicago, you might wait twice as long for a train. Taxi and rideshare prices can surge if demand increases, especially around the holidays.
If you’re not accustomed to the slower crawl, navigating town feels maddening. With less open and more time in traffic, it’s no wonder most don’t bother at all.
Rather than fighting traffic, a lot of people simply take Christmas Day to relax or reach out to family members at home. It’s perfect for comfort food, the flick or a nice walk outside. Others stock up the week before with everything they need.
Some seek out open spaces such as nearby parks or just walk around their neighborhood. For the majority, the smart play is to bypass the tension and hunker down.
The Holiday Hours Philosophy
Holiday hours are not just about open doors and cash registers; they reflect the decisions businesses make in balancing profit with the opportunity for families to be together. This balancing act is especially evident during Christmas Eve in the U.S., as the tension between tradition, commerce, and community peaks, impacting everything from department stores to local grocery stores.
Business Models
Christmas Day is not the same for every business, especially when considering the holiday schedule of various retailers. Convenience stores and big pharmacy chains like Walgreens and CVS are nearly always open, often 24/7, due to emergencies and last-minute needs that don’t take a holiday. Major grocery stores, such as Safeway or Albertsons, might be open for a couple of hours, typically closing early for employees to prepare for Christmas dinner with their families.
In big cities, more department stores may stay open than in small towns, since demand is greater and options are expected. Retailers must balance the revenue gained by extended store hours with the economic cost to workers of lost family time. Others attempt to strike a balance and only open through the morning or early afternoon, especially during the holiday season.
Online shopping has significantly altered the stakes as well. Most people now prefer to order online, allowing certain brick-and-mortar stores to close their doors on Christmas without losing as many sales as in previous years. Shoppers are savvy—they’ll check store websites for local store hours and plan accordingly, often facing disappointment with limited or erratic hours, particularly if they need something last minute.
Community Service
A lot of companies leverage Christmas shut-down to demonstrate caring. Chick-fil-A, for instance, is renowned for shutting down on significant holidays and Sundays, explicitly demonstrating that they prioritize rest and family above providing a few additional sales. This can enhance team spirit and communicates to the broader community that your brand is about more than just making a buck.
Giving employees time off counts. It can spell happier employees who feel appreciated, which tends to translate into better service the other 350 days of the year. Others take it a step further by donating time and effort to local food drives or volunteering for holiday events rather than hawking more merchandise.
These endeavors can foster good will and allow the brand to shine for positive reasons.
Brand Image
For others, leaving the lights off on Christmas is a declaration. It’s about being perceived as family-first, which attracts customers with similar values. There’s a marketing victory here, as well—brands like REI make news not just for closing, but for actively promoting employees and shoppers to get outside and spend the day instead.
Moves like this can differentiate a company and generate great WOM. Public sentiment can prod stores to reconsider their holiday hours, particularly as more folks discuss work-life harmony. When a company’s holiday stance aligns with something people care about, it can become a serious asset.
Brands that tell me why they close on Christmas get good press and loyal fans.
Navigating Last-Minute Needs
Last-minute needs can sneak up quick, particularly on Christmas Day when most stores close or reduce hours. They’re emergencies—maybe you’re milkless, forgot that special gift or a couple extra guests swing open the door. Having a checklist in advance is a life-saver.
Stock up on staples like bread, eggs, bottled water, OTC medicine, batteries and pet food. Jot down things that are easy to overlook: trash bags, toilet paper, toothpaste, and even a spare phone charger. Keeping this list close at hand means you can move fast if something’s lacking.
Countdown clock the weeks and days before the holiday to be on top of what you might run short on. A few of you enjoy stocking up to avoid the holiday scramble, but for those of us that get caught off guard, knowing where to go is crucial.
Verify Locally
As always, it never hurts to call ahead and see what stores are open on Christmas day before you head out. Holiday hours do vary and even national chains aren’t always the same in every town. Check store hours online or call them real quick–website info isn’t always current, especially for mom-and-pop stores.
Social media, on the other hand, can be a quick way to check in and see if your favorite shop has posted any updates or specials holiday plans. Don’t assume your usual hangout is open! Even typically late-night spots like certain CVS or Walgreens stores may close sooner or operate on a limited basis.
If it’s a local grocer or specialty shop – call ahead and see if they’re among the few places open.
Digital Alternatives
Missing that last gift or dinner ingredient doesn’t have to equal a trip out. A lot of online retailers provide same or next day delivery on holidays! Instacart or Amazon Fresh will still run on Christmas but with a minimum slots.
E-gift cards are a lifesaver for those last minute gift-ache moments—almost every major retailer and restaurant allows you to send them via email in just a few minutes. Shopping apps and store locators can help you locate open stores near you — saving you time and frustration.
These digital lifesavers can be the difference between a panicky dash and a relaxed, couch-based solution.
Expect Limitations
There are actually genuine restrictions when you buy something on Christmas Day. Shelves could be bare — particularly when it comes to fresh goods or seasonal sweets. There might be less staff, and deli counters, pharmacy windows, etc. Might be closed.
Go in expecting that you may have to choose another brand or opt for a smaller size. Flexibility assists—if you can’t track down what’s on your list, scour for simple swaps or bypass what’s not time sensitive.
Thinking in advance, remaining adaptable and consulting tools such as store locators or social media can assist you in locating what you require quickly, even when inventory is scarce and time is limited.
A Shift in Holiday Tradition
Our holiday shopping habits continue to evolve as the years go by, and it’s not hard to detect how people have a different perspective on Christmas Eve these days. It’s a far cry from dashing out to the department store for last-minute gifts or supplies. Now, with more stores shutting down on Christmas, people are taking that break from the hustle. Retailers are prioritizing their own workers too, shutting doors so staff can be with loved ones, which seems like a victory for all.
Shoppers aren’t merely adjusting—they’re loving it. Increasingly, people think ahead, piling in early, pre-Christmas, so the holiday can be serene, not rushed. Online shopping is a huge factor; it’s easy to get gifts from the couch without facing the cold or crowds. This means less need to plow through the crowds in department stores on Christmas.
It’s quite a shift from previous years, when locations like convenience stores, drugstores, or even some big box stores might remain open for those last-minute necessities. Now, almost all the big chains—Target, Walmart, Costco, and even local grocery stores—decide to close on Christmas Day. Very few stores, such as certain pharmacies, specific gas stations, or mom-and-pop shops, would remain illuminated, primarily to address immediate or niche necessities.
There’s a fresh trend: people want experiences, not just things. Gift-giving used to be about finding the perfect box to wrap, but today, more families are opting for shared meals, trips, or days in nature. Christmas and Hanukkah land on the same day in 2024, so families who celebrate both could merge their traditions—placing less emphasis on shopping and more on togetherness.
Maybe you’ll take a hike, cook a big meal, or simply sit and chat. These new traditions made togetherness the focus of the holiday. Most consider the transition to be positive. With stores shut, there’s less stress to shop ’til you drop and more opportunities to just chill.
They get a respite from the shopping hum and seek out simple pleasures for the day. Some experiment, volunteering or game nights or local hikes. Others simply savor quiet days at home. Ultimately, this push for stores to close on Christmas Day creates opportunities for new types of celebrations that are more well adapted to contemporary life.
Conclusion
Christmas Day can be a minefield if you’re looking to pick up eggs or a last minute gift. Things like CVS or Walgreens are still there for those that need it. Any big grocery stores or malls? Close to tight, so don’t count on them. A few gas stations and corner shops do remain open, providing you an opportunity at treats or basics. In certain towns, you’ll find a local diner open, slinging pie and coffee. These places maintain the Christmas spirit for those in need and those who just want to get away from home. Have a Christmas Day story or tip on a hero spot? Drop it below, let’s help each other out for next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stores are open on Christmas Day in the U.S.?
Most major grocery and retail stores like Walmart, Target stores, and Costco are closed for Christmas Eve. A few CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven stores are open, frequently with limited hours.
Are any grocery stores open on Christmas Day?
Practically no major grocery stores are open on Christmas Day. Some Albertsons, Safeway, and local grocery store locations might open for reduced hours. Check your local store’s site for information.
Can I find any restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Sure, lots of national chains like Denny’s and IHOP, along with some Starbucks, are typically open on Christmas Eve. Store hours vary, so it’s best to call first.
Are pharmacies open on Christmas Day?
No, not all of them are closed: some CVS and Walgreens stores are open on Christmas Eve, including those that are open 24 hours. However, pharmacy counters may have reduced hours compared to the front store.
Where can I buy last-minute essentials on Christmas Day?
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and a handful of gas station shops are your best option for Christmas Eve snacks, as they are typically open all day for beverages and essentials.
Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas Day?
Nearly every department store and shopping center is closed on Christmas Day, so go shopping pre or post-holiday.
How can I confirm if a store is open on Christmas Day?
Check the store’s website or phone ahead for holiday hours, as they may vary by location; major grocery stores often post updates on social media.