What’s Open and Closed on Christmas Day 2025: A Complete Guide for U.S. Shoppers
As Christmas Day arrives across the United States, millions of Americans are adjusting their plans around store closures, limited business hours, and last minute needs. Whether it’s picking up groceries, filling a prescription, or grabbing a quick meal, knowing which retailers are open and which are closed can save time and frustration during the holiday.
USA News What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States
Traditionally, Christmas Day is one of the few nationwide holidays when most major retailers close their doors entirely. Large chains use the day to give employees time off with family, resulting in widespread shutdowns across department stores, grocery chains, and home improvement retailers. Still, some essential services and convenience-based businesses remain open, often with modified hours depending on location.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States
Major Retailers Closed on Christmas Day
Many of the country’s biggest retailers will be closed on Christmas Day, consistent with their annual holiday policies. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, confirmed it will remain closed throughout Christmas Day and will reopen the following morning at 6 a.m. Target stores are also closed on Christmas and are scheduled to resume operations at 7 a.m. on December 26.
Costco warehouses across the United States will be closed for the holiday, as will Kroger grocery stores, which will return to normal hours the day after Christmas. Other major chains closed nationwide include Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA, Macy’s, Sam’s Club, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, ALDI, Meijer, and Sprouts Farmer’s Market. Jewel-Osco locations and pharmacies will also be closed for the day.
These closures reflect a growing trend among large retailers to fully shut down on Christmas, a move that has gained public support in recent years.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States : Pharmacies and Convenience Stores: What’s Still Open
While most big-box stores will be unavailable, some pharmacies and convenience stores will continue operating on Christmas Day. Walgreens stores will be open, although pharmacy hours may vary by location. Notably, all 24-hour Walgreens pharmacies are expected to remain operational.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States
CVS Pharmacy locations may be open as well, but hours can differ significantly depending on the store. Customers are strongly encouraged to call ahead or check online before visiting, especially for prescription services.
Convenience store chains such as 7-Eleven will largely remain open, as most locations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sheetz locations are also expected to operate on regular schedules, providing food, fuel, and essential items throughout the holiday.
Restaurants and Coffee Chains
Food and beverage availability on Christmas Day depends heavily on geography and franchise decisions. Many McDonald’s locations across the U.S. remain open on Christmas, though hours vary by region and ownership. Customers can check the company’s store locator to confirm hours at nearby locations.
Starbucks presents a mixed picture. Some stores will be closed, while others may operate with reduced hours. The company advises customers to verify local store availability online before making plans.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States : Grocery Stores With Limited Operations
Most grocery chains are closed, but a few exceptions exist. Some Albertsons and Safeway locations may remain open with reduced or modified hours, although many will be closed entirely. Pharmacy departments within these stores may also operate on separate schedules or remain closed.
Because grocery store hours vary widely even within the same chain, shoppers are advised not to assume availability and to confirm hours in advance.
Planning Ahead Is Key
Retail experts recommend planning ahead for Christmas Day needs, especially for groceries, medications, and travel essentials. Store hours can change without notice due to staffing or regional considerations, making it important to verify details locally.
A quick phone call, online search, or visit to a retailer’s official website can help shoppers avoid unnecessary trips and ensure access to essential services during the holiday.
As Christmas continues to be observed as a near-universal day off for major U.S. retailers, consumers are increasingly encouraged to prepare early and to rely on pharmacies, convenience stores, and select restaurants for last-minute needs.
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States
What’s Open and What’s Closed on Christmas Day Across the United States
