Finding an open store on December 25th feels like a high-stakes scavenger hunt. As the biggest federal holiday in the United States, Christmas Day typically sees a near-total shutdown of the retail landscape. While major giants like Walmart and Target lock their doors to allow employees time with their families, a handful of essential services and convenience-oriented retailers remain operational.

Whether there is a sudden need for infant formula, a missing ingredient for the holiday dinner, or a last-minute gift card, knowing which doors remain unlocked can save a significant amount of stress. The following breakdown covers the most reliable options for shopping when most of the world is closed.

The Reliability of 24/7 Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are the backbone of holiday retail. Most national chains operate on a 365-day schedule, making them the most likely candidates for a successful shopping trip on Christmas Day.

7-Eleven

As the world’s largest convenience retailer, most 7-Eleven locations remain open 24 hours a day, including Christmas. They are a dependable source for basic staples like milk, eggs, bread, and ice. Additionally, for those who forgot a small gift or a card, 7-Eleven often carries a selection of phone chargers, basic toys, and gift cards. It is important to note that while corporate-owned stores are almost certainly open, some franchised locations in quiet office districts might adjust their hours.

Circle K and Speedway

Similar to 7-Eleven, Circle K and Speedway typically maintain regular 24/7 operations. These locations are excellent for grabbing snacks, beverages, and automotive essentials if you are traveling to see relatives. Most also offer basic over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or antacids, which can be lifesavers during a heavy holiday meal.

Wawa and Sheetz

In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, Wawa and Sheetz are legendary for never closing. Not only are the retail portions of these stores open for snacks and coffee, but their made-to-order kitchens usually remain functional. This makes them a primary destination for a quick sandwich or a hot breakfast before the main holiday event begins.

Major Pharmacies and Drugstores

Pharmacies offer more than just prescriptions; they are miniature grocery stores and gift shops. On Christmas Day, they are often the only places to find household essentials or beauty products.

CVS Pharmacy

Many CVS locations remain open on Christmas Day, particularly those that are normally 24-hour operations. However, there is a crucial distinction: the retail floor and the pharmacy counter often have different schedules. While you might be able to buy a gallon of milk at 3:00 PM, the pharmacist may have gone home at noon. Always call ahead if you are looking for specific medical services.

Walgreens

Walgreens follows a similar pattern to CVS. Most 24-hour locations will remain open throughout the holiday. Non-24-hour stores often operate on reduced schedules, such as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walgreens is particularly useful for last-minute photo printing or picking up high-end chocolates and perfumes that serve as respectable last-minute gifts.

Rite Aid

While Rite Aid has seen some restructuring, many of its remaining locations continue to open on Christmas Day with limited hours. Expect most to be open from roughly 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though this varies significantly by region.

Grocery Stores with Limited Holiday Hours

Finding a full-scale supermarket on December 25th is difficult, but not impossible. Most major chains like Kroger, Publix, and Aldi are strictly closed. However, a few regional players often keep select doors open.

Albertsons and Safeway

Under the Albertsons Companies banner, many Safeway and Albertsons stores have a history of opening for a few hours on Christmas Day. Typically, these stores might open from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM. This is usually restricted to specific markets in the Western United States and certain urban centers. Do not expect the deli or the butcher counter to be staffed; these hours are generally for self-service and basic checkout.

Giant Food

In the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, some Giant Food locations have historically remained open on Christmas Day with shortened hours. This is highly dependent on the specific neighborhood, with stores near hospitals or major transit hubs being the most likely to stay active.

Vons and Pavilions

In Southern California, Vons and Pavilions (also part of the Albertsons family) often maintain limited Christmas hours. These are vital for residents needing fresh produce or last-minute appetizers. Expect a closing time in the early afternoon.

Travel Centers and Gas Stations

If you are on the road on December 25th, the major travel centers are your best bet. Because truckers and travelers move every day of the year, these facilities rarely close.

  • Love’s Travel Stops: Open 24/7 with full services, including fuel, snacks, and restrooms.
  • Pilot Flying J: Another reliable 24/7 option with robust food offerings and travel supplies.
  • TravelCenters of America (TA): These large-scale stops remain operational, providing a wide array of supplies beyond just fuel.

Restaurants and Coffee Shops for a Quick Fix

Sometimes the "store" you need is actually a place that serves ready-to-eat food or caffeine.

Starbucks

Many Starbucks locations open on Christmas Day, but it is entirely at the discretion of the store manager and based on local demand. Locations in busy city centers, hotels, or near hospitals are almost always open. Standalone suburban drive-thrus may have limited hours, such as 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Use the Starbucks app to check the real-time status of your local branch.

Dunkin’

Most Dunkin' locations are franchised, meaning the owner decides the holiday hours. Many do choose to open on Christmas morning to capture the "early riser" crowd, but many close by midday.

IHOP and Denny’s

If the goal is to avoid cooking entirely, IHOP and Denny’s are the gold standards for holiday dining. Both chains are famous for being open 24/7, 365 days a year. They offer full menus on Christmas Day, though wait times can be longer than usual as they are popular choices for families who do not celebrate or simply want a break from the kitchen.

Major Retailers That Are Definitely Closed

To save time and fuel, it is just as important to know which stores will not be open. The following retailers have a long-standing tradition of closing on Christmas Day to support their workforce:

  • Walmart: All locations closed. They typically reopen at 6:00 AM on December 26th.
  • Target: All stores closed. Reopening normally the following day.
  • Costco: All warehouses closed.
  • Aldi: All stores closed.
  • Trader Joe’s: All locations closed.
  • Publix: All stores closed.
  • Kroger: All stores closed (though some fuel centers may have automated pumps available).
  • Home Depot and Lowe’s: All locations closed.
  • Macy’s and Kohl’s: All department stores closed.

Strategic Tips for Christmas Day Shopping

Since hours can change based on staffing levels or local ordinances, following a few simple steps can prevent a wasted trip.

  1. Use the Store Locator App: Most major chains (CVS, Walgreens, Starbucks) have apps that update their hours in real-time. If the app says "Closed," it is highly likely accurate.
  2. Call the Store Directly: This is the most foolproof method. If a human answers the phone, you have your answer. If it goes to a generic automated message with no holiday-specific info, proceed with caution.
  3. Check Ethnic Markets: In many metropolitan areas, grocery stores owned by individuals who celebrate different cultural or religious holidays (such as Asian or Middle Eastern markets) often maintain regular business hours on December 25th.
  4. Prioritize Gas Stations: When in doubt, a gas station with a large convenience store is the safest bet for milk, bread, or basic medicine.
  5. Look for "Open Now" on Maps: Using Google Maps or Apple Maps with the "Open Now" filter can be helpful, but be aware that holiday hours aren't always updated perfectly on third-party platforms.

Non-Retail Closures to Remember

It isn't just the stores that take a break. On Christmas Day, almost all government-related services are suspended:

  • United States Postal Service (USPS): No mail delivery and all post offices are closed.
  • UPS and FedEx: No regular pickups or deliveries, though some specialized "Critical" services may operate for extreme emergencies.
  • Banks: All retail branches are closed as it is a federal bank holiday. Online banking and ATMs will remain functional.
  • Stock Markets: Both the NYSE and NASDAQ are closed.

Summary of Options

While the list of open stores is short, it is strategically diverse. For medical needs and basic groceries, CVS and Walgreens are the primary targets. For fuel and immediate snacks, 7-Eleven and Wawa are the most reliable. For a sit-down meal or a hot cup of coffee, Denny’s and Starbucks lead the way.

Planning ahead is always the best strategy, but if 2026 brings an unexpected emergency on Christmas Day, these retailers provide a necessary safety net for households across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Walmart open on Christmas Day 2026?

No, Walmart will be closed on Christmas Day. The company has maintained a strict policy of closing on this holiday for many years. Most locations will reopen early on December 26th.

Can I get a prescription filled on Christmas Day?

Only at select 24-hour pharmacies. Most standard pharmacy counters within grocery stores or smaller drugstores will be closed. It is highly recommended to call your local 24-hour CVS or Walgreens to confirm a pharmacist is on duty before heading out.

Are liquor stores open on Christmas Day?

This depends entirely on state and local laws. In many states, liquor sales are strictly prohibited on Christmas Day. In others, private liquor stores may choose to open. Check your specific state's "Blue Laws" for more information.

Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?

Many locations are open, especially those in high-traffic areas, but hours are often reduced (e.g., closing by 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM). Check the Starbucks app for the most accurate local data.

Are there any grocery stores open for a full dinner?

It is unlikely you will find a full-service grocery store open late. Albertsons and Safeway are the most likely to have morning hours, but they usually close by mid-afternoon, making them better for "forgotten ingredient" runs rather than full holiday shopping.