Stores Open on Christmas Day in India – 25 December 2025: Essential Guide

Merry Christmas! Today, Thursday 25 December 2025, is a gazetted public holiday across India, celebrated widely by the Christian community and observed nationwide. While government offices, banks (including public and private sector branches), stock markets (NSE & BSE), schools/colleges, and post offices are closed, private businesses and retail operate freely. Unlike many Western countries, Christmas Day is not a mandatory shutdown for shops — most major supermarkets, malls, and stores stay open, especially in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Pune. This makes it a great day for last-minute shopping, festive outings, or grabbing essentials!

Here’s the current breakdown based on typical policies and recent reports:

Major Supermarkets & Grocery Chains: Mostly Open Today

India’s retail sector treats Christmas as a normal trading day (with possible festive crowds and slight variations):

• Reliance Retail (Reliance Fresh, Reliance Smart, Reliance Smart Bazaar) — Open in most locations, often with normal or extended hours (typically 8am–10pm or similar). Great for groceries, fresh produce, and daily needs.
• DMart (Avenue Supermarts) — Most stores open, known for value deals — check your local via the DMart Ready app or website.
• Big Bazaar (now under Reliance as Reliance Smart Bazaar in many spots) — Generally open, with full operations in urban areas.
• Other chains (Spencer’s, More Supermarket, Star Bazaar/Tata, local supermarkets) — Widely open, especially in cities.

Stock up on festive items, gifts, or groceries without rush — many stores see good footfall but remain fully functional!

What’s Still Open? Essentials & More

Focus on these reliable options (hours often normal or slightly adjusted — always verify locally):

• Shopping malls & retail centres — Major ones like Phoenix Marketcity, DLF Mall of India, Select Citywalk, Inorbit, Lulu Mall, and others stay open (usually 10am–10pm). Perfect for gifts, clothes, electronics, and festive vibes!
• Pharmacies — Most chains (Apollo, MedPlus, local independents) and 24/7 outlets remain open for medicines, health essentials, and over-the-counter items.
• Convenience stores & local kirana shops — Many small shops, 24/7 outlets, and neighbourhood stores operate as usual for quick grabs like milk, snacks, or batteries.
• Petrol stations & forecourts — Most Indian Oil, HP, BPCL, and others stay open (often 24/7) for fuel and convenience items.
• Fast food & restaurants — Chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Domino’s, local eateries, cafés, and bakeries are buzzing — many offer special Christmas menus (some may add a small surcharge).
• Liquor stores — Availability varies by state; not a dry day everywhere (e.g., open in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Goa, Gurugram; restricted in some areas like parts of Kerala or Mumbai-specific rules). Check locally!

Note: While most retail thrives, some individual stores may choose shorter hours or close for staff celebrations — especially in smaller towns or less commercial areas.

Quick Tips for Today’s Shoppers

• Plan ahead — Malls and supermarkets can get busy with holiday crowds; go early!
• Check locally — Use store apps/websites, Google Maps (“open now”), or call ahead — timings can vary by city/location.
• Nationwide flexibility — No strict nationwide closures for retail (unlike banks/govt offices); private sector rules the day in metros.
• Stay safe & enjoy — Embrace the festive spirit, drive carefully, and celebrate responsibly!

Looking Forward: Post-Christmas Shopping

Normal operations continue tomorrow (26 December) — no major changes expected. Great time to catch any lingering festive deals or restock!

Have a joyful, peaceful Christmas filled with love, good food, and cheer — and happy shopping if you’re out and about! For the very latest updates, always confirm directly with local stores. 

Published by World Report Press – Your trusted source for timely Indian news, guides, and festive updates.