Stores Open on Christmas Day in the USA – December

Merry Christmas! Today, Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a federal holiday throughout the United States, a day dedicated to family gatherings, festive meals, gift-opening, and reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. While the holiday spirit fills homes across the country, it also means the vast majority of major retailers, supermarkets, department stores, and shopping malls are closed nationwide. This longstanding tradition allows employees to enjoy precious time with loved ones.

Big-box giants including Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, Aldi, Publix, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s have all confirmed complete closures on Christmas Day 2025. Department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and electronics chains such as Best Buy follow suit. Major shopping centers and non-essential retail are shut tight—no big sales, no crowds today.

That said, if you’ve forgotten a key ingredient for dinner, need batteries for new toys, require an emergency prescription, or just want a quick snack, a limited number of essential services remain open. These include select pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations, and a few independent outlets, often operating with reduced hours.

Here’s your complete, up-to-date guide to what’s open (and closed) on Christmas Day 2025, with practical tips to help you navigate any last-minute needs.

Major Supermarkets & Grocery Chains: Fully Closed Nationwide

Most grocery shopping is off the table today. The leading chains are all observing the holiday closure:

• Walmart — All stores closed nationwide; reopens at 6 a.m. on December 26 in many locations.
• Target — All stores closed; reopens at 7 a.m. on December 26.
• Costco — All warehouses closed nationwide.
• Kroger (including affiliates like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter) — Closed.
• Aldi — All locations closed.
• Publix — Closed in the Southeast.
• Whole Foods — Closed.
• Trader Joe’s — Closed.
• Safeway/Albertsons/Vons — Most locations closed (rare exceptions with limited hours; check locally).
• Food Lion, Wegmans, Meijer — Closed.

Christmas Eve Recap: December 24 was the final opportunity for major grocery runs, with many chains closing early (e.g., Walmart at 6 p.m., Target at 8 p.m. in numerous areas). If you missed that window, essentials are still available through other channels.

What’s Actually Open on Christmas Day 2025? Reliable Essentials

Options are focused on necessities. Hours are typically shortened (often 9 a.m.–5 p.m. or less), and availability varies by location, franchise ownership, and local demand. Always verify ahead using store apps, websites, or phone calls—Google Maps “open now near me” is also helpful.

1. Pharmacies – Top Choice for Medications & Basics

Pharmacies are the most consistent option for prescriptions, over-the-counter remedies, pain relief, tissues, and some snacks/drinks.

• CVS — Many locations open during regular or modified hours. Some stores/pharmacies may be closed or have reduced hours; call ahead or check CVS.com.
• Walgreens — Most stores open; all 24-hour locations remain 24/7. Pharmacy hours often vary (frequently reduced); confirm locally.
• Rite Aid — Select locations open with limited hours.

2. Convenience Stores & Gas Stations – Quick & Often 24/7

These are your best bet for milk, bread, eggs, ice, snacks, batteries, drinks, and household basics.

• 7-Eleven — Majority open 24/7 (some franchise variations).
• Circle K — Typically open 24/7.
• Wawa (East Coast focus) — Many locations 24/7.
• Sheetz, Speedway, QuikTrip, Cumberland Farms — Usually open normal or 24/7 hours.
• Pilot Flying J, Love’s — Travel centers open 24 hours.
• Major gas brands (Shell, BP, Exxon, Chevron) — Forecourts and convenience shops generally open.

3. Limited Grocery & Other Exceptions

Very few full grocery options exist, but some independents or small formats may operate:

• Select ShopRite or local ethnic markets — Occasional reduced hours (location-specific).
• Rare convenience-style grocers in high-traffic areas.

4. Fast Food & Restaurants

Many quick-service spots run, especially in urban, tourist, or highway zones.

• McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Taco Bell — Many locations open (drive-thru heavy).
• Denny’s, IHOP, Waffle House — Frequently 24/7.
• Starbucks — Limited openings (mainly in airports, hospitals, or select high-traffic spots).
• Local diners/cafés — Vary widely.

Note: Major malls, department stores, and non-essential retailers remain closed.

Practical Tips for Christmas Day Shoppers in 2025

• Verify everything locally — Use store locators (CVS.com, Walgreens app, 7-Eleven finder) or search online—hours can differ significantly even within the same chain.
• Head out early — Many spots reduce hours in the afternoon/evening.
• Limited stock expected — Convenience stores carry basics but not full grocery selection.
• Delivery options — Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or similar may deliver from open pharmacies/convenience stores (availability limited).
• Nationwide pattern — Rules are consistent across states—no major regional exceptions for Christmas Day.
• Safety & courtesy — Roads are quieter, but drive carefully. Be kind and tip generously to those working today!

Looking Forward: December 26, 2025 – Stores Reopen & Sales Begin

The big reopening happens tomorrow! Most chains resume normal or near-normal operations, with post-Christmas deals kicking off:

• Walmart — Many reopen at 6 a.m.
• Target — Typically 7 a.m.
• Costco — Regular hours return.
• Grocery stores — Full service resumes.
• Excellent timing for discounts on holiday items, gifts, and more.

Final Thoughts: Prioritize Celebration

Christmas Day is fundamentally about family, gratitude, love, and joy—not shopping. The handful of open locations exist thanks to dedicated staff serving the community. If you need to step out, go with appreciation for those working.