Who's Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Most major retailers and grocery stores in the United States are closed on Christmas Day, but several essential services and select businesses remain open to accommodate travelers, families, and those in need. If you're searching for who's open on Christmas Day, common options include pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, select gas stations such as Shell and Circle K, and a number of fast-food and casual dining restaurants including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Denny’s. These establishments often operate with reduced holiday hours, so checking local listings or calling ahead is strongly recommended to confirm availability.

Christmas Day 2024: Date and Significance

Christmas Day falls on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. As a federal holiday in the United States, it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed through religious services, family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. Because of its cultural and religious importance, most businesses—including department stores, supermarkets, banks, and government offices—close to allow employees time off with loved ones. However, due to growing demand for convenience and round-the-clock service, some sectors continue operating on a limited basis.

Types of Businesses Typically Open on Christmas Day

While traditional retail shuts down, certain industries maintain operations out of necessity or customer demand. Below is a breakdown of business categories that commonly stay open on December 25:

1. Fast-Food and Chain Restaurants

Many national restaurant chains keep their doors open on Christmas, especially those located in high-traffic areas like airports, shopping malls, or along major highways. Popular options include:

McDonald’s: Many locations are open, though hours vary by franchise.
Wendy’s: Select outlets remain open; use the store locator online.
Taco Bell: Limited locations open, primarily in urban centers.
Denny’s: Known for being open 24/7 year-round, including holidays.
Cracker Barrel: Traditionally closed on Christmas Day—do not expect service.

Tip: Always verify hours using the official website or app of the restaurant before traveling.

2. Pharmacies and Drugstores

Pharmacies play a critical role during holidays when access to healthcare may be limited. While full-service pharmacies reduce staffing, many locations offer emergency access:

Cvs Pharmacy: Over 1,800 CVS stores remain open on Christmas Day, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM. Some 24-hour locations may have modified schedules.
Walgreens: Hundreds of Walgreens stores operate on reduced hours. Use the store locator to find one near you.
Rite Aid: Most Rite Aid stores close on Christmas, but exceptions exist in densely populated areas.

These pharmacies often stock over-the-counter medications, first aid supplies, and limited groceries, making them valuable during emergencies.

3. Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

Fuel stations and convenience stores are among the most reliable options for last-minute needs. Chains like:

Shell
Circle K
7-Eleven
BP and ExxonMobil (select locations)

...typically stay open 24 hours on Christmas. They offer snacks, drinks, basic toiletries, and fuel—ideal for road trips or forgotten essentials. Note that while the convenience store portion may be open, fuel pumps always operate regardless of staffing.

4. Hotels and Hospitality Services

Lodging providers such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt remain operational year-round. Their front desks, security, and maintenance teams work on rotating shifts. On-site amenities like fitness centers or business lounges may have restricted access, but room service and concierge support are usually available—especially at larger properties catering to international guests or holiday travelers.

5. Hospitals and Urgent Care Centers

All hospitals remain open on Christmas Day. Emergency rooms provide life-saving care without interruption. Additionally, urgent care clinics operated by organizations like CityMD, NextCare, and Urgent Care Associates often stay open, though hours may be shortened. Patients should call ahead to confirm availability and expected wait times.

6. Public Transportation and Airports

Public transit systems run on reduced holiday schedules:

Amtrak: Operates on a Sunday/holiday timetable.
Greyhound: Limited service; check individual route status.
Airports (e.g., JFK, LAX, O’Hare): Always open, with TSA agents, airlines, and terminal vendors working shifts.

Travelers flying on Christmas should arrive early, as staffing levels may affect screening speed and food availability.

Regional Differences in Holiday Operations

The answer to who's open on Christmas Day can vary significantly depending on location. Urban centers like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles tend to have more open businesses due to higher population density and tourism. In contrast, small towns and rural communities often shut down completely.

In states like Texas and Florida, where there are fewer restrictions on holiday operations, more grocery marts and pharmacies may stay open. Conversely, in New England and the Pacific Northwest, strong cultural traditions around family time lead to broader closures.

Internationally, practices differ further:

Canada: Most stores closed; only essential services operate.
UK: Supermarkets partially open; pubs and takeaways serve customers.
Australia: Being summer season, many shops and beaches are open.

Always consider your geographic context when planning holiday errands.

Why Most Retailers Close on Christmas

Despite increasing consumer demand for 24/7 access, most large retailers choose to close on December 25 for several reasons:

Employee Rights and Morale: Closing allows workers to spend time with family, improving job satisfaction and retention.
Religious Observance: Christmas remains a sacred day for millions; companies respect this tradition.
Operational Costs: Staffing requires premium pay (time-and-a-half or double time), making operations less profitable.
Lower Foot Traffic: Fewer people shop on Christmas, reducing incentive to stay open.

Major chains like Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy, and Home Depot all close on Christmas Day every year across the U.S., reinforcing industry norms.

How to Find Out Who’s Open Near You

To get accurate, real-time information about who’s open on Christmas Day 2024, follow these steps:

Use Google Maps: Search “restaurants open on Christmas near me” or “pharmacies open today.” Google updates holiday hours automatically based on user reports and business inputs.
Visit Official Websites: Chain websites list holiday hours under “Store Locator” tools. For example, McDonald’s provides a filter for holiday operations.
Call Ahead: When in doubt, phone the location directly. Hours posted online may not reflect last-minute changes.
Check Local News Outlets: TV stations and newspapers publish annual guides listing open businesses.
Use Apps Like Yelp or DoorDash: Filter for “open now” or view delivery availability to infer if a kitchen is operating.

Common Misconceptions About Christmas Day Operations

Several myths persist about what’s open on December 25:

Myth: All fast food is open. Reality: While many are, some franchises close at the owner’s discretion.
Myth: Grocery stores stay open for late shoppers. Reality: Even 24-hour supermarkets like Kroger and Safeway close on Christmas.
Myth: Amazon delivers on Christmas. Reality: No standard deliveries occur; Prime Now and Fresh also pause.
Myth: Gas stations sell alcohol everywhere. Reality: Alcohol sales are banned on Christmas in several states (e.g., Indiana, North Dakota).

Understanding these nuances helps avoid frustration and wasted trips.

Planning Tips for Christmas Day

To minimize stress and ensure smooth celebrations, consider the following:

Stock Up Early: Purchase food, medicine, and supplies by December 23 at the latest.
Prepare Backup Snacks: Keep non-perishable items on hand in case plans change.
Confirm Travel Needs: Fill up on gas, charge devices, and pack chargers before Christmas Eve.
Have Emergency Contacts Ready: Know nearby urgent care centers, hospitals, and on-call pharmacists.
Respect Workers: Tip generously and express gratitude to staff who work holidays.

Future Trends: Will More Places Stay Open?

As society becomes more service-oriented and demographics shift, some experts predict gradual increases in Christmas openings—particularly in healthcare, hospitality, and delivery sectors. However, widespread retail reopening is unlikely due to employee pushback and cultural sentiment. Companies like Walmart and Costco have publicly committed to keeping Christmas closures permanent, citing values of family and rest.

On-demand platforms (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash) will likely expand holiday presence, though drivers choose independently whether to work. Expect continued growth in digital alternatives rather than physical store openings.

Business Type	Typically Open?	Notes
Walmart	No	Closes Dec 25 annually
Target	No	Reopens Dec 26
CVS Pharmacy	Yes (select)	~1,800 locations open
Walgreens	Yes (limited)	Check local store
McDonald’s	Yes (many)	Hours vary by franchise
Denny’s	Yes	Open 24/7 nationwide
7-Eleven	Yes	Most locations open
Hospitals	Yes	Full emergency services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Walmart open on Christmas Day 2024?

No, Walmart is closed on Christmas Day every year, including 2024. Stores reopen on December 26.

Are grocery stores open on Christmas?

No major grocery chains—including Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Albertsons—are open on Christmas Day. Plan to shop by December 23.

Can I get my prescription filled on Christmas?

Yes, many CVS and Walgreens locations remain open with pharmacy services. Call ahead to confirm staffing and wait times.

Do restaurants deliver on Christmas?

Some do. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub operate with limited restaurant partners. Check the app for participating kitchens in your area.

What should I do if I need medical help on Christmas?

Visit an urgent care clinic or hospital emergency room. Both remain open 24/7. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.