Which Shops Are Open on Christmas? Open & Close Hours
Christmas is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world. Families gather together, exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, and spend quality time with loved ones. While many businesses close their doors for the holiday, people often find themselves needing last-minute groceries, gifts, medications, or other essentials. This leads many shoppers to ask, which shops are open on christmas?
Whether you forgot an important ingredient for dinner, need a quick gift, or want to grab a snack during the holiday, knowing which stores may remain open can save both time and stress. Similar to how people search for dairy queen hours before visiting a restaurant, checking Christmas store schedules helps shoppers plan ahead.
In this guide, we will explore the types of stores that commonly remain open on Christmas Day, why some businesses choose to operate, and how you can find open locations in your area.
Why Many Stores Close on Christmas
Christmas Day is considered a major holiday in many countries. Retailers often close to allow employees to spend time with their families and participate in holiday celebrations.
Large department stores, shopping malls, and many retail chains usually close for the day. Businesses understand that employee well-being and family time are important, especially during the holiday season.
Despite these closures, some stores remain open because they provide essential goods and services that people may need during the holiday.
Which Shops Are Open on Christmas?
The answer to Which Shops Are Open on Christmas depends on where you live and the policies of local businesses. While many major retailers close to allow employees to spend time with their families, several types of stores continue operating to provide essential goods and services. These businesses help customers who need last-minute groceries, medications, fuel, or other necessities during the holiday.
Common shops that may remain open on Christmas include:
- Convenience stores
- Pharmacies and drugstores
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores with limited hours
- Small independent supermarkets
- Fast-food restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Hotel gift shops
- Hotel restaurants
- Travel plazas
- Airport stores
- Newsstands
- Bakeries in some locations
- Local corner shops
- 24-hour mini markets
Because holiday schedules vary by location, it is always a good idea to check store hours online or call ahead before visiting.
Grocery Stores That May Remain Open on Christmas
Some grocery store chains and local supermarkets may operate with limited hours on Christmas Day, depending on the location. Common grocery stores that have had select locations open during past Christmas holidays include:
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Vons
- ACME Markets
- Jewel-Osco
- Shaw’s
- Tom Thumb
- Cumberland Farms
- Wawa
- Sheetz
- Food Lion (select locations)
- Giant Food (select locations)
- Whole Foods Market (some locations with reduced hours)
- Local independent grocery stores
- Neighborhood supermarkets
- Ethnic grocery stores in some communities
Since holiday schedules can change every year, always verify Christmas Day hours with your local store before visiting.
Convenience Stores Are Often the Best Option
When people search for stores that remain open on Christmas Day, convenience stores are usually the most dependable choice. Many of these stores operate 24 hours a day and continue serving customers during major holidays. They provide quick access to snacks, beverages, household essentials, travel supplies, and basic grocery items when larger retailers are closed.
| Convenience Store | Christmas Day Hours* | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| 7-Eleven | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Wawa | Open 24 Hours (Most Locations) | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Sheetz | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Circle K | Open 24 Hours (Most Locations) | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| QuikTrip | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Speedway | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Pilot Flying J | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Love’s Travel Stops | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| RaceTrac | Open 24 Hours | 12:00 AM | 11:59 PM |
| Cumberland Farms | Varies by Location | Varies | Varies |
Holiday hours may vary by location. Most major convenience store chains traditionally remain open on Christmas Day, with many operating on their normal 24-hour schedules. Customers should verify local store hours before visiting.
Pharmacies and Drugstores During Christmas
Pharmacies and drugstores play an important role during Christmas because people may need prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, first-aid supplies, baby products, or other healthcare essentials. While many retail stores close for the holiday, several pharmacy chains keep selected locations open to serve customers. Hours often vary by location, and some stores operate on reduced holiday schedules.
| Pharmacy/Drugstore | Christmas Day Status* | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| CVS Pharmacy | Many Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Walgreens | Many Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Rite Aid | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Duane Reade | Many Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Health Mart Pharmacies | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Kroger Pharmacy | Most Locations Closed | — | — |
| Walmart Pharmacy | Usually Closed | — | — |
| Costco Pharmacy | Closed | — | — |
| Sam’s Club Pharmacy | Closed | — | — |
| Publix Pharmacy | Closed | — | — |
Typical Hours for Open Locations
| Pharmacy Chain | Common Holiday Hours |
| CVS Pharmacy | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies by store) |
| Walgreens | Many 24-hour locations remain open; others may operate reduced hours |
| Rite Aid | Often 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by location) |
| Duane Reade | Many stores follow Walgreens holiday schedules |
*Christmas Day hours change from year to year and may differ by location. Customers should always confirm holiday hours through the store website, mobile app, or by calling their local pharmacy before visiting.
Restaurants and Fast Food Locations
Many restaurants close on Christmas Day, but several fast-food chains, coffee shops, and casual dining restaurants keep select locations open. These businesses serve travelers, families who prefer dining out, and customers looking for a quick meal during the holiday. Since most locations are independently managed or franchised, Christmas hours can vary significantly by city and region.
| Restaurant/Fast Food Chain | Christmas Day Status* | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| McDonald’s | Many Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Starbucks | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Dunkin’ | Many Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| IHOP | Many Locations Open | 24 Hours or Reduced Hours | |
| Denny’s | Most Locations Open | 24 Hours | 11:59 PM |
| Waffle House | Open | 24 Hours | 11:59 PM |
| Domino’s Pizza | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Pizza Hut | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Subway | Some Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Burger King | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| KFC | Some Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Panda Express | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Some Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
Common Christmas Hours for Open Locations
| Restaurant Chain | Typical Holiday Hours |
| McDonald’s | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (varies by location) |
| Starbucks | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by store) |
| Dunkin’ | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by location) |
| IHOP | Many locations operate 24 hours |
| Denny’s | Open 24 hours |
| Waffle House | Open 24 hours |
Christmas Day schedules vary by location, franchise owner, and year. Always check the restaurant’s website, mobile app, or local listing before visiting on Christmas Day.
Shopping Centers and Malls
Shopping centers and malls are generally the least likely places to be open on Christmas Day. Most mall operators close their properties to allow employees and store staff to spend time with their families. However, a few mall-based businesses, such as movie theaters, restaurants, or entertainment venues, may operate on limited schedules. Some outlet centers and tourist-area malls may also have select stores open.
| Shopping Center/Mall Type | Christmas Day Status* | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Regional Shopping Malls | Usually Closed | — | — |
| Outlet Malls | Mostly Closed | — | — |
| Indoor Shopping Centers | Closed | — | — |
| Lifestyle Centers | Mostly Closed | — | — |
| Department Stores in Malls | Closed | — | — |
| Mall Food Courts | Mostly Closed | — | — |
| Mall Movie Theaters | Some Open | Varies | Varies |
| Mall Restaurants | Select Locations Open | Varies | Varies |
| Tourist-Area Shopping Centers | Some Open | Varies | Varies |
| Airport Shopping Centers | Many Open | Varies | Varies |
Major Retailers Commonly Closed on Christmas Day
| Retail Store | Christmas Day Status |
| Walmart | Closed |
| Target | Closed |
| Costco | Closed |
| Sam’s Club | Closed |
| Best Buy | Closed |
| Macy’s | Closed |
| Kohl’s | Closed |
| JCPenney | Closed |
| Nordstrom | Closed |
| TJ Maxx | Closed |
| Marshalls | Closed |
| Home Depot | Closed |
| Lowe’s | Closed |
Holiday schedules can vary by location and year. While most shopping centers and malls close completely on Christmas Day, some entertainment venues, restaurants, and airport retail locations may continue operating with limited hours. Checking local listings before visiting is always recommended.
Why Some Shops Stay Open
Many people wonder why certain stores remain open when so many others close.
The primary reason is customer demand. Emergencies and unexpected situations happen every day, including holidays. People may need groceries, medications, travel supplies, or household necessities.
Businesses that provide essential products often stay open to meet these needs. In tourist destinations and busy cities, customer demand can remain strong even during Christmas celebrations.
Additionally, some businesses serve travelers who are away from home and need access to food, fuel, and other basic services.
How to Find Open Shops Near You
Technology makes it easier than ever to locate businesses operating on Christmas Day.
Search engines often display holiday hours directly in local business listings. Store websites typically publish updated holiday schedules as Christmas approaches.
Mobile apps can also provide real-time information about store operations. Many retailers update their apps to reflect temporary holiday hours.
Calling a store directly remains one of the most reliable methods for confirming whether a location is open.
Tips for Shopping on Christmas Day
- Planning ahead helps you avoid last-minute stress during the holiday season.
- Buy groceries, gifts, and essential supplies before Christmas Day if possible.
- Expect that many stores will have reduced hours or limited services.
- Be prepared for fewer staff members working in open stores.
- Some shops may open late or close earlier than usual on Christmas Day.
- Travel time may increase due to higher demand at the few open locations.
- Popular stores that remain open can become crowded quickly.
- Keep patience while shopping, as holiday staff often handle high customer flow.
- Check store hours online or call ahead before visiting any location.
- A little preparation makes your Christmas Day shopping smoother and less stressful.
Common Items People Need on Christmas
- Many shoppers visit stores on Christmas when they forget important items or face unexpected needs.
- Baking ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk are commonly purchased for holiday meals.
- Beverages such as soft drinks, juice, and water are often needed for family gatherings.
- Batteries are frequently bought for toys, remotes, and electronic devices.
- Gift wrap, tape, and greeting cards are common last-minute purchases.
- Medications and basic healthcare items are often needed in emergencies.
- Phone chargers and power banks are useful for travelers and busy families.
- Household essentials like cleaning supplies and paper products are also in demand.
- Parents may look for toys or small gifts at the last moment.
- Travelers often need fuel, snacks, and personal care items during long trips.
- Open stores help fulfill these urgent needs when most retailers are closed.
Conclusion
If you have ever wondered Which Shops Are Open on Christmas, the answer depends largely on your location and local business practices. While many major retailers close for the holiday, convenience stores, selected pharmacies, gas stations, and some restaurants often continue operating.
Understanding Which Shops Are Open on Christmas can help you prepare for last-minute needs and unexpected situations. By checking store hours in advance and planning ahead, you can enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free holiday experience.
