what stores will be open on christmas day
Most big-box and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day, but many drugstores, convenience stores, and a handful of restaurants and coffee chains have limited hours.
Big retail & grocery
Most major retailers and supermarkets stay closed all day on Christmas:
- Closed nationwide: Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA, Kohl’s, Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, JCPenney, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Publix, Kroger, Wegmans, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Stop & Shop.
- Partial exceptions: Some Albertsons, Safeway, Acme and similar regional groceries open with reduced hours, decided store-by-store.
Always check your specific store’s website or app, because hours can change by location and local law.
Drugstores & pharmacies
Drugstores are your best bet for last‑minute essentials or OTC meds:
- Usually open (hours vary):
- CVS: Many locations open, some with shortened pharmacy or front‑store hours.
* Walgreens: Most locations open, but pharmacy windows may be shorter; some 24‑hour stores keep normal hours.
- Often closed: Rite Aid and some regional chains close fully or run only a few locations.
Because pharmacy counters can close earlier than the front of the store, always confirm hours online before you go.
Convenience stores & gas
These are the most reliably open on Christmas Day:
- Commonly open 24/7 or near‑normal hours:
- 7‑Eleven, Sheetz, Wawa, Pilot/Flying J, Circle K, Cumberland Farms, many regional gas‑station chains.
- Regional convenience groceries: Casey’s, QuikTrip and similar chains often open, sometimes starting mid‑morning or on reduced hours.
Again, exact schedules are local decisions, so check the brand’s store locator for your nearest location.
Restaurants & coffee
If you’re hunting for food or caffeine instead of groceries:
- Frequently open (select locations):
- Sit‑down and diner chains: Denny’s, Waffle House, some Applebee’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster, Perkins.
* Fast food: Many McDonald’s, Burger King, some Domino’s and Papa John’s, depending on the franchise owner.
* Coffee: Many Starbucks and Dunkin’ stores open with holiday or reduced hours, but some fully close.
- Often open locally: A lot of Chinese and other Asian restaurants treat Christmas as one of their busiest days.
Online ordering apps usually show whether a specific store is open and what hours or menu apply that day.
Quick HTML table of typical status
| Category | Typically open? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big-box retail (Walmart, Target, Costco) | Closed | Reopen Dec. 26 with normal or post-holiday sale hours. | [5][2]
| Most supermarkets | Closed | Some Albertsons/Safeway/Acme-type stores open shorter hours. | [1][2][3]
| Drugstores (CVS, Walgreens) | Mostly open | Store and pharmacy hours vary widely by location. | [2][3][1]
| Convenience & gas (7‑Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz) | Open | Many operate 24/7, including Christmas; still check locally. | [3][4][1]
| Chain diners (Denny’s, Waffle House) | Open | Generally open regular or near-regular hours. | [4][3]
| Fast food (McDonald’s, Burger King) | Mixed | Franchise choice; some open limited hours, others closed. | [2][3]
| Coffee (Starbucks, Dunkin’) | Mixed | Many open with reduced schedules, but some locations fully close. | [3][4][2]