Most liquor stores are closed on Christmas Day, but in some places a few may open or you can still buy certain alcohol at grocery or convenience stores, depending on local law. The exact answer really depends on your country, state, and even your county or city.

Key point

  • In many regions (especially where the government runs liquor shops), liquor stores are legally required to close on Christmas Day.
  • In other areas, the law allows stores to open, but individual owners often choose to close for the holiday, so openings are the exception rather than the rule.
  • Grocery or convenience stores that normally sell beer or wine are more likely to be open, but what they can sell on Christmas may be restricted by local alcohol rules.

Why it varies so much

  • Alcohol laws are often set at the state or provincial level, and sometimes even at the county or city level.
  • Some places have “state-controlled” liquor stores that must close on major holidays, while privately owned stores might be allowed to decide for themselves.
  • Because of this patchwork, two towns in the same state can have totally different Christmas Day alcohol rules.

What to do in practice

  • Check your local rules: Search for your state or province plus “Christmas Day alcohol sales” to see if sales are allowed at all.
  • Call ahead: If the law allows Christmas Day sales, call your nearest liquor store or supermarket to confirm their holiday hours before you go.
  • Plan for closures: In many places, people are advised to buy alcohol by Christmas Eve since full closures on the 25th are common.

Quick reality check by region (example: United States)

  • Some states fully ban liquor sales on Christmas Day (for example, several “control” states keep state liquor stores closed).
  • Some states allow liquor sales, but many stores still close for the holiday.
  • Many states allow at least beer or wine sales at open grocery or convenience stores, even when dedicated liquor stores are shut.

TL;DR: There might be a liquor store open on Christmas Day where you live, but it is not something you can count on, and in many areas it is outright illegal. Always check your specific local laws and call the store before heading out.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.