Most major grocery stores, drugstores, big-box retailers, and many chain restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, usually with reduced hours that end in the late afternoon or early evening.

Big grocery chains

Many supermarkets stay open on Christmas Eve but close earlier than usual.

Common patterns include:

  • Aldi: open but many locations close around 4 p.m.
  • Trader Joe’s: open, often closing around 5 p.m.
  • Wegmans: typically closes around 6 p.m.
  • Whole Foods: regular opening time, closing around 7 p.m.

Always check your specific store’s website or app, since hours can vary by location.

Drugstores and pharmacies

Large pharmacy chains are generally open on Christmas Eve, with modified hours.

  • CVS: open, some stores and pharmacies may have reduced hours.
  • Walgreens: open, but pharmacy hours often differ from the front store.

For last‑minute prescriptions or basic essentials, call ahead or use the store locator for exact times.

Chain restaurants and fast food

A lot of sit‑down chains and fast‑food spots operate on Christmas Eve, though some close early or leave it to local owners to decide.

Examples that commonly open Christmas Eve (hours vary):

  • Applebee’s
  • Bar Louie
  • Bob Evans
  • Cracker Barrel (usually open until mid‑afternoon, then closed Christmas Day)
  • Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Fogo de ChĂŁo, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Romano’s Macaroni Grill
  • McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, IHOP, Starbucks, Krispy Kreme (often open, but times are very location‑dependent)

Reservations or online check‑ins can help, especially for steakhouses or popular chains.

Retail & big‑box stores

Most large retailers use shortened Christmas Eve hours so staff can leave by early evening.

Typical examples:

  • Target: usually open morning to early evening (for example, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in recent holiday schedules).
  • Costco, Home Depot, many dollar stores: open, but close earlier than usual (often late afternoon or early evening).
  • TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra: often run special hours such as 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Best Buy: commonly 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Check each store’s site or app on December 24 for the exact local schedule.

How to quickly confirm what’s open near you

Because hours are set location‑by‑location, the safest move is:

  1. Search the chain’s official website or app (look for “store locator” or “holiday hours”).
  1. If it’s a small local place (like a family restaurant), check its Google Maps listing or social media for posted Christmas Eve hours.
  1. When in doubt, call before you head out—especially after mid‑afternoon, when many places start closing early.

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