On Christmas Day, most major nationwide chains and many local stores remain closed, but a select group of retailers stay open, primarily in grocery, pharmacy, gas, and a limited assortment of general merchandise.
This evergreen explainer outlines which retailers are open on Christmas Day, what you can generally buy, how hours are set, and practical steps you can take now to confirm current availability near you.
How Christmas store hours are typically decided
Store hours on Christmas Day are shaped by corporate policy, union agreements, local laws, and landlord or shopping-center rules. Grocery and pharmacy chains are most likely to stay open because they serve essential needs, while many big-box and apparel chains close to let employees spend time with family. Some retailers run reduced holiday hours or limited holiday hours only at certain locations, and a few shops open for short, early-morning windows before closing again.
Grocery and big-box retailers that are often open
Among national chains, grocery stores and certain warehouse clubs are the most reliable options on December 25, though selection and staffing can be reduced. Pharmacy chains that operate inside or next to grocery stores typically follow the same schedule.
Common grocery and pharmacy options
- Kroger (including affiliated banners such as Fry’s, Ralphs, Dillon’s)
- Albertsons (including Safeway, Vons, Acme)
- Publix
- Walmart (many locations open with reduced hours)
- Target (some locations open, hours vary by store)
- Costco (selected warehouses; call ahead)
- Walgreens (many locations open, typically reduced hours)
- CVS Pharmacy (some locations open; verify locally)
Warehouse and value-oriented options
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Sam’s Club (locations in some states; check hours)
Note that even when a store is open, fresh food selection, deli services, and checkout lanes may be limited compared to regular days.
| Retailer | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Many locations open on Christmas with reduced hours; varies by store | Corporate holiday policy and historical status checks |
| Kroger | Most grocery stores remain open on Christmas Day | Corporate holiday hours and local store confirmation |
| Albertsons | Commonly open; hours and services vary by location | Regional pharmacy and grocery holiday schedules |
| Target | Some stores open; availability is location-specific | Historical holiday hours and shopper reports |
| Costco | Selected warehouses may open; call ahead for confirmation | Membership warehouse holiday hour notices |
| Walgreens | Many locations open with reduced hours on Christmas | Pharmacy holiday staffing patterns |
| CVS Pharmacy | Some stores open; verify locally for exact hours | Regional pharmacy scheduling |
Where to find toy, clothes, and department store options
Major category killers and department stores typically close on Christmas Day, including most Amazon physical stores (except where noted exceptions exist), Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Sears. Toys “R” Us and smaller toy chains are usually closed, as are most footwear and apparel retailers. Limited exceptions can exist in dense urban areas or resort locations where tourism demand supports holiday service, but these are uncommon and should be verified locally.
How to confirm hours for your location
Because exceptions are common and can change year to year, the most reliable method is to check the specific store’s hours using multiple sources. Start at the retailer’s official website and look for a Store Hours or Holiday Hours page, then confirm with the store’s mobile app if available. When websites are not current, call the store directly or check Google Business Profile, Apple Maps, or trusted local deal sites for recent shopper updates.
Useful check methods
- Visit the retailer’s official website and enter your ZIP code or store number.
- Open the brand’s mobile app and view holiday hours for your location.
- Search the store name with “Christmas hours” on Google and review the panel and recent tabs.
- Check Google Business Profile for real-time hour updates and notes.
- Call the store if possible; holiday staffing can change quickly.
Alternative options on Christmas Day
If you need essential household items or over-the-counter medicines, pharmacy-driven businesses and grocery stores remain the most dependable. For last-minute needs, some drugstores, gas station convenience marts, and a limited number of hotels in tourist areas may also serve customers. When in doubt, plan to shop on December 26 or use a delivery service if available; delivery windows can be busy and slower than usual.
Planning ahead: timing and preparation tips
Confirm hours at least a few days in advance, because holiday schedules can shift due to staffing or local regulations. If you rely on public transit, verify service times, as many routes operate on holiday or reduced schedules on Christmas. Consider filling your tank the day before, since many gas stations have limited holiday staffing, and anticipate longer delivery windows if you choose online delivery on or around the holiday.
For the most reliable experience on Christmas Day, grocery chains and many pharmacies offer the broadest chance of finding staffed locations with basics such as groceries, household supplies, and pharmacy essentials.