Most major U.S. retailers and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day 2025, but essential services and convenience stores are your best bet for last-minute needs. Stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Sheetz, Wawa and other gas station convenience outlets stay open (often 24/7). Pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS will have many locations open — though with reduced or varied hours, especially for pharmacy services. Grocery chains like Kroger, ALDI, Costco, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are closed, but select Safeway or Albertsons locations may operate with limited holiday hours. Always check your local store’s holiday schedule before heading out.
Why Most Stores Close on Christmas Day 2025
Christmas Day is traditionally one of the quietest shopping days of the year, with many companies opting to give employees the holiday off and comply with customer expectations for a major national holiday — a pattern reflected in closures across large U.S. chains and supermarkets.
Confirmed closures this Christmas include major retail and grocery chains such as:
- Walmart (all U.S. locations)
- Target (closed full day)
- Costco warehouses (closed)
- Kroger and many of its subsidiaries
- ALDI, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods (closed)
These closures mean if you’re planning a last-minute holiday rush for gifts or groceries, you’ll need to adjust plans ahead of time — or rely on the chains below that stay open.
Stores That Are Open on Christmas Day 2025
Here’s a breakdown of stores and services likely to be open — but remember, hours can vary by location and are often reduced on holidays:
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations (Most Open 24/7)
- 7-Eleven — Many stores operate 24 hours, including Christmas.
- Circle K — Most locations remain open with regular hours.
- Sheetz, Wawa, QuikTrip (QT), Speedway — These gas station/mini-mart chains typically stay open on Christmas Day, often 24/7.
- Pilot Flying J and Love’s Travel Stops — Travel-oriented locations are usually open every day.
These outlets are lifesavers for fuel, snacks, and basic essentials when most other stores are closed.
Pharmacies and Drugstores (Many with Reduced Hours)
- Walgreens — Open Christmas Day, but hours and pharmacy services vary by location. Some pharmacies may be closed even if the front store is open.
- CVS Pharmacy — Also operates on Christmas Day at many locations with shortened or modified hours; call or check online ahead of time.
- Duane Reade (CVS brand in NYC) — Often follows similar holiday schedules with reduced hours.
These chains are among the most reliable options for holiday essentials, but pharmacy counters may close early or not open at all in some areas.
Select Grocery and Market Options
While most major grocery chains close Christmas Day, a few options may be open depending on location and management decisions:
- Safeway — Some locations may be open with reduced hours and limited services, so check before you go.
- Albertsons — Similar to Safeway, select stores might open with holiday hours.
Local or independent markets also might choose to open — but confirm local hours via phone or online listings.
Other Services & Restaurants
Although not strictly stores:
- Fast food and dine-in options (e.g., McDonald’s, Starbucks, IHOP, Denny’s) may be open on Christmas Day, but hours vary widely by franchise location.
- Online shopping & delivery services continue operating — meaning you can still buy from closed stores online or arrange deliveries for later dates.
Stores Closed on Christmas Day 2025
Here’s a snapshot of stores and chains that won’t be open, reflecting widespread holiday closures:
- Major retailers: Walmart, Target, Costco, IKEA, Home Depot, Macy’s
- Big grocery stores: Kroger, ALDI, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Publix, Sam’s Club
- Pharmacy chains with closures regionally: Rite Aid
These closures underscore that Christmas Day remains one of the most dormant shopping days of the year in the U.S. retail calendar.
How to Confirm Local Hours Before You Go
Even within chains that typically stay open, individual store hours can vary due to franchise ownership (e.g., some 7-Eleven or McDonald’s stores) or staffing decisions. Use these tools before heading out:
- Store locator pages on corporate websites (e.g., 7-Eleven, Walgreens, CVS)
- Google Maps business hours (often updated with holiday hours)
- Phone calls to specific locations
- Corporate holiday hour pages
Checking ahead can save a wasted trip — especially in rural or less-populated areas.
Why Some Stores Choose to Stay Open
Retailers like convenience stores and some pharmacies stay open on Christmas for several reasons:
- 24/7 service expectations (e.g., travel hubs or essentials)
- Pharmacy needs for patients requiring prescriptions or medical supplies
- Gas and travel demands on long-distance routes
In my years covering holiday retail, convenience and pharmacy outlets consistently outperform every other category on Christmas Day — simply because basic needs don’t take holidays.
Conclusion: Best Stores to Try on Christmas Day 2025
If you’re heading out on Christmas Day 2025, here’s a quick takeaway:
✔ Open (likely): 7-Eleven, Circle K, Sheetz, Wawa, Speedway, Walgreens (most), CVS (many)
✔ Possibly open (check local): Safeway, Albertsons
✘ Closed: Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Aldi
Always verify local hours before you go — holiday schedules vary widely, and calling ahead avoids frustration. Even with most stores closed, you’ll likely find what you need if you plan ahead and know the right places to visit.
