If you’re planning a last-minute shopping spree or simply looking to escape the house, you might assume every store is open on Christmas, but that’s far from the truth.
The holiday season is a busy time for retailers, and many choose to close early on Christmas Eve or shut their doors entirely on Christmas Day.
Some chains, however, remain open, offering holiday shoppers a chance to get what they need when most other stores are closed.
Knowing which stores are open and which are closed can save you time, frustration, and a trip to the wrong location.
This guide compiles the most up-to-date information on the operating hours of major U.S. retailers for Christmas Day 2025.
From big-box giants like Walmart to local convenience stores, we’ve gathered the details you need.
If you’re unsure about a specific location, the safest approach is to call ahead or check the retailer’s website for the most accurate schedule.
Below, we break down the status of each chain, highlighting the ones that stay open and those that close for the holiday.
Armed with this knowledge, you can plan your holiday shopping with confidence.
Happy holidays!
Walmart, Target, and Costco
On Christmas Day, Walmart will be closed across the United States, with all locations scheduled to reopen at 6 a.m. on December 26th.
The decision to close the entire chain on the holiday is consistent with the company’s tradition of offering employees a day off to spend with family.
Target follows a similar pattern, shutting its doors on Christmas Day and resuming regular business at 7 a.m. on December 26th.
Employees at Target also receive the same holiday break, allowing them to recharge before the busy post-holiday season.
Costco, the membership-only warehouse club, will also be closed on Christmas Day, meaning shoppers will need to plan their bulk purchases for another day.
Members who rely on Costco for holiday staples such as turkey or Christmas decorations will have to adjust their shopping schedule accordingly.
These closures reflect the broader trend among large retailers to give staff a full day of rest.
If you need to make last-minute purchases, consider visiting a competitor that remains open.
The holiday break also allows these stores to perform maintenance and restock for the following week.
Planning ahead can help you avoid disappointment.
Pharmacies and Coffee Shops
Walgreens stores will be open on Christmas Day, but pharmacy hours may vary by location.
While all 24-hour Walgreens locations will remain open, many standard hours are reduced, so customers should verify the specific hours for their nearest store.
Customers can double-check local hours on Walgreens’ official website, ensuring they have the correct information before heading out.
CVS, on the other hand, will have modified hours on Christmas Day, with many locations operating on a reduced schedule.
The chain recommends that customers call ahead or double-check local hours online to avoid any surprises.
Starbucks offers a mixed schedule, with many locations closed on Christmas, while some may have limited hours.
The coffee chain advises shoppers to check ahead online, as hours can vary significantly between individual stores.
For those seeking a holiday beverage, it’s best to confirm the status of your favorite Starbucks location before you travel.
These varying schedules reflect each chain’s approach to holiday staffing and customer demand.
By calling ahead or checking online, you can save time and frustration.
Fast-Food
Many McDonald’s locations in the United States are open on holidays like Christmas, but hours vary by location.
The chain’s online store locator can be used by consumers to confirm the specific hours for a given location.
McDonald’s typically offers a full menu, allowing customers to grab a quick meal or a holiday snack.
However, some outlets may have reduced service hours, especially those that rely on a smaller staff for the day.
If you’re planning a quick bite, it’s wise to check the store locator or call the local McDonald’s to confirm that they’re open during the hours you need.
The chain’s approach to holiday hours reflects a balance between meeting customer demand and providing staff with a holiday break.
Some McDonald’s locations may also offer drive-through service, which can be a convenient option for travelers.
By verifying the hours ahead of time, you can ensure a smooth experience at the fast-food chain.
This flexibility makes McDonald’s a popular choice for holiday shoppers looking for a quick, familiar meal.
Grocery Chains
Kroger stores are closed on Christmas Day and will resume regular hours on December 26th.
This closure means that shoppers looking for groceries, household items, or holiday ingredients will need to plan their purchases for another day.
Albertsons has a more varied schedule, with many stores closed on Christmas, but there are also locations that remain open with adjusted hours.
Select Albertsons pharmacies may also be closed or have different hours, so customers should verify the status of their local pharmacy.
Safeway follows a similar pattern, with many stores closed on Christmas Day, though some locations will remain open with adjusted hours.
The chain’s decision to close or reduce hours reflects staffing considerations and holiday demand.
If you rely on Safeway for holiday shopping, it’s best to check the specific hours for your nearest store.
These varied schedules highlight the importance of confirming hours before heading out.
By doing so, you can avoid inconvenience and ensure you have the items you need for the holiday.
Other Closed Stores
Numerous other grocery, convenience, and retail stores are closed on Christmas Day, including ALDI, Harris Teeter, Home Depot, IKEA, Jewel-Osco, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Meijer, Publix, Rite Aid, Sam’s Club, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.
These closures mean that shoppers will need to find alternative locations for holiday purchases.
The list reflects a broad range of retailers, from large department stores to specialty markets.
Each of these chains follows a holiday schedule that prioritizes staff rest and holiday sales.
If you were planning to visit any of these stores on Christmas Day, you’ll need to adjust your plans accordingly.
The closures also provide an opportunity for those who prefer to shop early in the week or during the holiday season’s quieter days.
Knowing which stores are closed can help you avoid wasted trips and frustration.
By staying informed, you can better navigate the holiday shopping landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Major big-box retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Costco will be closed on Christmas Day, reopening early on December 26th.
- Pharmacy and convenience chains like Walgreens remain open, though hours may vary; CVS has modified hours and Starbucks offers limited service at many locations.
- Fast-food chains such as McDonald’s typically stay open, but hours differ by location.
- Grocery chains Kroger and many Safeway locations will close, while Albertsons offers a mix of closed and open stores with adjusted hours.
- A wide array of other retailers, from ALDI to Whole Foods, will be closed on Christmas Day.
By checking the specific hours of your local stores-either by calling ahead or visiting the retailer’s website-you can plan a smooth holiday shopping experience.
Whether you’re looking for last-minute gifts, holiday meals, or a coffee break, this guide helps you navigate which stores are open and which are closed on Christmas Day.
Happy shopping and enjoy the holiday season!
