Here’s what stores are open, and which ones are closed, on Christmas

Most U.S. Retailers Adjust Hours for Christmas Holiday, Few Remain Open

As Christmas approaches, retailers across the United States are preparing for modified operating schedules, with most closing early on Christmas Eve and remaining shut on Christmas Day.

From department stores to grocery chains, the vast majority of American retailers follow the tradition of closing their doors completely on December 25, giving employees time with family and observing one of the few days in the retail calendar with near-universal closures.

For consumers planning last-minute shopping trips or those simply looking to get out of the house during the holiday, checking store hours in advance is strongly recommended. Operating hours can vary significantly by location and franchise ownership, even within the same retail chain.

Major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Costco have confirmed complete closures for Christmas Day. Walmart will reopen at 6 a.m. on December 26, while Target stores will welcome shoppers again at 7 a.m. the day after Christmas.

Pharmacy chains present a mixed picture, with CVS planning to keep many locations open with modified hours. Walgreens has announced its stores will operate on Christmas Day, though pharmacy hours may vary. All Walgreens 24-hour locations will maintain their round-the-clock service through the holiday.

The food and beverage sector shows similar variation. Starbucks will close many locations, while others may operate with limited hours. McDonald’s, which often maintains service during holidays, will have location-specific schedules, requiring customers to check their local restaurant’s hours.

Among grocery retailers, most major chains including Kroger, ALDI, Publix, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods will observe the holiday with complete closures. Albertsons and Safeway, however, will keep select locations open with adjusted hours, though many of their stores will also close for the day.

Home improvement giants Home Depot and Lowe’s, department store Macy’s, and warehouse club Sam’s Club will all remain closed, joining specialty retailers like IKEA and Sprouts Farmer’s Market in the Christmas Day shutdown.

For consumers facing urgent needs on the holiday, convenience stores offer the most reliable option. Sheetz has confirmed its locations will maintain regular 24/7 operations, while most 7-Eleven stores will also remain open around the clock, though some franchise locations may adjust their hours.

The widespread closures reflect both cultural tradition and practical business considerations. Christmas remains one of the few days when American retail largely comes to a standstill, though the growth of online shopping has reduced some of the pressure on physical retail availability.

Retail industry analysts note that Christmas closures have remained relatively consistent even as other holidays have seen expanded retail hours. Unlike Thanksgiving, which has experienced creeping commercialization with earlier Black Friday openings in recent years, Christmas Day has largely maintained its status as a non-shopping holiday.

For retailers, the decision to close represents both respect for employee needs and recognition of typically low customer traffic that wouldn’t justify operating costs. The few businesses that do remain open often serve essential needs or cater to travelers and those without holiday plans.

Consumers with special needs or seeking specific items are advised to plan ahead, especially for medications or food items, as options will be significantly limited on Christmas Day itself. When in doubt, calling ahead or checking store websites is recommended before making any holiday outing.