What Stores Are Open on Christmas Day? 2026 Full Guide
It happens every year. The turkey is in the oven, guests are on the way, and someone realizes there’s no cranberry sauce. Or the kids open a new toy that needs batteries nobody bought. Or you wake up with a headache and the medicine cabinet is empty.
That’s when the big question hits: what stores are open on Christmas Day?
The short answer is that most big retailers close, but you still have more options than you might think. Pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations, some grocery chains, and plenty of restaurants stay open, often with shorter hours.
This guide covers the stores, groceries, and restaurants that are usually open on December 25, the ones that close, and smart ways to handle last minute needs. Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, December 25, so knowing what stores are open on Christmas Day ahead of time can save you a stressful scramble.
Important note: Most retailers announce their exact holiday hours in December. The details below are based on how chains operated on Christmas Day 2025 and their long running holiday policies. Hours vary by location, so always check your local store before heading out.
Quick Answer: What’s Usually Open and Closed
| Category | Usually Open | Usually Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacies | CVS, Walgreens (many locations, reduced hours) | Most independent pharmacies |
| Convenience stores | 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Sheetz, Casey’s | Few closures |
| Gas and travel centers | Pilot Flying J, Love’s, TravelCenters of America, RaceTrac | Rarely closed |
| Grocery stores | Some Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Acme locations | Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Wegmans, H-E-B |
| Big box stores | Almost none | Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy |
| Restaurants | Waffle House, IHOP, Denny’s, many Chinese restaurants | Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel |
What Stores Are Open on Christmas Day: The Full Breakdown
Let’s go category by category so you know exactly what stores are open on Christmas Day and where to head.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are your best bet for medicine, basic groceries, snacks, wrapping supplies, batteries, and last minute gifts.
CVS Many CVS stores stay open on Christmas Day, though hours vary. Some locations reduce their hours, some close entirely, and many pharmacy counters close even when the front store is open. If you need a prescription, call ahead or check the CVS app.
Walgreens Many Walgreens stores open on Christmas Day, often with reduced hours. In 2025, many locations were reported open from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while 24 hour locations kept regular hours. Pharmacy counters may have different hours from the store.
Tip: Both chains carry everyday grocery items like milk, eggs, bread, cereal, snacks, and soda, so they can cover small emergencies.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are the most reliable option on Christmas Day. Many run 24 hours, every day of the year.
7-Eleven Most 7-Eleven stores stay open 24 hours on Christmas. They stock snacks, drinks, coffee, basic groceries, batteries, and some household goods.
Circle K Usually open 24 hours, with fuel, snacks, and essentials.
Wawa Most locations are open 24 hours. Wawa is a lifesaver on the East Coast for hot food, coffee, and quick groceries.
Sheetz Open 24 hours with its full made to order menu.
Casey’s General Store Open with modified hours. Casey’s is popular across the Midwest for pizza and snacks.
Cumberland Farms Generally keeps regular hours, which vary by location.
Kum & Go and Maverik Many locations stay open 24 hours.
Gas Stations and Travel Centers
If you’re traveling for the holidays, highway stops are almost always open.
- Pilot Flying J: Open 24 hours
- Love’s Travel Stops: Open 24 hours
- TravelCenters of America: Most locations open 24 hours
- RaceTrac: Open 24 hours
These stops carry food, drinks, phone chargers, basic toiletries, and travel snacks.
