It’s Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, and despite the best-laid plans, “holiday emergencies” happen. Maybe you forgot the heavy cream for the soup, the batteries for a new remote-control car, or you simply need a caffeine fix to get through a long day of hosting.

The big question today is: What is open on Christmas Day? While most of America’s retail landscape goes dark to allow employees time with their families, a handful of essential retailers, pharmacies, and convenience stores remain ready to save the day. Here is your definitive, 2,500-word deep dive into store hours, closures, and where you can find what you need today.

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🛑 The “Closed” List: Major Retailers Taking the Day Off

If you were hoping to run to a big-box giant for a last-minute gift or a massive grocery haul, you’ll likely need to wait until December 26. Most major chains have solidified a tradition of closing nationwide on Christmas Day.

Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?

No. Walmart is closed on Christmas Day 2025. For the fifth year in a row, Walmart has shuttered all operations—including Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets—for the 24 hours of Christmas Day. This is a nationwide policy. Stores are expected to reopen at 6:00 AM on December 26.

Is Target open on Christmas Day?

No. Target is closed today. Target follows a strict holiday schedule, closing all doors on December 25. Like Walmart, Target will resume normal business hours tomorrow morning, typically opening at 7:00 AM on December 26.

Other Major Retailers Closed Today:

• Costco: All warehouses are closed.
• Sam’s Club: Closed.
• Home Depot & Lowe’s: Closed.
• Best Buy: Closed.
• Kohl’s: Closed.
• Macy’s: Closed.
• TJ Maxx, Marshalls, & HomeGoods: Closed.
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Closed.

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✅ Pharmacies: Your Christmas Day Lifeline

Pharmacies are the most reliable “open” signs you’ll see today. They serve as mini-grocery stores for those in a pinch, stocking everything from milk and eggs to chargers and basic toys.

1. CVS Pharmacy

Status: Open (Mostly) Most CVS locations are open on Christmas Day, but hours are often reduced (commonly 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM).

• Pro Tip: While the “front store” might be open, the Pharmacy Counter may have different, more restricted hours or be closed entirely. Use the CVS app to check your specific location.

2. Walgreens

Status: Open Walgreens is one of the most dependable chains on holidays.

• 24-Hour Locations: These typically remain open 24/7, including the pharmacy counter.
• Standard Locations: Most will operate on adjusted holiday hours, often 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

3. Rite Aid

Status: Open Many Rite Aid locations remain open on Christmas Day, though hours vary significantly by region.

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🛒 Grocery Stores Open Today (Select Locations)

While the “big names” like Kroger, Publix, Aldi, and Whole Foods are all closed, a few regional players keep select doors open.

Safeway & Albertsons

Status: Varies by Location Many Safeway and Albertsons stores remain closed, but select locations in specific markets may open with limited hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). It is essential to call your local store first.

Giant Food & ACME

Status: Select Stores Open Some Giant Food and ACME Markets will be open today with reduced hours, typically ending by late afternoon.

7-Eleven & Convenience Stores

Status: Open 24/7 If you just need the basics—milk, bread, eggs, or snacks—convenience stores are your best bet. 7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz, Circle K, and Speedway are almost universally open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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☕ Coffee & Dining: Who is Serving?

Need a break from the kitchen? A few major food and drink chains are operational today.

• Starbucks: Many locations are open, though hours are determined store-by-store. Expect reduced hours (e.g., closing by 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM).
• Dunkin’: Most locations are open, but many are franchise-owned, so hours can vary wildly.
• Waffle House / Denny’s / IHOP: These classic diners are famous for never closing. Most will be open 24/7 for a full Christmas breakfast or dinner.
• McDonald’s: Participation varies by franchise. Some will be open, while others remain closed. Use the McDonald’s app for real-time data.

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🛠️ Survival Tips for Christmas Day Shopping

1. Trust, but Verify: Even if a chain is “open,” a specific manager may decide to close due to staffing. Always call ahead.
2. Use the App: Retailer apps (CVS, Walgreens, Starbucks) are more accurate than Google Maps on holidays.
3. Check Gas Stations: Modern gas stations like Wawa or QuikTrip carry a surprising variety of “emergency” groceries.

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📅 Looking Ahead: December 26 (Boxing Day)

The good news is that the retail “blackout” only lasts 24 hours. Tomorrow, December 26, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year for returns and post-holiday clearance. Expect almost every major retailer to reopen by 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM.

Summary Table of Christmas Day 2025 Status:

Store	Status	Typical Hours
Walmart	🛑 CLOSED	Reopens Dec 26
Target	🛑 CLOSED	Reopens Dec 26
CVS	✅ OPEN	10 AM – 8 PM (Varies)
Walgreens	✅ OPEN	9 AM – 5 PM (24hr stays open)
Safeway	⚠️ VARIES	Call local store
Starbucks	⚠️ VARIES	Usually limited morning hours
7-Eleven	✅ OPEN	24 Hours

Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping on Christmas Day 2025

Whether you’re in need of an emergency ingredient for dinner or a last-minute gift, navigating retail on December 25 can be tricky. Here are the most common questions answered for the 2025 holiday season.

🛑 Is Walmart or Target open today?

No. Both Walmart and Target are closed nationwide on Christmas Day. Walmart stores are expected to reopen at 6:00 AM on December 26, while most Target locations will reopen at 7:00 AM.

🛒 Which grocery stores stay open on Christmas?

Most major chains like Kroger, Publix, Aldi, and Whole Foods are closed. However, you do have a few options:

• Safeway/Albertsons: Select locations remain open with limited hours (often 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
• Save Mart: Typically open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Sheetz are open 24/7 and stock essentials like milk, eggs, and bread.

💊 Can I go to a pharmacy on Christmas Day?

Yes. Pharmacies are your most reliable bet:

• Walgreens: Most 24-hour locations remain open. Non-24-hour stores often have holiday hours (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
• CVS: Many locations are open, though hours may be reduced (e.g., 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
• Note: The Pharmacy Counter (for prescriptions) often has shorter hours than the main retail store. Always call ahead to confirm.

☕ Is Starbucks open today?

Many are, but not all. Starbucks hours are determined on a store-by-store basis. While many stand-alone cafes and drive-thrus open for a few hours in the morning (e.g., until 2:00 PM or 4:00 PM), locations inside closed malls or grocery stores will be shut. Check the Starbucks app for live status.

🍔 What restaurants are open if I don’t want to cook?

If you’re looking for a meal, several national chains are dependable:

• 24/7 Diners: Waffle House, Denny’s, and IHOP are famously open 365 days a year.
• Fast Food: Select McDonald’s, Dunkin’, and Burger King locations are open, though hours vary by franchise owner.
• Sit-down: Fogo de Chão, Benihana, and Applebee’s (select locations) often serve Christmas dinner.

⛽ Are gas stations open?

Yes. Almost all major gas stations (Shell, BP, Exxon, etc.) remain open for fuel. Their attached convenience stores (like Circle K or Speedway) typically remain open 24/7 as well.

🛍️ When do stores reopen for returns and sales?

Most retail life returns to normal on December 26 (Boxing Day). Expect stores to open early (around 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM) to handle the rush of holiday returns and post-Christmas clearance sales.

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Quick Search Tip: To find the most accurate “open” stores near you right now, search “stores open near me” on Google Maps, but look for the “Hours may differ” or “Confirmed by phone” labels to ensure you don’t make a wasted trip.

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