Shops Open on Christmas Day 2025 and Christmas Eve
If you find yourself needing a last-minute item over the holidays, it’s important to plan ahead. While many retailers extend hours in the days leading up to Christmas, most major stores will be closed on Christmas Day, with only a limited number of essential businesses remaining open.
Christmas Eve, however, is a different story with many retailers operating on shortened schedules.
On Christmas Day, shopping options will be limited. Some CVS locations will remain open with reduced or modified hours, though availability varies by store, making it best to call ahead or check online.
Select Walgreens locations will also be open, particularly 24-hour stores, though pharmacy hours may differ. A small number of Starbucks cafés and McDonald’s restaurants may operate on Christmas Day, but hours are determined by individual locations and franchises, so customers should confirm before visiting.
Most other retailers will be closed for the holiday. Major chains including Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Kohl’s, JCPenney, IKEA, Best Buy, Nordstrom, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, REI, Ulta, Michaels, Apple, and HomeGoods traditionally close their doors on Christmas Day to allow employees time with their families.
On Christmas Eve, many of those same stores will be open but with shortened hours, often closing in the late afternoon or early evening. Large retailers such as Walmart and Target typically operate on reduced schedules, while department stores and shopping malls may close earlier than usual.
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are generally open on Christmas Eve as well, though hours can vary by location. Grocery stores also tend to close early, depending on the chain and region.
Convenience stores and gas stations, including chains like 7-Eleven and Circle K, are among the most reliable options for Christmas Day necessities, as many remain open 24 hours, though hours may still vary by location.
Because holiday schedules can differ widely by store, city, and even individual location, shoppers are strongly encouraged to check store websites or call ahead before heading out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to avoid surprises.