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Christmas Day Hours Table (2025)

Chain / Category	Expected Status	Notes
Walgreens	Open	Some 24/7; pharmacy hours vary
CVS	Open at many locations	Pharmacy may close early
Rite Aid	Mostly open	Hours depend on region
7-Eleven	Open	Many 24/7
Circle K	Open	Most locations operate normally
Wawa	Open	Food service available
Sheetz / QuikTrip / RaceTrac	Open	Regional reliability varies
Safeway	Some open	Shortened hours
Albertsons	Some open	Not uniform nationwide
Giant Food	Select stores open	Short hours
Pilot Flying J	Open	Travel centers
Love’s Travel Stops	Open	24/7 most locations
Walmart	Closed	Nationwide
Target	Closed	Nationwide
Costco	Closed	Nationwide
Best Buy	Closed	Nationwide
Home Depot	Closed	Nationwide

The convenience stores open Christmas Day

Why a Christmas-Day Shopping Guide Matters in 2025

Christmas Day is one of the few holidays when nearly all major retailers in the United States shut down. The trend has only strengthened in recent years, as big chains emphasize employee time off and predictable holiday planning. Still, last-minute needs are common: missing ingredients for dinner, forgotten batteries for a child’s toy, unexpected guests, or urgent medication.

That’s when it helps to know exactly which stores remain open. While Walmart, Target, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and most department stores will be fully closed nationwide, several drugstores, convenience stores, and select regional supermarkets continue operating — often with shortened hours.

This 2025 guide pulls together the most reliable, updated information so shoppers can plan confidently.

What’s Closed vs. What’s Usually Open

Before we break down specific chains, here’s the general pattern you can expect on Christmas Day in the U.S.

Most major chains are closed:

• Big-box stores

• Department stores

• Home-improvement stores

• Warehouse clubs

• Electronics and specialty retailers

Businesses that typically remain open:

• Convenience stores

• Drugstores and pharmacy outlets

• Select grocery stores in certain regions

• Gas-station retail stores

• Independently owned markets

When in doubt, pharmacies and convenience stores are the safest choices.

Full List: U.S. Store Chains Expected to Be Open on Christmas Day 2025

Note: These patterns are based on multi-year operating trends and holiday policies released for the 2025 season. Store hours can still vary by location, so calling ahead is always smart.

Drugstores & Pharmacies

Drugstores consistently stay open during major holidays. They’re ideal for household essentials, OTC medicine, snacks, beverages, toiletries, and small gift items.

Walgreens

• One of the most dependable chains on Christmas Day.

• Many stores operate 24 hours or follow regular schedules.

• Pharmacy counters may have reduced hours or close early.

• Items available: OTC meds, toiletries, milk, eggs, snacks, batteries, cosmetics, gift cards.

CVS Pharmacy

• Many locations stay open, especially 24-hour stores.

• Pharmacy hours vary widely; some may close.

• Availability differs by region.

Rite Aid

• Many Rite Aid stores open on Christmas Day.

• Areas undergoing restructuring may reduce hours.

Regional Drugstores

These smaller chains often keep partial holiday hours:

• Bartell Drugs (Pacific Northwest)

• Duane Reade (New York, owned by Walgreens)

• Kinney Drugs (New York & Vermont)

Always confirm hours locally.

Convenience Stores

(Almost Always Open and Widely Available)**

If you need something quickly, convenience stores are your best bet.

7-Eleven

• Most locations run 24/7, including holidays.

• Reliable for snacks, drinks, ice, toiletries, household basics, and tobacco products.

Circle K

• Nearly all stores remain open all day.

• Offers similar items to 7-Eleven.

Wawa (Northeast & Florida)

• Most stores open.

• Known for hot food, sandwiches, coffee, and prepared items.

Sheetz / QuikTrip / RaceTrac

• These regional chains (Midwest, East Coast, Southeast) nearly always operate on Christmas Day.

• Many offer made-to-order food.

Casey’s General Store

• Some locations stay open, though hours vary more widely than other chains.

Grocery Stores Likely to Be Open at Select Locations

Most major supermarket chains close nationwide, but a handful keep certain stores open.

Safeway

• Some stores open with shortened hours.

• In-store pharmacies typically close.

Albertsons

• Similar to Safeway; holiday hours vary by region.

Giant Food

• Select locations stay open, usually with morning or midday hours.

H-E-B (Texas)

• Most locations close, though specific stores may operate on limited schedules.

Tom Thumb / Randalls / Vons

• Part of the Albertsons family; certain regions may keep stores open.

Independent & Local Grocery Stores

These small or family-run markets may be more flexible:

• Asian supermarkets

• Latino grocery stores

• Neighborhood general markets

Gas-Station Stores & Travel Centers

If supermarkets are closed, travel centers are reliable for essential food and supplies.

Pilot Flying J

Open on most holidays, serving drivers with hot food and convenience items.

Love’s Travel Stops

Often open 24/7, offering hot food, drinks, restrooms, and retail items.

BP / Exxon / Shell / Chevron station stores

Most gas-station convenience stores operate on holidays, though hours depend on individual owners.

Stores Expected to Be Fully Closed Nationwide on Christmas Day 2025

To avoid confusion, here’s the list of major chains that almost certainly won’t open at all.

Big-Box Stores (Closed)

• Walmart

• Target

• Costco

• Sam’s Club

• BJ’s Wholesale Club

Department Stores (Closed)

• Macy’s

• Kohl’s

• JCPenney

• Nordstrom

• Dillard’s

Electronics Retailers (Closed)

• Best Buy

• GameStop

Home-Improvement Stores (Closed)

• Home Depot

• Lowe’s

• Menards

Specialty & Craft Stores (Closed)

• Hobby Lobby

• Michaels

• Staples

• Office Depot

• Dick’s Sporting Goods

The nationwide closures reflect the industry’s shift toward predictable holiday breaks and employee well-being.

Smart Tips for Shopping on Christmas Day

1. Call before you go

Holiday scheduling varies store by store.

2. Go earlier in the day

Traffic rises in the late afternoon.

3. Expect reduced staffing

Lines may move slower.

4. Check pharmacy hours separately

Retail and pharmacy hours often differ.

5. Bring cash as a backup

Some small stores face holiday card-system outages.

6. Consider delivery apps

Some drivers continue working on holidays depending on the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Walmart or Target be open on Christmas Day 2025?

No. Both close nationwide.

Are any grocery chains guaranteed to open everywhere?

No. Only certain locations of select chains operate on Christmas Day.

Which chains are the most reliable?

7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Sheetz, and major drugstores like Walgreens.

Are pharmacy counters open too?

Not always. Many close even if the store itself stays open.

Where can I find hot food on Christmas Day?

Convenience chains such as Wawa, Sheetz, and travel centers like Love’s and Pilot Flying J usually offer hot food.

Do gas stations remain open?

Most do, though store hours can vary.

Christmas Day 2025 continues the national trend: large retailers close, while drugstores, convenience stores, and travel centers provide the most reliable options for last-minute needs. If you need essentials, your safest choices remain 7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Sheetz, Walgreens, CVS, and major highway travel stops. For grocery items, some Safeway, Albertsons, and regional supermarkets may open with limited hours — but checking ahead is essential. This upgraded guide gives you a clear, comprehensive reference so you can shop smoothly and avoid unnecessary holiday stress.

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