Your Complete Guide to Retail, Grocery, Pharmacies, and Essentials
As Christmas Day arrives across the United States on Thursday, December 25, 2025, most retail stores and grocery chains have chosen to shut their doors so employees can spend the holiday with family. This holiday retail landscape is consistent with federal holiday observances and typical winter shopping patterns, but there are still essential services and convenience options available for last‑minute needs.
Major Retailers and Grocery Stores: Closed for Christmas
On Christmas Day, most major big‑box retailers and grocery chains are closed nationwide. This includes:
Walmart
Target
Costco
Kroger and its affiliates
ALDI
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods
BJ’s Wholesale
Dollar General / Dollar Tree
Publix
Sam’s Club
Wegmans
Stop & Shop
ShopRite
Hy‑Vee
H‑E‑B
Aldi
Whole Foods and others
These closures apply to both retail and in‑store pharmacy operations for most locations, and customers should plan ahead for grocery shopping or any major purchases before December 25.
Most department stores and specialty retailers such as Macy’s, Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowe’s also do not operate on Christmas Day, extending a long‑standing tradition of shutting down in‑store operations on December 25.
Stores and Services Open on Christmas Day
Even though most major stores are closed, several essential and convenience retailers remain open, often with adjusted hours. These serve customers needing urgent items, medications, snacks or gas during the holiday.
Convenience Stores and Pharmacies
7‑Eleven locations usually operate 24/7 on Christmas Day.
Circle K convenience stores remain open across most regions.
CVS Pharmacy may operate select stores on Christmas Day with reduced or modified hours, so calling ahead is recommended.
Walgreens stores — including many 24‑hour locations — often stay open, though pharmacy counters may have limited service hours.
These locations are reliable options for essentials like over‑the‑counter medicines, snacks, and personal care items when traditional retailers are closed.
Select Grocery and Supermarket Locations
A small number of grocery stores operate on Christmas Day with varied hours, including:
Albertsons (select locations)
Safeway (some stores with reduced hours)
Giant Food (select stores)
Casey’s General Store (most locations)
Sheetz and Wawa — convenience and gas stations with grocery items available.
Because these chains operate regionally, availability can vary significantly by city and state. Confirm local hours online or by phone before visiting.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Options
While Christmas Day isn’t a major dining holiday for all chains, several restaurants and cafes keep doors open, often to serve families and travelers. Common options include:
McDonald’s — many locations open, but hours vary by franchise.
Starbucks — some stores open with limited hours or holiday shifts.
Dunkin’ — typically open, though hours differ by location.
Waffle House — famously operates 365 days a year, including Christmas Day.
Because restaurant hours are set at the local franchise level, it’s essential to check each location online for precise holiday schedules.
Banks, Mail, and Government Services
Christmas Day is a federal holiday, so all federal, state and local government offices are closed. This includes:
Banks — closed on December 25.
U.S. Postal Service — no mail delivery or post office operations.
FedEx and UPS — not operating pickups or deliveries on Christmas Day.
Courts and government offices — closed nationwide.
Government closures align with the official federal holiday calendar for Christmas, meaning most public services will resume on Friday, December 26.
Tips for Shoppers on Christmas Day
Check store locators before you go — hours can vary widely by city, state and individual store.
Use online options — while physical stores shut down for the holiday, online ordering and delivery services remain available through platforms like Walmart.com, Target.com and others 24/7.
Plan grocery needs ahead — since most supermarkets close on Christmas Day, stock up on essentials on December 24 or earlier.
Emergency needs — pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are your best bets for urgent prescriptions or wellness products on December 25.
Summary
Christmas Day 2025 sees a near‑nationwide pause in retail and grocery store operations, with the exception of select convenience stores, pharmacies and a handful of supermarkets. Whether you need holiday snacks, medicine or gas, local convenience chains like 7‑Eleven and Walgreens are likely to be your best option. With most other major retailers closed, checking local store hours before you go remains essential for a seamless holiday.
