Is Anything Open on Christmas Day 2024? Here's Where You Can Shop and Dine
Christmas Day is a time for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals, but sometimes life throws a curveball. Maybe you’ve forgotten an essential Christmas dinner ingredient, or perhaps you're looking for a last-minute gift. While most businesses close on December 25 to give employees a well-deserved break, there are still some places where you can get what you need. Here’s a look at the stores, restaurants, and fast-food chains that are open on Christmas Day 2024.
Is Anything Open on Christmas Day?
Unlike Thanksgiving, when many businesses close, most stores, restaurants, and grocery chains shut their doors on Christmas Day. However, for those in urgent need, a few retailers, convenience stores, and restaurants remain open, making it possible to pick up essentials, grab a quick meal, or even do some last-minute shopping. Sheetz, a popular convenience store chain, is among the few that will keep its doors open on December 25.
Superstores and Department Stores
If you're hoping to hit up a major department store or superstore on Christmas Day, you might be disappointed. Nearly all large retailers are closed on December 25, giving their employees the day off.
Closed on Christmas Day:
- Costco
- Kohl's
- Sam's Club
- Target
- Walmart
So, if you need to do some serious holiday shopping or pick up larger items, you’ll have to wait until the following day.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day
Finding an open grocery store on Christmas Day is a bit easier, though most will operate under limited hours. If you’re in a pinch and need to pick up some last-minute items, here are some grocery chains that are open:
Open on Christmas Day (with Limited Hours):
- Acme Markets (Check your local store for specific hours)
- Albertsons (Limited locations with shorter hours)
- Giant Food (Select locations open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. but with pharmacy closures, except in specific stores)
- Safeway (Some locations open, check local hours)
- Vons (Some stores open, check local listings)
Closed on Christmas Day:
- Aldi
- Food Lion
- Kroger
- Publix
- Stop & Shop
- Trader Joe's
- Whole Foods
Pharmacies Open on Christmas Day
If you need a prescription or over-the-counter medication on Christmas Day, some pharmacies will be open, though they tend to have reduced hours.
Open on Christmas Day:
- Giant Food Pharmacies (Select locations in Catonsville, Bethesda, and Pikesville, Maryland)
- CVS Pharmacy (Many locations are open with reduced hours; check locally at cvs.com)
Closed on Christmas Day:
- Rite Aid
Are McDonald's, Dunkin', and Starbucks Open on Christmas Day?
If you're looking for coffee, a quick breakfast, or a fast meal, several popular chains will be open.
Open on Christmas Day:
- McDonald's (Many locations open, but hours may vary; check local listings)
- Dunkin' (Many locations are open, but hours may differ; use the Dunkin’ app to confirm)
- Starbucks (Many locations are open, but it's best to confirm via the Starbucks app or store locator)
Other Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains Open on Christmas Day
While Christmas Day is generally a slow day for dining out, there are still a few places where you can enjoy a meal or grab something quick.
Open on Christmas Day:
- IHOP (Open, but hours may vary by location—check with your local restaurant)
- Sheetz (Convenience store with made-to-order food available)
Closed on Christmas Day:
- Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
- Chick-fil-A
- Chili's
- Chipotle
- Eddie V's
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Ruth's Chris Steak House
- Seasons 52
- The Capital Grille
- Yard House
If you find yourself in need of food on Christmas Day, be sure to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website for specific holiday hours, as not all locations will be open.
What About Convenience Stores and Gas Stations?
If you need a quick snack, drink, or gas on Christmas Day, convenience stores are your best bet. Many convenience store chains, like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Sheetz, stay open 24/7, even on holidays.
Conclusion
Although Christmas Day brings widespread closures, there are still a few options for those who need to run errands, grab food, or pick up last-minute gifts. Grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and select fast-food chains like McDonald's and Dunkin' will be open, though it’s always a good idea to check local hours before heading out. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or searching for something you forgot to buy, there are still a handful of businesses open on Christmas Day 2024 to help you out.
