Typical Christmas Day store hours at a glance
On Christmas Day, operating hours are highly variable by store and by region. In the U.S., many large big-box and grocery stores remain closed, while a selection of drugstores, convenience stores, and some warehouse clubs stay open for essential and last-minute needs. This is an evergreen overview to help you anticipate which store types usually open, which stay closed, and how to confirm current hours for your exact location.
Which store types are often open on Christmas Day
While individual store policies can change, the following formats commonly operate on Christmas Day in many regions. Hours are often reduced, and openings may be limited to specific locations.
Pharmacy and drugstores
Major pharmacy chains often keep at least some locations open for prescriptions and basic needs.
- CVS Pharmacy: Many locations open, usually with reduced hours (for example, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time), but availability varies by store and metro area.
- Walgreens: Some stores open on Christmas Day with limited hours; verify your local store via their store finder.
Convenience stores
Convenience store formats often remain open to serve essential needs and holiday travelers.
- 7-Eleven: Many 7-Eleven stores are open 24 hours on Christmas Day, though hours can differ by franchise and location.
- Kum & Go: Select stores may be open; check the Kum & Go store locator for exact holiday hours.
- Circle K: Many Circle K locations stay open, but hours are location-specific.
Warehouse clubs
One major warehouse club typically opens early on Christmas Day, while formats and hours vary by region.
- Costco: Many locations open early on Christmas Day (often around 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM); confirm via the Costco store hours page.
Store types that are commonly closed on Christmas Day
Several retail formats generally remain closed on December 25.
- Traditional big-box retailers: Many large big-box stores, including Walmart (Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets) and Target Corporation, are typically closed on Christmas Day.
- Home improvement and hardware: Home Depot and Lowe's are typically closed on Christmas Day.
- Department stores: Macy's and Kohl's are generally closed on Christmas Day.
- Furniture and electronics: Ashley HomeStore and Best Buy are typically closed.
- Clothing and apparel: Gap, Old Navy, and H&M stores are typically closed.
- Sporting goods: Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors are typically closed on Christmas Day.
- Office supplies: Staples is typically closed.
How to verify if a specific store is open on Christmas Day
Because holiday hours can change and not all locations follow the same schedule, confirm with these reliable methods.
- Use the store locator: Enter your ZIP code or city on the retailer’s official store hours page or app to see holiday hours for stores near you.
- Call ahead: For pharmacies and other critical locations, call the store to confirm holiday hours and availability of key services like prescription pickup.
- Check delivery and pickup options: Many stores that are closed for in-person shopping may offer holiday delivery or curbside pickup; verify eligibility and cutoff times on their websites.
Regional and state-specific notes
State laws, union agreements, and local ordinances can affect whether a store opens and how early it can operate on Christmas Day. For example, blue laws in some states restrict Sunday and holiday retail activities, while union-negotiated retail agreements may require additional pay for holiday work, influencing store decisions.
When in doubt, plan for alternatives
If you rely on a pharmacy for prescriptions or need last-minute essentials, prioritize verified open formats such as certain CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and Costco locations, and always check current hours before heading out. For general merchandise, plan for closures and use delivery or pickup options where available.
Summary: Which stores are open on Christmas Day
| Store type | Likely open on Christmas Day | Typical hours (typical range) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVS Pharmacy | Often open at many locations | Reduced hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) | Verify your local store; prescription services may be available. |
| Walgreens | Some locations open | Varies by store | Check store finder for holiday hours near you. |
| 7-Eleven | Many locations open | Often 24 hours, but location-dependent | Confirm via the 7-Eleven store locator for your area. |
| Costco | Many locations open | Early hours (e.g., 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM) | Check Costco’s holiday hours page for your nearest warehouse. |
| Walmart | Typically closed | Closed | Some services may be available; verify locally. |
| Target | Typically closed | Closed | Delivery and pickup options may still be available where offered. |
| The Home Depot | Typically closed | Closed | Online delivery options may be available; verify locally. |
| Lowe's | Typically closed | Closed | Online delivery options may be available; verify locally. |
Key takeaways
- Pharmacy and convenience stores are most likely to be open; always confirm with the store locator or by calling.
- Most big-box retailers, department stores, and home improvement stores are typically closed on Christmas Day.
- Hours and open locations vary by region; use official store hours tools and verify close to the date for the most accurate information.