In our imaginations, Christmas Day always runs smoothly. But in real life, things don’t always go to plan. Someone needs a cough drop, the milk curdles in our coffee, and we forgot the fresh sage for the roasted sage turkey. That’s when the pajamas come off, the yoga pants go on and we run out to the store for last-minute holiday essentials.

Fortunately, some stores and restaurants remain open on Christmas Day! Here are the ones you’re most likely to visit—but be sure to check your location’s hours before heading out.

Stores Open on Christmas Day

Grocery stores

  • Albertsons: Most locations will be open on Christmas between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Giant: Most locations will be open on Christmas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Safeway: Some Safeway locations will be open on Christmas, so check your local store for hours.

Gas stations and convenience stores

  • 7-Eleven: Most 7-Elevens continue their usual 24/7 schedule on Christmas Day.
  • Circle K: Most should be open 24/7 on Christmas, like every other day of the year.
  • Cumberland Farms: Not only are most Cumby’s stores open Christmas Day—between 7 a.m. and midnight—but the locations in the Northeast and Florida like to give away hot coffee and cocoa on Christmas.
  • QuickChek: The East Coast-based convenience stores will be open on Christmas Day between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Sheetz: Open 24/7 yearly, this store stays open even on holidays.
  • Speedway: Most Speedway locations will stay open 24/7 as usual.
  • Wawa: This is another 24/7 chain that doesn’t close for Christmas. (Maybe that’s a reason why people are obsessed with Wawa.)
  • Weigel’s: You can rely on this 24/7 convenience store to remain open on Christmas Day.

Drugstores

  • CVS: Many CVS stores are usually open 24/7, but the hours are shorter on Christmas. Most will be open between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. CVS is also one of the stores open on Thanksgiving.
  • Walgreens: Most Walgreens locations are open on Christmas Day. Some will be open 24/7, per usual, and those that aren’t generally open 24/7 will have limited hours, usually between 8 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  • Duane Reade: The sister store to Walgreens, Duane Reade follows the same holiday hours. Check your local store for hours.
  • Rite Aid: Many Rite Aid stores are open 24/7 and will remain open as usual on Christmas Day.

Restaurants

  • Applebee’s: Most Applebee’s are typically open on Christmas Day. Double-check the hours of your nearest Applebee’s, though, since hours depend on location.
  • Denny’s: Of course, one of the country’s oldest restaurants, Denny’s, would have us covered on Christmas Day. In fact, Denny’s locations are open on Christmas and Christmas Eve, although hours may vary.
  • Domino’s: Enjoy a warm pizza pie on Christmas Day by ordering at Domino’s. Location hours and availability will vary, so make sure to call ahead to see if the nearest one is open.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts: On Christmas Day, grab a cup of joe and your favorite treat. Store hours vary by location, so check the hours before heading out.
  • IHOP: If you’re looking for a pancake fix on Christmas Day or Eve, stop by IHOP. Make sure to check your local IHOP’s hours, though, as they can vary depending on the location—along with its secret menu!
  • McDonald’s: Select locations of this fast-food franchise are open on Christmas Day.
  • Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: This casual, homestyle restaurant chain will be open on the holiday, with hours varying by location.
  • Starbucks: Go for a Starbucks holiday drink or last-minute gifts like coffee mugs. Select Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas Day this year, but you’ll want to check your local cafe’s hours.
  • Waffle House: Another location known for its 24/7 service, this breakfast comfort food spot will also be open on Christmas Day.

You should be able to find everything your family needs for a merry Christmas! If you’re still stuck, try these last-minute holiday recipes ready in 30 minutes.

Stores Closed on Christmas Day

The list of retailers closed on Christmas may seem longer than usual, but many major chains have been closing on December 25 for decades. Here’s a partial list of stores that will be closed on December 25, 2024:

  • Aldi
  • BJ’s
  • Costco
  • Dollar General
  • Dollar Tree
  • Family Dollar
  • Food Lion (but stores will be open on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m.)
  • H-E-B stores
  • Home Depot
  • IKEA
  • Kohl’s
  • Kroger stores
  • Lowe’s
  • Publix
  • Ralphs
  • Sam’s Club
  • Save A Lot
  • ShopRite
  • Sprouts Farmers Market
  • Stop & Shop
  • Target
  • Trader Joe’s
  • Walmart
  • Wegmans
  • Winn-Dixie
  • Whole Foods
Author
Susan Bronson
With 25 years of food and science writing under her belt, Susan is able to test pretty much any recipe for Taste of Home. She works from her small family farm in northern Wisconsin, where she also runs a food blog that features scratch-made meals. When Susan is not working on recipes or working as a science writer and editor, she's spending time wi...
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Susan Bronson