What’s open on Christmas Day: Holiday hours for fast-food chains, grocery stores, CVS, and more

It’s normal—perhaps even biological—to slow down at the end of the year. Winter weather brings less sunlight, causing our bodies to produce more melatonin and less Vitamin D.

Humans have to fight the urge to hibernate like bears because of the exhausting holiday season. If you find yourself behind and needing to cross off some last-minute items on your to-do list, here’s a handy guide to your options on Christmas Day 2025.

Are banks open on Christmas?

No. Christmas is a federal holiday, so brick-and-mortar locations are closed. Online banking and outdoor ATMs are available.

Is mail delivered on Christmas?

The United States Postal Service will not deliver mail on Christmas, and post offices are closed. The only exception: Priority Mail Express is delivered on the holiday.

Is the stock market open?

No. Both the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq exchange are closed for the holiday.

What grocery and convenience stores are open?

Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Aldi are closed. That’s bad news for shoppers but good news for their employees.

The following stores are open:

• Acme Market: Some East Coast locations are open.
• Albertsons: Some stores are open; hours vary by location.
• Casey’s General Store: Opens at 10 a.m.
• Circle K: Most locations are open 24 hours, even on Christmas, but check your local store to be sure.
• Cumberland Farms: Hours vary by location.
• Safeway: Some locations are open; hours vary by location.
• Wawa: Most are open 24 hours.
• 7-Eleven: Most are open 24 hours.

Are big-box retailers open?

Most major retail chains, including Walmart and Target, are closed on Christmas.

What about major pharmacy chains?

• CVS: Most locations are open with reduced hours; check your local store.
• Walgreens: Some locations are open 24/7, though most are operating with reduced hours; check your local pharmacy. 

Are fast-food restaurants open on Christmas Day?

It’s hard to pinpoint which fast-food restaurants are open because many are franchised, so it’s up to the individual owners’ discretion whether or not to remain open. Here are some that should be available.

• McDonald’s: Most locations are open, but check your local restaurant for hours.
• Burger King: Most are open with reduced hours; schedules vary by location.
• Starbucks: Many locations are open, but check your favorite spot ahead of time for hours. 

What about other restaurants?

If you pull a Scott Calvin from The Santa Clause and burn the turkey, never fear: Many restaurants are open on Christmas Day.

It’s important to note, however, that these establishments will most likely have reduced hours and potentially limited menus. The following restaurants will be open with hours that vary by location unless otherwise specified; check the individual location finders for local hours.

• Applebee’s
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Denny’s (This is Scott Calvin’s restaurant of choice.)
• Huddle House: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• IHOP
• Papa John’s
• Perkins: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Red Lobster
• Waffle House

Many Chinese restaurants are also open on Christmas Day. 

Are movie theaters open?

Buttery popcorn and good flicks? Yes! Most movie theaters are open for business on Christmas Day.

Families and those young at heart can check out Zootopia 2 from Disney or The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants from Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.

If you’re in the mood for a sexy, suspenseful drama, consider The Housemaid starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. Sci-fi fans can catch James Cameron’s latest epic, Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Artsy types will enjoy Marty Supreme from A24. Star Timothée Chalamet is already getting early Oscar buzz for his performance.

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