Which Major Stores Are Open on Christmas
On Christmas Day, many large retailers and national chains adjust hours or close entirely, while a limited set of businesses remain open for essential needs and last-minute needs. In general, grocery stores, select pharmacies, some gas stations, and a handful of home improvement and warehouse clubs operate with reduced hours; big-box retailers often close, and online order pickup may still be available at select locations. This guide explains what to expect by category, how to verify local hours, and how delivery, curbside, and pickup options can substitute when stores are closed.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas
National Chains With Reduced Hours
Major grocery banners typically stay open on Christmas, but with shortened hours that vary by region and neighborhood. Hours are often posted by store, so always check the retailer’s website or call your location before you go. Services like in-store pickup for online orders are often suspended on the holiday, so plan accordingly.
- Kroger (including affiliated banners such as Ralphs, Fry’s, Dillon’s): Many stores open with reduced hours; verify by ZIP code.
- Albertsons (including Safeway, Vons, Shaw’s): Select stores open; hours vary widely by market.
- Walmart Grocery and Marketside: Many locations open; confirm local hours online or via the Walmart app.
- Target: Some stores open for essentials; availability is highly location-dependent.
Regional and Local Grocers
Independent and regional grocers often set their own hours and may remain open to serve holiday cooks. Examples include H-E-B in Texas, Publix in the Southeast, and Wegmans in the Northeast, though each location can differ. Always confirm with your neighborhood store, especially for prepared foods and bakery availability.
Pharmacies and Drugstores Open on Christmas
CVS Pharmacy
Many CVS locations stay open on Christmas, usually with reduced hours; pharmacy counters often remain available for prescriptions and health needs. Pharmacy availability is more consistent than general store hours, but local laws and staffing can change service levels.
Walgreens
Walgreens commonly operates on Christmas with varying hours by store; drive-thru prescription pickup is often maintained where permitted. As with any pharmacist-led service, hours reflect state regulations and local authority guidance.
Rite Aid and Other Chains
Rite Aid and similar retailers may keep select stores open, with pharmacy services emphasized. Independent pharmacies and hospital-based pharmacies often follow different schedules, so contact your provider for specifics.
Warehouse Clubs and Home Improvement
Costco
Most Costco warehouses are closed on Christmas, with exceptions in rare cases; warehouse club operations typically align with retail closure patterns. In prior years, limited hours have occurred, so checking the local branch is essential if you need holiday supplies.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club generally remains closed on Christmas, though certain locations have opened on the holiday in some markets. Confirm membership access and hours via the Sam’s Club app or website before visiting.
Home Improvement Retailers
Home Depot and Lowe’s are typically closed on Christmas, with some exceptions for essential services or storm recovery in rare instances. For urgent home repair needs, consider holiday delivery options or post-season service windows.
Department and Big-Box Retailers
Large-format department stores and big-box chains such as Walmart, Target, Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Sears, and Best Buy generally close on Christmas. A few locations may operate reduced hours in specific regions, so check store-specific information if you need in-person assistance or in-store pickup.
Online Alternatives, Delivery, and Curbside
When physical stores are closed, online ordering with delivery or curbside pickup can fill gaps. Many retailers process orders placed before cutoff times on Christmas Eve for same-day or next-day delivery, though surcharges and delays are common during the peak season. Note that pickup lockers and in-store pickup may be unavailable on the holiday, and carriers may operate on reduced schedules.
How to Confirm Store Hours Near You
Because holiday hours vary by city, county, and state, the most reliable method is to check the retailer’s store-locator tool or call the location directly. Public-facing hours on map sites and third-party aggregators can be outdated, so treat them as a starting point, not a guarantee. When in doubt, contact the store or use the retailer’s app to see live status.
| Store or Service | Typical Christmas Status | Notes / Where to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Kroger / affiliated banners | Often open reduced hours | Use store finder on kroger.com or app; varies by market |
| Albertsons / Safeway / Vons | Select stores open reduced hours | Check albrtsons.com store hours by ZIP |
| Walmart | Many open reduced hours | Check walmart.com or app for holiday hours |
| Target | Some locations open for essentials | Check target.com store details; highly location-dependent |
| CVS Pharmacy | Many locations open, pharmacy focused | cvscaremark.com/store; verify local hours |
| Walgreens | Commonly open with reduced hours | walgreens.com/store; confirm local hours |
| Costco | Typically closed | costco.com/locations; rare exceptions noted locally |
| Sam’s Club | Generally closed | samsclub.com; check local branch for rare openings |
| Home Depot / Lowe’s | Typically closed | homedepot.com / lowes.com store hours |
| Best Buy | Typically closed | bestbuy.com/store hours; check locally |
Plan Ahead for Holiday Shopping and Pickup
Even when stores are open on Christmas, inventory for popular items may be limited and in-store services such as gift wrapping or personal shopping are often suspended. To reduce friction, shop earlier in the week when possible, verify inventory online, and choose delivery or curbside if your schedule requires flexibility. For returns or exchanges tied to holiday gifts, note that many retailers adjust return windows during the holiday season; keep receipts and check each retailer’s policy before you travel.
Regional, State, and Legal Variations
State and local laws can affect whether stores are open on Christmas, particularly in regions with strong blue laws regulating Sunday and holiday commerce. These rules can influence hours for alcohol sales, car dealerships, and certain retail categories, even when national chains maintain reduced schedules. When in doubt, consult your state’s labor department guidance or the retailer’s customer service for location-specific details.
Bottom Line
In most markets, major grocery stores and select pharmacies remain open on Christmas, while most big-box retailers, department stores, and warehouse clubs close. Because hours differ by city and even by neighborhood, always check the specific store’s location page or call ahead. When physical access is limited, rely on delivery and curbside options placed before holiday cutoff times, and confirm pickup and return policies before you shop.