December 25 Store Closures: December 25 store closures are an annual holiday tradition across the United States. When Christmas rolls around, it’s not just about unwrapping gifts and enjoying warm meals with loved ones — it’s also a time when most businesses, big-box retailers, and local shops shut their doors for the day. And for good reason: this is one of the most celebrated federal holidays in the country. Whether you’re preparing a family feast, hosting relatives from out of town, or simply running last-minute errands, it’s critical to know what’s open and what’s not. This guide gives you the lowdown on what to expect this Christmas, backed with practical tips, a breakdown of closures, and advice that’ll keep you from scrambling at the eleventh hour.
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December 25 Store Closures
December 25 store closures are a regular — and necessary — part of the American holiday tradition. With nearly all major retailers and public services shutting down for the day, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid inconvenience. But you’re not entirely out of luck: convenience stores, gas stations, and some pharmacies and restaurants remain available to help with last-minute needs. By preparing early, staying organized, and checking local store hours, you can sit back and enjoy the holiday without worrying about what’s open. Make a list, shop early, and rest easy knowing you’ve got Christmas covered — even if it sneaks up faster than expected.
| Category | Status on Dec 25, 2025 | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Major Retail Stores | Closed | Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, Trader Joe’s |
| Grocery Chains | Closed | Whole Foods, ALDI, Sam’s Club |
| Pharmacies & Convenience | Open (Varies) | CVS, Walgreens, 7‑Eleven, Circle K |
| Restaurants | Mixed | Waffle House, IHOP (open) / Cracker Barrel, Texas Roadhouse (closed) |
| Banks & Postal | Closed | Bank branches, USPS delivery |
| Transportation | Holiday Service | Buses, trains |
December 25 Store Closures: What’s Closed
Christmas Day closures are common across nearly every sector in the United States. This day is a federal holiday, and it brings many operations to a full stop — especially retail and public services.
Major Retail Chains
Big retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Costco are all completely closed on December 25. These closures aren’t new; in fact, they’ve been the norm for decades. Companies cite employee well-being, customer predictability, and alignment with cultural values as the main reasons for their Christmas Day shutdowns.
Expect the following types of stores to be closed:
- Discount and department stores (Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney)
- Electronics and home improvement stores (Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s)
- Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale)
- Grocery chains (Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, ALDI, Publix, Kroger)
- Office and school supply retailers (Staples, Office Depot)
Local boutiques and small businesses also typically observe the holiday, although in small towns and family-run communities, some owners may stay open for part of the day. However, these are the exception, not the rule.
Banks and Government Services
All government offices, courthouses, DMVs, Social Security offices, and other public institutions will be closed on Christmas Day. There will be no USPS mail delivery, and all bank branches — including major chains like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo — will shut their doors.
You should also expect service centers for gas, electric, water, and cable companies to be closed. Emergency services remain active, but non-emergency customer service departments will not be reachable until December 26.
What Might Be Open?
While Christmas Day is widely observed as a full holiday, a few businesses and services remain operational to meet essential or urgent needs.
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
Most 24-hour convenience stores — especially those attached to gas stations — remain open, though sometimes with limited staff. These include national chains like:
- 7‑Eleven
- Circle K
- Cumberland Farms
- Casey’s General Store
- Love’s Travel Stops
These stores offer basic necessities like beverages, snacks, toiletries, batteries, and even small gift items. If you forgot something minor, they can save the day.
Some smaller, independently owned gas stations may reduce hours or close entirely, so it’s smart to confirm beforehand.
Pharmacies and Drugstores
Certain pharmacy chains keep some locations open — but it’s usually on a store-by-store basis:
- CVS Pharmacy: Many open 24/7 stores remain open on Christmas, but hours may vary.
- Walgreens: Select locations with 24-hour service are open, while others operate on reduced holiday hours.
It’s especially important to call ahead if you need to pick up a prescription. Not all pharmacies offer full pharmaceutical services on holidays, even if the retail section is open.
Restaurants and Fast Food
Food service on Christmas Day can be hit or miss. Some major restaurant chains operate on limited schedules or only in certain regions, while others close entirely. Here’s a general idea:
Open on Christmas (some locations):
- IHOP
- Waffle House
- Denny’s
- Starbucks
- McDonald’s
- Domino’s
Closed on Christmas:
- Chick-fil-A
- Cracker Barrel
- Outback Steakhouse
- Olive Garden
Reservations are strongly encouraged for dine-in locations that do open — especially in cities or near hotels where traffic is high.
What About Online Shopping?
One of the biggest shifts in holiday retail over the last decade is the rise of online shopping. While physical storefronts may close, websites keep running around the clock. On December 25, you can:
- Place orders on Amazon, Target.com, Walmart.com, etc.
- Schedule future deliveries or pickups
- Shop digital gift cards and last-minute e-gifts
- Access customer service chatbots and help centers
Do note that customer support staff may be unavailable or delayed in response due to the holiday, even if the site is active.
Digital gifting is also gaining momentum. E-books, music subscriptions, game credits, or online class memberships make excellent Christmas gifts — and they’re instant.
December 25 Store Closures: Smart Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Stress
The holidays are already packed with emotion, planning, and activity. Here’s how to ensure store closures don’t catch you off guard.
Shop by December 23
Most major stores close early on Christmas Eve (some as early as 5 or 6 PM), and almost all close completely on the 25th. That makes December 23 the best final day for full-service shopping. Avoid crowds and low inventory by handling your biggest purchases before then.
Make a List (And Check It Twice)
It sounds old school, but a checklist is the simplest way to stay on top of holiday errands. Consider breaking it into categories like:
- Food and drink for meals and snacks
- Gifts and wrapping supplies
- Pet food and essentials
- Toiletries and medicine
- Travel items (chargers, headphones, snacks)
- First-aid basics
It helps to group the items by store location — for example, putting all your pharmacy, grocery, and gift store errands in separate sections.
Use Delivery Apps and Curbside Services
If you miss your window for in-store shopping, many chains offer delivery through partners like DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, or Uber Eats. Some local grocery stores also operate their own delivery fleets, even for household supplies.
Keep in mind that delivery may cost more around Christmas and availability may be limited, but it’s worth exploring.
Call Ahead for Confirmed Holiday Hours
If you’re unsure whether a local business will be open, the best thing to do is call them directly. Google and Yelp may list incorrect hours on holidays, especially for small businesses.
Why Do December 25 Store Closures?
Store closures on December 25 are as much a cultural practice as they are an operational decision. For many businesses, it’s a way to:
- Support employee well-being by giving staff a guaranteed day off
- Align with community expectations and traditions
- Avoid costly labor and low foot traffic on a day when most Americans stay home
It also reflects shifting economic behavior. Consumers have learned to plan earlier and lean on online shopping for convenience. Brick-and-mortar stores, in turn, now focus more on the build-up to Christmas than on the holiday itself.
Retail experts have also noted that Christmas Day accounts for less than 1% of annual sales for most retailers, making it an easy day to forgo in exchange for goodwill and employee retention.
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