Open for Christmas: Stores to Save Your Holiday

Finding open stores on Christmas Day can feel like a challenge, especially with most major retailers closed for the holiday. However, several grocery stores, convenience shops, drugstores, and restaurants remain open to cater to last-minute needs or unexpected emergencies. Here’s an expanded guide on what stores you can count on during Christmas, including their typical offerings and expected hours. Always confirm hours with your local store as they may vary by location.

Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day

If you’re running low on ingredients or forgot a crucial item for your holiday dinner, these grocery stores might save the day:

• Giant Food: Some locations operate on Christmas Day with reduced hours (e.g., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).
• Safeway: Select stores open on Christmas, usually for limited hours.
• Albertsons: Certain locations offer reduced holiday hours, often closing by early afternoon.
• Vons: Many urban locations remain open for limited hours; check locally.
• Morton Williams: Stores in metro areas are typically open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

Convenience stores and gas stations are ideal for grabbing snacks, beverages, and emergency essentials. These locations are reliable options on Christmas:

• 7-Eleven: Open 24/7, including Christmas, for milk, eggs, snacks, and more.
• Circle K: Operates 24 hours a day, even during holidays.
• Sheetz: Known for its round-the-clock service, Sheetz offers grab-and-go food and drinks.
• Wawa: A favorite for sandwiches, coffee, and small groceries, open 24/7 in most locations.
• QuickChek: Provides fresh food and drinks, often operating from 6 a.m.–6 p.m.

Drugstores and Pharmacies

For last-minute health needs, prescription refills, or even small gifts, these drugstores are typically open on Christmas:

• CVS: Many locations remain open on Christmas Day, with some 24-hour stores in operation.
• Walgreens/Duane Reade: These stores operate on Christmas, though pharmacy hours may vary.
• Rite Aid: Most locations are open with reduced hours; call ahead to confirm.

Retail and Discount Stores

While most major retailers close on Christmas, some discount stores remain open to cater to urgent needs:

• Dollar Tree: Select stores operate with limited hours, ideal for holiday decorations and stocking stuffers.
• Family Dollar: Many locations open for a few hours, offering small gifts and household essentials.
• Big Lots: Some stores provide holiday hours; check with your local branch for specifics.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

If you’d rather skip cooking or enjoy a meal out, these restaurants offer dine-in or takeout services on Christmas:

• Denny’s: A classic diner open 24/7, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• IHOP: Many locations remain open, offering pancakes and other comfort foods.
• Waffle House: Operates 24/7, including Christmas, with a menu of hearty breakfast and diner options.
• Boston Market: Known for their festive holiday meals, select locations are open for dine-in or takeout.
• Starbucks: Perfect for coffee and seasonal treats, though hours vary by location.

Shopping for Last-Minute Gifts

For those scrambling to find last-minute presents, these stores and services might be open:

• Walgreens: Many Walgreens locations have small gift sections, including beauty products, toys, and electronics.
• CVS: Offers holiday cards, gift sets, and candy for a quick gift option.
• Dollar Stores: Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are great for wrapping paper, cards, and inexpensive gifts.
• Online Gift Cards: If you’re short on time, consider purchasing digital gift cards from major retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, or Netflix.

Movie Theaters

Spending Christmas Day watching a movie is a popular tradition for many. While schedules vary, many theaters open on December 25:

• AMC Theatres: Many locations open in the afternoon for holiday blockbusters.
• Regal Cinemas: Typically operate on Christmas, showing the latest films.
• Cinemark: Most locations run movies on Christmas, offering an easy entertainment option for the day.

Home and Hardware Stores

If you face a home emergency or need tools, a few hardware stores may offer limited hours:

• Ace Hardware: Some independently owned locations operate for a few hours.
• True Value: Certain locations open, particularly in smaller towns, to serve urgent needs.

Tips for Christmas Shopping and Dining

1. Verify Hours: Always check your local store or restaurant’s website or call ahead to confirm operating hours.
2. Shop Early: Many locations that are open on Christmas close earlier than usual, so plan your visit in the morning or early afternoon.
3. Prepare for Crowds: Popular stores and restaurants may experience increased traffic on Christmas Day.
4. Know Alternatives: For unavailable stores, consider convenience shops, gas stations, or online options to meet your needs.