Updated: Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Christmas Day shopping in the United States is usually a “closed sign” kind of experience — but it’s not a total retail blackout. If you just realized you’re out of batteries, need a last-minute ingredient, forgot the medicine in your travel bag, or simply need coffee on the road, there are a few reliable options.
Holiday-hours roundups published across major outlets on Dec. 24–25, 2025 show a consistent theme: big-box retailers and most supermarkets are closed, while pharmacies and convenience stores are your best bet. NBC New York
Below is a practical, nationwide guide to shops open on Christmas Day 2025 — plus what to expect before you head out.
The most reliable shops open on Christmas Day 2025
If you only remember one thing, make it this: drugstores + convenience stores are where most Americans find what they need on Dec. 25.
The most commonly cited “open” options include:
- CVS (many locations open, usually with modified hours) NBC Chicago
- Walgreens (stores open; pharmacy hours vary; 24-hour locations stay open) NBC New York
- 7‑Eleven (most locations open 24/7, but hours can vary by franchise) NBC New York
- Sheetz (open with regular hours, typically 24/7) NBC New York
- Some Safeway locations (select stores open with adjusted hours, depending on market) NBC New York
You’ll notice a repeated phrase: “hours vary by location.” On Christmas, that’s not a throwaway disclaimer — it’s the rule.
CVS and Walgreens: Christmas Day pharmacy runs (and what to watch for)
CVS Christmas Day hours
National reporting indicates many CVS locations operate on Christmas Day with modified hours. That typically means the front store may be open even if the pharmacy counter is not running normal hours. NBC Chicago
Smart move: check the store locator or call ahead before you drive across town, especially if you need prescription pickup (not just snacks or toiletries). WDIV
Walgreens Christmas Day hours
Walgreens stores are also widely reported as open on Christmas Day, with the most important caveat being pharmacy hours may be different from the retail store. Multiple reports also emphasize that 24‑hour Walgreens locations remain open. NBC New York
One commonly cited Christmas Day window: Walgreens said most stores will be open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while 24-hour locations keep regular hours. Axios
Convenience stores: the Christmas Day “lifeline” for snacks, ice, and basics
When grocery stores go dark, convenience chains keep a lot of holiday plans from unraveling.
7‑Eleven
Christmas Day coverage repeatedly notes that most 7‑Eleven locations are open 24/7, though local franchise decisions can affect hours. NBC New York
Sheetz
If you’re in Sheetz territory (parts of the Mid-Atlantic and beyond), reporting also points to regular/24‑hour operations on Christmas Day — a go-to for coffee, hot food, and travel needs. NBC New York
Grocery stores on Christmas Day: mostly closed, with a few exceptions
If you’re searching “grocery stores open on Christmas,” you’re not alone — but the reality in 2025 is that most major grocery chains are closed nationwide. People
Major grocery names reported closed on Dec. 25
A nationwide list compiled from Christmas-week coverage includes closures for major brands such as Aldi, Costco, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Harris Teeter, Lidl, Meijer, Publix, Sam’s Club, Stop & Shop, Sprouts, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Wegmans, and Whole Foods. People
The exceptions people look for
Even with widespread closures, there are a few “maybe” cases worth checking:
- Giant Food: reporting indicates many Giant Food stores may be open with reduced hours, but it varies by location. People
- Safeway: some locations are open with adjusted hours in certain areas. NBC New York
- Albertsons: many locations close, but some stores may remain open with adjusted hours. NBC New York
If you need something like milk, eggs, or a forgotten spice, these “select locations” are where you have the best chance — but the only way to know is checking your local store status.
Big retailers closed on Christmas Day 2025
For anyone hoping to do classic big-box shopping on Dec. 25, the news is consistent: many of the largest retailers are closed.
Examples repeatedly cited as closed on Christmas Day include:
- Walmart (closed; reopens 6 a.m. Dec. 26) NBC New York
- Target (closed; reopens 7 a.m. Dec. 26) NBC New York
- Costco (closed) NBC New York
- Kroger (closed; resumes regular hours Dec. 26) NBC New York
- Other commonly listed closures include Home Depot, Lowe’s, IKEA, Macy’s, Meijer, Sam’s Club, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and more. NBC New York
A quick Christmas Day checklist before you drive anywhere
Because Christmas hours can change store-to-store — even within the same chain — use this quick plan:
- Search the store locator first (don’t rely on last year’s memory). WDIV
- Confirm whether the pharmacy counter is open (if you need prescriptions, not just retail items). NBC New York
- Assume reduced hours unless the location is explicitly 24/7. WDIV
- Have a backup option (CVS → Walgreens → 7‑Eleven/Sheetz is a common fallback chain). WDIV
The bottom line
On Christmas Day 2025, the best answer to “what shops are open in the USA?” is: pharmacies and convenience stores, plus a small number of grocery locations that operate with reduced hours.
If you’re making one trip, prioritize CVS or Walgreens, then pivot to 7‑Eleven or Sheetz if you’re just hunting essentials. And if you’re hoping for a full grocery run, plan for limited choices — and verify your nearest store before you leave. NBC New York
