Christmas Day is when most people take a well-deserved break, gathering with loved ones and enjoying the calm of the holiday. But sometimes, unexpected needs arise—a missing ingredient, a forgotten gift, or an essential item you can’t go without.
If you’re wondering where to shop on Christmas Day 2024, don’t worry. While many stores close for the holiday, a few remain open for those last-minute necessities. Herein I’ll provide a clear list of stores that will be open on Christmas Day, so whether you need groceries, a quick snack, or something else, you’ll know exactly where to go.
Will shops be closed on Christmas Day?
Yes, most shops close on Christmas Day, and for good reason. It’s a day when people pause, take a break, and focus on family and friends. Businesses shut down to give their staff a much-needed rest and the chance to enjoy the holiday, which is why you’ll notice a quieter, more peaceful vibe in most places.
What stores are still open on Christmas Day?
While most stores close their doors on Christmas Day, a few key places, like convenience stores, pharmacies, and select grocery chains, remain open to help with those unexpected holiday needs. In the following section, I’ll walk you through a detailed list of these stores, so you’ll know exactly where to go if you find yourself needing something on the holiday.
Grocery stores
On Christmas Day, most grocery stores close so their staff can enjoy the holiday, but a few stay open for a limited time, just in case you need those last-minute items. Big chains like Safeway, Albertsons, and sometimes Whole Foods may have select locations open, though usually for just a few hours. Some smaller, local grocery stores might also stay open depending on where you live, so it’s worth checking nearby.
Food stores
On Christmas Day, finding food stores open can feel like a challenge, but a few places still keep things running for those last-minute meals or snack cravings. Fast-food spots like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ often open some locations, especially in busy areas, though usually with shorter hours. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, and those attached to gas stations are also dependable for quick snacks or ready-to-go food.
If you’re in New York City or Los Angeles on Christmas Day, you’ll still have some options for grabbing food or essentials:
In New York City:
- McDonald’s: Locations like the one on 220 W 42nd St (Times Square) remain open with reduced hours.
- Starbucks: The Starbucks at 338 Park Ave South is often open on Christmas Day.
- 7-Eleven: You’ll find several locations, such as the one at 369 8th Ave, open 24/7, even on holidays.
In Los Angeles:
- Dunkin’: Some locations, like the one at 601 Wilshire Blvd in Santa Monica, usually open for a few hours.
- Wawa: Not common in LA, but you can rely on 7-Eleven, with locations like 1500 Vine St, Hollywood, open all day.
- Whole foods: The Whole Foods at 6350 W 3rd St sometimes opens for a limited time on Christmas Day.
Retail stores
On Christmas Day, most major retail stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco take the day off, closing their doors so staff can enjoy the holiday. But don’t worry—some stores will still be open if you need to grab something last minute. Retail options like CVS and Walgreens often keep a few locations open, especially in big cities. They carry basics like snacks, household goods, and even small gifts, making them lifesavers in a pinch.
For example, if you’re in New York, the CVS at 1440 Broadway is usually open, or in Los Angeles, you can head to Walgreens at 1501 Vine St. Besides, 7-Eleven is another reliable choice for grabbing quick retail items or essentials.
Liquor stores
Liquor stores on Christmas Day can be a bit tricky depending on where you are in the U.S., as many states have different rules about alcohol sales on holidays. In New York, for example, while most liquor stores close, you might still find a few independent stores open in high-traffic areas like Manhattan, but these are rare exceptions. If you’re in California, particularly Los Angeles, liquor stores generally shut down, but grocery stores like Ralphs or 7-Eleven may still sell beer and wine, giving you some options for a last-minute holiday toast.
In Texas, liquor store laws are stricter, and no liquor stores will open on Christmas Day. You’ll be limited to buying beer or wine at certain grocery or convenience stores before the cutoff time the day before. In contrast, Nevada—home to Las Vegas—has some of the most relaxed alcohol laws in the country, so you’ll likely find liquor stores open 24/7, even on Christmas, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.
Clothes stores
On Christmas Day, nearly all clothing stores take a break, meaning you won’t be able to shop at your favorite fashion spots. Major retailers like Macy’s, H&M, Gap, and Old Navy will have their doors closed, as they usually do for major holidays. Even high-end stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s will stay shut. Smaller boutiques, specialty shops, and even outlet stores follow suit, giving their employees the day off.
If you’re in need of something urgent, your best bet might be Walmart, Target, or some 24-hour convenience stores, which sometimes carry basic apparel items, but their clothing sections may be limited. For any serious clothes shopping, you’ll need to wait until the day after Christmas when stores typically open back up with holiday sales.
Drug stores
Drug stores can be a real lifeline on Christmas Day, as many remain open while most other places close. Popular chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid often have select locations operating on the holiday, but usually with reduced hours. While these stores offer essentials like over-the-counter meds, snacks, and small gift items, their pharmacy counters may follow different rules—sometimes closing early or not opening at all.
Specific state regulations can impact what these drug stores can sell or how they operate on Christmas.
- For example, in Massachusetts, you won’t find alcohol like beer or wine sold in most CVS or Walgreens locations on Christmas Day due to state laws that limit alcohol sales on holidays.
- Meanwhile, in New Jersey, even if the front of the store is open, the pharmacy department might be required by law to remain closed for the holiday.
- Over in Nevada, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Las Vegas, most drug stores are open 24/7 and will operate almost normally, with few restrictions on Christmas Day.
Where to shop on the holiday?
As Christmas Day 2024 rolls around, it’s good to know that while most stores take the day off, a few are still open for last-minute needs. Drugstores, convenience stores, and some grocery chains will be open but often with limited hours, so checking ahead is smart. And if you’re not up for going out, online stores like Laifentech.com remain open, offering the convenience of shopping from home. Sometimes, even a quick holiday errand can be a nice little break, but don’t forget to check those holiday hours or hop online!
