Christmas Day brings widespread closures across retail, banking, and delivery services, but a handful of stores and restaurants will remain open for last-minute needs such as groceries, medications, or forgotten holiday essentials.
Most major retailers will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, continuing a long-standing trend of giving employees the holiday off. Stores confirmed to be closed include Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, IKEA, BJ’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and Publix, among others. Many regional grocery chains, including ShopRite, Giant Eagle competitors and Kroger-owned stores, are also closed for the day.
Still, shoppers who find themselves short on supplies may have options. Several grocery chains plan limited Christmas Day hours at select locations. Giant stores are generally expected to be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while some ACME, Albertsons, Safeway and Vons locations will operate on reduced schedules depending on the market. Customers are advised to check local listings before heading out.
Convenience stores and gas stations will be among the most reliable options. Many 24/7 chains, including Sheetz, Wawa, 7-Eleven, Circle K, Speedway and Cumberland Farms, plan to stay open throughout Christmas Day, though some individual locations may operate with reduced hours.
Drugstores also offer prescription medications and basic necessities. Many CVS locations are expected to be open with shorter hours, often between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Walgreens and Duane Reade stores will remain open as well, with some locations operating 24 hours. Pharmacy counters may have different schedules than retail sections.
Several fast-food restaurants and coffee chains will open select locations. McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Burger King, Starbucks and Caribou Coffee are expected to operate limited Christmas Day hours depending on franchise decisions.
Banks will be closed nationwide on Christmas Day, as it is a federal holiday. Online and mobile banking services will remain available, but in-branch services will not. The U.S. Postal Service will also suspend regular mail delivery and retail window service on Christmas, with no residential or business mail delivery.
Private delivery services will run on reduced schedules. UPS and FedEx typically suspend most services on Christmas Day, though limited express or emergency services may be available in some areas. Customers are encouraged to check directly with carriers for local availability.
Source: A Taste of Home