Is Anything Open on Christmas Day 2025? Here’s What Stores, Restaurants, and Fast Food Chains You Can Visit Today
Christmas Day — Thursday, December 25, 2025 — is one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States. As a result, many major retailers and grocery stores remain closed so that employees can spend the holiday with family. However, if you find yourself needing essentials, food, or a bite to eat, there are options available — from convenience stores to restaurants and select chains that stay open on Christmas. ()
🛍️ Stores and Essentials Open on Christmas Day
✅ Convenience Stores & Travel Stops
If you need snacks, drinks, fuel, or last-minute items, many convenience stores operate 24/7, including Christmas Day:
7-Eleven – Most locations open 24/7
Circle K – Open 24 hours
Wawa – Open 24 hours
Sheetz – Open 24 hours
Love’s Travel Stops / Pilot Flying J – Open 24 hours
Kum & Go, RaceTrac, Maverik – Most open 24 hours (.)
🔔 Pharmacies & Essential Retail
Some pharmacy and convenience retail chains are open with limited or adjusted hours:
CVS – Many locations open (often reduced hours)
Walgreens – Most stores open, especially 24-hour locations
Select grocery or regional markets – Some Safeway, Acme Markets, or Albertsons locations may be open, typically with shortened hours (.)
⚠️ Most major grocery chains — including Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, and others — are closed on Christmas Day. ()
🍔 Restaurants and Fast-Food Chains Open on Christmas Day
Even though many sit-down restaurants and chains close for the holiday, several food options remain available — especially popular fast-food and diner-style chains. Hours can vary by town or franchise, so calling ahead or checking the restaurant app before visiting is recommended. ()
🍽️ Restaurant Chains That Often Stay Open
Here’s a list of chains where you *can usually find open locations on Christmas Day:
Fast Food & Quick Bites
McDonald’s – Many locations open (often with drive-thru service)
Burger King – Some locations open, varies by franchise
Wendy’s – Some open, check locally
Subway – Varies by location
Domino’s – Some deliver or stay open depending on the franchise
Arby’s – Often open in many areas
Coffee & Snack Spots
Dunkin’ – Many stores open for coffee and treats
Starbucks – Mixed schedule; some stores open with limited hours, especially in malls, airports, or major transit hubs ()
Sit-Down & Casual Dining
Denny’s – Known for staying open 365 days/year, including Christmas
Waffle House – Also often open on holidays
IHOP – Many locations open for holiday breakfasts and meals
Red Lobster – Many locations open with special holiday hours
Applebee’s – Some locations open, though hours vary by franchise
Qdoba – Some locations open, check locally
Other chains like Golden Corral, Perkins, or regional family restaurants may also be open in certain areas (.)
❌ Popular Chains Typically Closed
Many national chains have chosen to close on Christmas Day, including:
Chick-fil-A
Taco Bell
Chipotle
Olive Garden
Cracker Barrel
Panera Bread (many locations closed)
Raising Cane’s ()
🛒 Travel and Local Options
Even if major stores are closed, gas stations, hotel restaurants, and local independent eateries often stay open during holidays. Many travelers report that Chinese restaurants, buffets in tourist areas, and culturally diverse eateries are open on Christmas, especially in larger cities or near highways. ()
📌 Quick Summary: What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025
| Category | Likely Open | Likely Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Major Retail & Grocery | Very few exceptions | Walmart, Target, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Aldi, etc. () |
| Convenience Stores | 7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz, Circle K (24/7) (.) | — |
| Pharmacies | CVS, Walgreens (varies) () | Rite Aid, Dollar General (. |
| Fast Food & Coffee | McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Starbucks (some), Burger King, Wendy’s () | Taco Bell, Chick-fil-A, Chipotle () |
| Sit-Down Restaurants | Denny’s, Waffle House, IHOP, Red Lobster (some) (.) | Many casual chains limited or closed () |
🧠 Tips Before You Go
✅ Always check local store or restaurant hours before heading out, as franchise and management decisions can vary widely.
✅ Use store/restaurant locators on official websites or apps for real-time open/closed status.
✅ Expect reduced menus or limited hours at many restaurants on Christmas Day. ()
🎄 Conclusion
While most major retailers and grocery stores in the U.S. are closed on Christmas Day 2025, plenty of options remain if you need essentials, snacks, fuel, or a meal out — especially from convenience stores, certain pharmacy chains, fast-food outlets, and classic holiday-open diners like Waffle House and Denny’s. Always verify opening hours locally, as availability can vary even within the same chain. ()