Where Is Open on Christmas Day? Top Restaurants and Stores

Your Guide to What's Open on Christmas Day

Let’s face it: while Christmas Day is a time to relax and enjoy, unexpected needs still arise. Maybe you burned the holiday roast, ran out of coffee, or just aren’t up for cooking. The good news? Some places stay open on Christmas to save the day. Here’s your go-to guide for dining out, grabbing a coffee, or fulfilling last-minute essentials.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Need a break from the kitchen? Whether you’re craving pancakes or seafood, a few restaurants are there for you:

• IHOP: Known for their breakfast favorites, most locations will be open, though hours vary. Be sure to call ahead!
• Red Lobster: Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., they’re serving up seafood options if you want a festive (and ocean-inspired) meal.
• Hooters: Open later in the day, from 4 p.m. to midnight, with some locations starting earlier.
• McDonald’s: Many locations will open, but hours depend on your local franchise.
• Starbucks: Because coffee doesn’t take a holiday. Check your store locator or app for specific times.

If you head out, double-check local hours to avoid any holiday surprises.

Grocery Stores and Pharmacies for Essentials

Whether you need milk or cough medicine, a few stores are open for critical Christmas errands:

• CVS Pharmacy: Select locations will be open, though hours are often reduced. Check their website or call to confirm.
• Walgreens: Most 24-hour locations will operate as usual, including both the pharmacy and retail sections.
• Grocery Stores: A handful will have limited hours, including Safeway, Giant Food, and Albertsons. Most other major grocers, such as Kroger, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods, will be closed.

The key here? Plan ahead and check with your nearest location before heading out.

Facilities and Services

Even some government and city facilities remain operational. For instance, you might want to check the services open in Long Beach to see if essential services are available. It’s always a good idea to be informed about local schedules on holidays.

Community Events and Gatherings

If you're in the Pittsburgh area, you can participate in community events that take place on Christmas. These events offer a great opportunity to enjoy the festive spirit with others.

Big-Box and Retail Stores: Closed Across the Board

For shoppers hoping to snag a last-minute gift or household supply, it’s slim pickings. Most major retailers—Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Kohl’s—shut their doors on Christmas Day. Online shopping is your next best bet if you’ve skipped the holiday prep!

Fast Food: Hit or Miss

Not all fast-food chains close shop on Christmas. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Open: Dunkin’, Wendy’s, Taco Bell (depending on location)
• Closed: Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Hardee’s (you’ll have to wait until December 26 for a chicken sandwich).

Like with many restaurant chains, hours vary depending on your local franchise, so a quick search online can save you a wasted trip.

Plan Smart and Call Ahead

While some beloved chains like Chick-fil-A, Chili’s, and Chipotle won’t be serving on Christmas, those like Starbucks, IHOP, and Red Lobster are ready to welcome you. Convenience stores and select pharmacies step in to cover urgent needs, but planning ahead is key. Check an app or call before you dash out to confirm what’s open near you.

What’s your favorite place to go on Christmas Day—or do you prefer to keep it cozy at home? Let us know in the comments!

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Introducing the Colarr 400 Pieces Blank Gift Certificates – the perfect solution for businesses looking to offer personalized and thoughtful gifts this Christmas season. These elegant gold present cards are ideal for a variety of settings including restaurants, spas, and beauty salons. Each certificate can be customized with the recipient's name and your business details, making it a great marketing tool that adds a personal touch to your holiday offerings. Whether you’re rewarding loyal customers or attracting new ones, these gift certificates are a versatile and charming way to spread holiday cheer and drive sales.

So there you have it, your ultimate guide to finding places open on Christmas Day, ready to come to the rescue whether it’s a craving for a hot meal or a sudden coffee emergency. We’d love to hear about your holiday experiences—perhaps your favorite spot was a lifesaver this year? Let’s keep the festive spirit alive by staying connected! Follow us on Pinterest for more tips and ideas, and don’t miss out on our latest adventures by joining us on Instagram. For the quickest updates and fun insights, our X (formerly Twitter) feed is the place to be. And of course, we’d love to see you on Facebook where you can share your stories and catch up with our community. Happy holidays from all of us—let’s make it a season to remember!

Are any stores open on Christmas Day?

In the United States, the majority of stores, restaurants, and grocery chains do not operate on Christmas Day. Additionally, in 2024, the first evening of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas Day for the first time since 2005.

What activities are popular on Christmas Day?

Consider enjoying a festive movie marathon. Whether you prefer heartwarming black-and-white classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" or comedic family favorites, the variety of Christmas films available ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday.

Is Cracker Barrel operating on Christmas Day?

Cracker Barrel locations will be closed on December 25th, according to a statement made to USA TODAY.

Will Kroger be open on Christmas?

Kroger will not be open on Christmas Day. Similarly, other major retailers such as Sam's Club, Target, and Trader Joe's will also close. However, Target's online platform and app remain available for shopping and scheduling orders for pickup or delivery after the holiday.