Christmas Day is a holiday known for family gatherings, festive meals, and celebrations. However, the day doesn’t come without last-minute needs: forgotten ingredients, a quick gift, or a break from cooking. So, the question arises every year: “Whats open on Christmas?” Whether you’re looking for grocery stores, restaurants, or essential services, hestergray.com will help you find places open on Christmas to make your holiday smooth and stress-free.

Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day

If you’ve run out of ingredients for a Christmas meal or need a few extra items, certain grocery stores operate with limited hours to cover last-minute needs. Here’s a look at some options:

• Albertsons: Typically, most Albertsons locations stay open on Christmas, although with reduced hours.
• Rite Aid: Not a full grocery store but still carries a variety of pantry essentials. Many Rite Aid locations open with reduced hours on Christmas.
• 7-Eleven: Known for its 24/7 hours, 7-Eleven locations are generally open on Christmas. They offer snacks, beverages, and some grocery essentials.
• Walgreens and CVS: These pharmacies carry a limited selection of food items and snacks. Both are often open on Christmas, although hours vary by location.

Tips for Grocery Shopping on Christmas:

• Call Ahead: Hours may vary by store and region, so always call to confirm.
• Plan Around Peak Times: For a quick visit, go during the early hours to avoid busier times as other shoppers tackle last-minute needs.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Not everyone chooses to cook on Christmas. Whether you’re celebrating solo, or your family wants to enjoy a night out, several restaurants stay open on Christmas Day. Some even serve special holiday menus. Here are some top options:

Dine-In Restaurants

• Denny’s: Known for being open 24/7 year-round, Denny’s is a great place for an all-day breakfast or comfort food on Christmas.
• IHOP: Most locations are open on Christmas, making it a solid choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• McDonald’s: Some McDonald’s locations remain open on Christmas, though hours and availability vary.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Great for sports fans looking to catch a Christmas Day game.
• Boston Market: Known for its rotisserie chicken and traditional holiday sides, Boston Market often remains open and serves a Christmas-themed menu.

Fine Dining Options

• Ruth’s Chris Steak House: This upscale steakhouse often opens for Christmas dinner, offering a festive menu. Make a reservation to secure your table.
• The Capital Grille: Known for its elegant atmosphere and holiday offerings, The Capital Grille makes a wonderful setting for a special meal.
• Buca di Beppo: If you’re craving Italian, this restaurant offers large family-style portions and holiday specials.

Take-Out Options

• Domino’s Pizza: Many Domino’s locations are open for take-out and delivery.
• Panda Express: Some locations offer Chinese cuisine on Christmas.
• Starbucks: Many Starbucks locations remain open, often for limited hours, serving up coffee, pastries, and light snacks.

Pro Tips:

Reserve in Advance: Fine dining and family restaurants may require reservations, especially on Christmas.
Delivery Services: Apps like DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub operate on Christmas, partnering with select restaurants for delivery.

Retail Stores and Shopping on Christmas Day

While many major retail stores close on Christmas, some smaller convenience stores and pharmacies remain open for last-minute gifts or necessities.

Convenience and Drug Stores

• CVS: Most locations are open with reduced hours, and many stores carry toys, holiday decorations, and stocking stuffers.
• Walgreens: Open in most locations, Walgreens is a solid option for last-minute shopping needs, carrying items like holiday cards, candles, and gift cards.
• 7-Eleven: Known for its 24/7 service, 7-Eleven offers a small selection of snacks, toys, and basic holiday items.

Dollar Stores

Family Dollar: While hours may vary, some Family Dollar locations open for part of the day on Christmas. They carry a selection of holiday decorations, gift wrap, and budget-friendly gift options.

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

• Circle K: Most Circle K stations are open and stock drinks, snacks, and some small holiday gift items.
• QuickTrip (QT) and Sheetz: Many of these popular gas station chains are open 24/7 and carry holiday treats, coffee, and travel essentials.

Online Shopping

If you miss the cutoff for in-person shopping, many online retailers offer downloadable gift cards that you can instantly send to loved ones, even on Christmas.

Essential Services Open on Christmas Day

Aside from food and retail, several essential services remain available for emergencies and other needs on Christmas Day.

Hospitals and Emergency Clinics

Hospitals and emergency clinics are open 24/7, even on holidays, to provide urgent care services. Most major hospitals keep a skeleton crew on staff for emergencies.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens and CVS: Both offer 24-hour pharmacy locations. Call to confirm whether the pharmacy counter is open in addition to the main store.
• Rite Aid: While not all Rite Aid locations have a 24-hour pharmacy, many remain open on Christmas with reduced hours.

Transportation Services

• Uber and Lyft: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate on Christmas Day, although surge pricing may apply during peak times.
• Public Transit: Some cities offer limited transit services on Christmas, but schedules may be significantly reduced. Check your local transit authority for holiday timetables.

Banking and ATMs

While bank branches are closed, ATMs remain accessible 24/7. Many mobile banking apps also allow for digital transactions and transfers, providing an alternative to in-person services on Christmas Day.

Holiday Activity Options on Christmas Day

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Christmas outside the house, there are a few attractions and entertainment options that welcome guests on Christmas Day.

Movie Theaters

Christmas Day is popular for movie releases, making it a great day to catch a new film. Many movie theater chains open on Christmas, including:

• AMC Theatres
• Regal Cinemas
• Cinemark

Be sure to check showtimes in advance, as Christmas screenings tend to be popular.

Ice Skating Rinks

Many cities open outdoor ice skating rinks, and some offer special holiday hours on Christmas. It’s a fantastic activity for families and those looking to enjoy winter sports.

National Parks and Local Parks

Some national and local parks remain open, providing a scenic and peaceful setting for a Christmas Day stroll. Check online to confirm the park hours and any seasonal restrictions that might apply.

Bowling Alleys

If you’re in the mood for indoor activities, some bowling alleys open on Christmas Day, providing a fun way to celebrate with family and friends.

Whats Open on Christmas: Conclusion

Christmas Day can be a busy holiday, but with this guide, you’ll know exactly where to turn if you need a quick bite, an emergency item, or a festive outing. Whether you need groceries, a restaurant meal, or essential services, there are plenty of options open on Christmas to meet your needs.

By planning ahead and keeping this guide in mind, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday, with everything you need just a short trip away.