Christmas Day is one of the few times of the year when most retailers shut their doors completely. Yet every year, millions of people still search for stores open on Christmas because real life does not pause for holidays. Whether it’s a forgotten dinner ingredient, an urgent pharmacy need, or a last-minute snack run, knowing which stores are actually open can save your day.
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| 7 Stores Open on Christmas That Save You Today |
According to a recent holiday retail report published by CBS News, several essential stores and convenience chains continue operating on December 25, even as major retailers remain closed. This guide brings together the latest verified information so you can make smart decisions without wasting time.
Why Knowing Stores Open on Christmas Matters
Christmas shopping is not always planned. Emergencies, guests, or simple human error can force you out of the house when everything feels closed. That’s why searches related to stores open on Christmas spike every year on Google Trends.
Holiday hours are not uniform. Some chains stay open nationwide, others leave the decision to local franchise owners, and many operate on reduced schedules. Relying on outdated assumptions often leads to wasted trips and frustration.
CVS: A Reliable Option on Christmas Day
When it comes to pharmacies and daily essentials, CVS is one of the most dependable stores open on Christmas. Many locations remain operational, although pharmacy counters may follow reduced holiday hours.
CVS stores are especially helpful for:
Prescription refills and over-the-counter medicine
Toiletries and personal care items
Snacks, drinks, and basic groceries
Because store hours vary by location, CBS News recommends checking your local CVS listing before heading out. This small step ensures you are not surprised by shortened schedules.
Walgreens: Open in Many Areas with Limited Hours
Another strong answer to the question “which stores are open on Christmas?” is Walgreens. Similar to CVS, Walgreens keeps many of its stores open during Christmas Day, primarily to serve pharmacy and emergency needs.
Walgreens locations often carry:
Cold and flu medication
Baby care and health supplies
Convenience food items
However, pharmacy hours may differ from store hours, so confirming ahead of time is essential.
7-Eleven: Open 24/7 Even on Christmas
If reliability had a name, it would be 7-Eleven. Most locations operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Christmas Day. This makes it one of the safest options when everything else feels closed.
7-Eleven is ideal for:
Late-night or early-morning needs
Snacks, beverages, and quick meals
Phone chargers, batteries, and travel essentials
For many people, 7-Eleven becomes the go-to solution when searching for stores open on Christmas near them.
Sheetz: Another Always-Open Convenience Store
In regions where Sheetz operates, customers are also in luck. Sheetz stores remain open on Christmas Day with their regular schedules, often running 24/7.
These locations offer fuel, fresh food, beverages, and convenience products, making them particularly useful for travelers or families hosting gatherings.
Grocery Stores: Mostly Closed, With Few Exceptions
Most major grocery chains close entirely on Christmas Day. According to the CBS News holiday retail breakdown, grocery store closures are the norm, not the exception.
That said, some locations may operate with:
Emergency or reduced hours
Select stores open in large metro areas
Limited services
This is why it is critical to verify hours using official store locators or trusted news sources like CBS News, which has published a detailed overview of retailers open on Christmas Day here:
👉 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/open-christmas-day-2025/
Stores That Are Closed on Christmas
To avoid wasted trips, it helps to know which stores will definitely be closed. Based on verified reports:
Walmart is closed nationwide on Christmas Day and reopens December 26
Dollar General remains closed
Rite Aid is also closed on December 25
Knowing these closures can save you time and frustration during the holiday.
Why Holiday Store Hours Keep Changing
Holiday store schedules are influenced by staffing availability, company policies, and regional demand. In recent years, more retailers have chosen to close on Christmas to support employee work-life balance.
This broader trend reflects how public expectations and corporate decisions evolve over time, much like how major news stories shape public awareness and behavior. For example, recent national developments covered in detailed investigative reporting have changed how people consume news and trust institutions. You can explore one such in-depth report on our site here:
👉 https://worldupdates62.blogspot.com/2025/12/epstein-files-7-shocking-revelations-doj-delay.html
While unrelated to retail directly, it highlights how transparency and reliable information matter — especially when people are searching for answers on important days like Christmas.
Smart Tips for Finding Stores Open on Christmas
If you still need to head out, a few smart strategies can make the process smoother:
Check Google Maps for holiday hours, as many businesses update their listings specifically for Christmas Day. Calling the store directly is often the fastest way to confirm availability. Convenience stores and pharmacies should always be your first choice, as they are far more likely to remain open.
Final Thoughts
Finding stores open on Christmas does not have to be stressful. While major retailers and grocery chains usually close, pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, along with 24/7 convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Sheetz, remain reliable options.
A little preparation and verification can turn a frustrating situation into a quick errand, allowing you to get back to enjoying the holiday.
