Christmas is one of the few days of the year when much of the U.S. retail world comes to a standstill. For families, it’s a time for celebration, food, and togetherness. But for shoppers, especially those who need last-minute groceries, Christmas can quickly turn stressful.
Whether you forgot a key ingredient, need milk for the kids, or are hosting unexpected guests, knowing which grocery stores are open on Christmas can save time, money, and frustration. While most large grocery chains close their doors on December 25, a few stores remain open or operate with limited hours.
This guide breaks down grocery stores open on Christmas, stores closed for the holiday, Christmas Eve hours, and smart shopping tips to help you plan better next year.
Are Grocery Stores Open on Christmas?
The short answer: most grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day, but some stores and select locations remain open, often with reduced hours.
Large national grocery chains usually give employees the day off, while convenience stores, pharmacies, and a handful of regional grocers stay open to meet last-minute demand.
Because store hours can vary by location, it’s always smart to check directly with your local store before heading out.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day
Here are the grocery and food-related stores that are open on Christmas Day, either nationwide or at select locations:
1. CVS
Many CVS locations remain open on Christmas Day, though hours may be shortened.
- Pharmacy hours may differ from store hours
- 24-hour CVS locations often remain open
CVS is a common stop for basic groceries like milk, snacks, frozen meals, and drinks.
2. Walgreens
Walgreens stores are generally open on Christmas, including many 24-hour locations.
- Pharmacy hours may vary
- 24-hour Walgreens locations usually stay open
Walgreens is a popular option for quick grocery essentials and household items.
3. 7-Eleven
Most 7-Eleven stores are open 24/7, including Christmas Day.
- Hours can vary by franchise
- Selection is limited but reliable for basics
4. Sheetz
Sheetz stores are open 24/7, including Christmas.
- Offers groceries, hot food, drinks, and snacks
5. Safeway (Select Locations)
Some Safeway stores remain open on Christmas with reduced hours.
- Many locations are closed
- Check your local store before visiting
6. Albertsons (Select Locations)
Albertsons operates similarly to Safeway on Christmas.
- Some stores are open with limited hours
- Many locations are fully closed
Grocery Stores Closed on Christmas Day
Most major grocery chains close completely on Christmas Day. These include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Kroger
- Aldi
- Trader Joe’s
- Publix
- Meijer
- Harris Teeter
- Whole Foods
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Wegmans
- Food Lion
- Jewel-Osco
If you rely on any of these stores, Christmas Eve is your last chance to shop.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Eve
While Christmas Day has limited options, Christmas Eve is much easier for grocery shopping. Most stores remain open but close earlier than usual.
Walmart
- Open: 6 a.m.
- Close: 6 p.m.
- Closed on Christmas Day
Costco
- Open: 10 a.m.
- Close: 5 p.m.
- Closed on Christmas Day
Sam’s Club
- Warehouses close at 6 p.m.
- Closed on Christmas Day
Kroger
- Most stores close between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Aldi
- Open with limited hours
- Closed on Christmas Day
Trader Joe’s
- Open until 5 p.m.
- Closed on Christmas Day
Whole Foods
- Closes at 7 p.m.
- Closed on Christmas Day
Publix
- Closes at 7 p.m.
- Closed on Christmas Day
Why Most Grocery Stores Close on Christmas
From a business perspective, closing on Christmas is both cultural and practical.
- Lower foot traffic
Most consumers shop ahead of time, reducing demand on Christmas Day. - Employee well-being
Many companies prioritize giving workers time with family. - Operational costs
Running stores on a low-traffic holiday often isn’t profitable.
This is why pharmacies, convenience stores, and gas stations—where demand remains steady—are more likely to stay open.
How Store Closures Affect Consumers and Spending
Holiday closures may seem inconvenient, but they also influence consumer spending habits.
- Shoppers spend more in the days leading up to Christmas
- Grocery sales spike between December 20–24
- Last-minute shopping often leads to higher prices and impulse buying
For households, planning ahead helps control spending and reduces holiday stress.
Smart Tips for Christmas Grocery Shopping
If you want to avoid scrambling next year, here are a few simple strategies:
1. Shop Early
Buy non-perishable items at least a week before Christmas.
2. Make a Checklist
Write down every ingredient you’ll need for meals and desserts.
3. Confirm Store Hours
Holiday hours can vary by location, even within the same chain.
4. Expect Limited Selection
Stores open on Christmas usually carry essentials, not full grocery options.
5. Budget for Convenience
Last-minute shopping often costs more. Planning saves money.
Retail Stores vs Grocery Stores on Christmas
While grocery stores largely close, some retail stores may remain open on Christmas Eve but are also closed on Christmas Day.
Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot close on December 25, pushing all holiday demand into Christmas Eve.
This overlap explains why grocery and retail stores are often crowded on December 24.
The Bigger Picture: Holiday Retail Trends
Christmas closures reflect a broader trend in U.S. retail:
- Fewer stores stay open on major holidays
- Online shopping replaces last-minute in-store purchases
- Consumers plan earlier to avoid disruptions
From a financial standpoint, retailers now focus on efficiency rather than extended hours, especially during holidays.
