Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day

Introduction

Christmas Day is traditionally a time for family, feasting, and rest — and for most retailers, that means closed doors. But emergencies happen. Maybe you forgot an ingredient, your pet food ran out, or an unexpected guest shows up. So, are any grocery stores open on Christmas Day?

The short answer: Yes — but only a few. While the majority of supermarkets shut down for the holiday, several nationwide chains and local options stay open with limited hours. Below is your complete guide to grocery stores open on Christmas Day, including major retailers like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and more.

National Grocery Chains Open on Christmas Day

Not all big-box grocers observe Christmas the same way. Here’s a quick reference:

Walmart: Yes, most Walmart Supercenters are open on Christmas Day, typically from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours vary by location. It remains one of the most reliable options for last-minute groceries.

CVS: Most CVS Pharmacy locations are open, often with reduced hours (e.g., 9 a.m.–6 p.m.). Many offer limited grocery items like snacks, beverages, and essentials.

Walgreens: Similar to CVS, Walgreens stores are generally open on Christmas, with modified hours. They carry pantry staples, frozen meals, and over-the-counter meds.

Dollar General: Many Dollar General stores remain open, offering basic food items, cleaning supplies, and holiday essentials.

However, most traditional supermarkets are CLOSED, including:

Kroger (and affiliated brands like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter)

Safeway

Publix

Whole Foods

Trader Joe’s

Aldi

Costco

Target (closed entirely on Christmas Day)

Always call your local store or check online for exact Christmas Day hours, as franchise-owned locations may differ.

Gas Stations & Convenience Stores: Your Backup Option

If supermarkets aren’t open near you, gas stations and convenience stores are almost always operational on Christmas. Chains like Circle K, Wawa, 7-Eleven, and regional stops typically remain open 24/7 or with minimal holiday reduction.

While selection is limited to snacks, drinks, frozen foods, and basics, they can be a lifesaver for milk, eggs, bread, or emergency coffee.

Pharmacies as Grocery Alternatives

Don’t overlook pharmacies. Both CVS and Walgreens function as mini-markets during holidays. You’ll find:

Canned soups and pasta

Cereal and granola bars

Dairy products

Frozen pizzas and microwave meals

Holiday candies and beverages

They’re not full supermarkets, but they’re often the only places with refrigerated food on Christmas Day.

What About Regional Chains?

Some regional stores follow corporate policy, while others may open based on local demand:

Meijer: Closed on Christmas Day (reopens Dec. 26).

Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Winn-Dixie, Harris Teeter: All closed.

Albertsons and Vons: Typically closed, but verify with your local store.

If you’re in a metro area with large immigrant or essential-worker populations, independent ethnic markets (especially Asian, Middle Eastern, or Latin American grocers) may stay open.

How to Find What’s Open Near You

Since store hours change yearly, use these tools on December 25:

Google Maps: Search “grocery stores open now” — real-time updates show open/closed status.

Store websites: Use the “Store Locator” + “Holiday Hours” feature.

Call ahead: Save time by phoning before you drive.

Search terms like “what grocery stores are open on Christmas day near me” or “stores open today” yield real-time local results via voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant).

Why Aren’t More Stores Open?

Christmas is a federal holiday, and many retailers honor it as a mandatory closure out of respect for employees and tradition. Chains like Target and Publix pride themselves on giving staff a full day off.

That said, Walmart and pharmacy chains often stay open due to high demand for essentials and their role in serving 24/7 community needs.

Plan Ahead — But Know Your Options

While it’s wise to finish grocery shopping by December 24, life happens. Whether you need diapers, medicine, or just forgot the cranberry sauce, knowing which stores are open on Christmas Day reduces holiday stress.

For most Americans, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and local convenience stores will be the only viable choices. If you’re near a military base or urban center, additional options may exist.

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Disclaimer

This article is AI-generated and reviewed, edited, and approved by Kamran Ahmad to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with editorial standards. Store hours are subject to change; always verify with your local retailer.