Many shoppers want to know exactly which stores open on Christmas Day to plan gifts and avoid wasted trips. This guide highlights reliable chains with confirmed holiday hours and options for pickup or delivery.
Use the quick reference table below to compare standard Christmas Day schedules for major store types at a glance.
| Store Type | Typical Christmas Hours | Online Ordering Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-Box Retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target) | 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (varies by location) | Same-day pickup, delivery available | Check local store hours online or via app |
| Warehouse Clubs (e.g., Costco) | Closed or limited hours (often 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM) | Online orders with scheduled delivery | Confirm exact times for your membership type |
| Drugstores & Mass Merchants (e.g., CVS, Walgreens) | Often 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Drive-up, home delivery on Pharmacy.com | Hours can differ by region |
| Specialty Stores (e.g., Best Buy, Macy’s) | Typically 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, many closed | BOPIS, next-day delivery where available | Highly location-dependent; verify locally |
| Grocery & Supermarkets (e.g., Kroger, Safeway) | Modified hours, often 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Delivery, curbside, and pre-order pickup | Early selection recommended for holiday items |
Big-Box Store Christmas Hours
Major big-box chains usually stay open on Christmas, but many shorten their hours and some locations close entirely. Expect reduced staffing, limited departments, and earlier closing times compared to regular days.
Planning Your Big-Box Visit
Call ahead or check the store locator on the company website to confirm local hours. Consider weekday mornings for less congestion and faster service at registers and pickup counters.
Warehouse Club Holiday Schedules
Warehouse clubs often operate on reduced holiday hours and may require memberships even for shopping. Some locations open early for holiday shop needs, while others remain closed to allow team member time off.
Membership and Access Tips
Verify membership eligibility and holiday entrance rules. If closed, plan to rely on online orders with delivery windows that align with your celebration schedule.
Drugstores and Mass Merchants on Christmas
Pharmacies and mass merchants often keep limited holiday hours to serve essential needs. Pharmacy counters and customer service may close earlier than the store floor.
Essential Holiday Shopping Guidance
Use drive-up, curbside, or home delivery for medications and health items. Confirm your local branch’s schedule to avoid late-trip surprises.
Specialty and Department Store Availability
Many specialty stores and elevated-format department stores choose to close on Christmas to honor team members and give shoppers a full day off. Malls and enclosed centers may follow the mall management’s holiday policy.
Alternatives When Stores Are Closed
Rely on retailers with BOPIS or home delivery, and schedule pickup times that fit your holiday itinerary. Check online inventory to ensure gifts are in stock at nearby fulfillment centers.
Smart Holiday Shopping Strategies
- Confirm local store hours online or by phone before visiting.
- Use pickup or delivery for reliable timing and reduced contact.
- Shop early to secure high-demand items and avoid last-minute stress.
- Check return policies and holiday extensions for online purchases.
- Keep a list of key locations and their holiday hours in one place.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will my local Walmart be open on Christmas morning?
Many Walmart stores are open on Christmas morning with reduced hours, but schedules vary by location. Check the store’s hours on Walmart’s website or app and consider morning pickup or delivery to avoid crowds.
Can I shop inside Costco on Christmas Day?
Most Costco warehouses are closed on Christmas Day. Members can use online holiday ordering and scheduled delivery or shop at locations that remain open with limited hours in select regions.
What are the usual hours for CVS and Walgreens on Christmas?
CVS and Walgreens often operate with modified hours on Christmas, such as 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though some locations may close or keep reduced staff. Use drive-up or delivery for prescriptions and essentials.
Which department stores stay open on Christmas?
Many traditional department stores close on Christmas, but some mall-based locations may remain open if the mall itself is open. Always verify hours with the specific store and nearby branches before traveling.