With the arrival of Christmas on Thursday, December 25, 2025, most businesses, government agencies, and financial markets across the United States are set to suspend services to allow employees to spend the holiday season with their families. For those in urgent need of purchasing gifts, groceries, or mailing items, here is a compiled guide to refer to during this time.
Most supermarkets and department stores will close early on Christmas Eve, December 24, and remain closed for the entire Christmas day.
Department Stores/Retailers:
– Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Macy’s, IKEA, Home Depot.
Chain Supermarkets:
– Kroger, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Publix, H-E-B.
When large supermarkets and stores are all closed, the following businesses will be your most reliable shopping spots on Christmas Day:
Drugstores:
– Walgreens (maintaining 24-hour stores), CVS (most locations with adjusted hours).
24-Hour Convenience Stores:
– 7-Eleven, Sheetz, Circle K, Wawa.
Upscale Supermarkets:
– Safeway, Albertsons, Vons (only some locations usually open until the afternoon).
These businesses are essential because they can address the following four holiday crisis scenarios:
– Resolving the “Unboxing Crisis”:
Convenience stores/drugstores offer AA/AAA batteries to power up newly unboxed toys and electronic items instantly.
– Kitchen Emergency Supplies:
In case of last-minute shortages of eggs, milk, butter, ice, or salt, emergency supplies can be purchased in small packages at convenience stores/supermarkets.
– Personal Care and Medical Needs:
If you experience a cold or a missed toiletry item during the holidays, drugstores provide the only professional medical supplies.
– Fuel and Warm Comfort Food:
Gas station facilities ensure uninterrupted interstate travel and provide freshly brewed hot coffee and hot sandwiches to alleviate the shortage of restaurants during the holiday season.
– Last-Minute Surprises:
If friends or family show up unexpectedly without gifts, various gift cards available at convenience stores/drugstores can help you avoid an awkward situation.
Although most independent restaurants are closed, the following chain brands usually provide services on Christmas Day (we recommend checking specific locations through their respective apps first):
Coffee and Desserts:
– Starbucks (select locations with limited hours), Krispy Kreme.
American Dining:
– IHOP, Waffle House, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, McDonald’s (hours vary based on franchise, with most locations open for limited hours).
Christmas is a federal legal holiday; therefore, public sectors and financial institutions are virtually completely closed.
USPS (United States Postal Service):
– No letter deliveries on Christmas Day, with post office branches closed.
Courier Services:
– UPS and FedEx do not provide shipping services on Christmas Day.
All American banks are closed to observe the Federal Reserve holiday.
Stock Market:
– The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq are closed on Christmas Day.
All federal, state, and local government offices, as well as all levels of courts, are closed.
Last-Minute Rush:
For any last-minute shopping needs, be sure to complete them before the evening of December 24, as most open businesses will gradually close between 6 pm and 8 pm that night.
Make Confirmation Calls:
Even stores that are advertised as open (such as Albertsons) may adjust their hours based on staffing, so it’s advisable to call local branches before heading out.
Make Use of Apps:
Stores open on Christmas Day often experience more crowded conditions than usual, so it’s recommended to check inventory or pre-order hot meals using mobile apps.
Beware of Price Markups:
While convenience stores are handy, the prices of their items typically range from 15% to 30% higher than those in supermarkets.