Christmas is one of the most stressful dates on our calendar: the dinner, the gifts, the little details we forget. That we forgot the jam, the gravy, or the wine. And there are always last minute surprises, so we always ask ourselves the same question five minutes before putting on our coat and checking whether there is any supermarket open or not. Every 25th, the same scene. But is anything open on the 25th? Well, the answer is quite simple: no. Most major chains close completely on this day, although some stores operate with very specific hours. Remember that we all like to spend time with our families.
Closed by policy
Years ago, opening on Christmas was common, but thinking about it calmly, it is quite inhumane. Many companies have decided that the 25th is a day to rest for the whole family, with no exceptions. Today, many companies have decided that December 25 is for resting, with no nuances. And surprisingly, the decision has been well received by both employees and customers, as expected.
Although it may seem like a very human reason, the reality is that on the 25th hardly anyone goes shopping. Between people dealing with hangovers from family stories the night before and the shopping done ahead of time, it is much more expensive for big companies to stay open.
Who closes on the 25th
If you were thinking of doing a big shop on Christmas Day, better change plans. These chains confirm a total closure:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Aldi
- Sam’s Club
- IKEA
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Trader Joe’s
- Publix
Many of them do open on the 24th, but with reduced hours, usually closing between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm, so leaving it to the last minute is not a good idea. Hurry up.
Christmas Eve still works, Christmas Day does not
Good luck if you need something, because you will have to solve your problems before Santa arrives, because afterward it will be much more complicated. That said, not everything closes, although the range of options is greatly reduced.
If you have a real emergency, convenience stores and pharmacies usually stay open, but their hours are quite variable.
- 7 Eleven usually opens, often 24 hours
- Starbucks opens some locations, not all
But remember that each location decides its own schedule, so it is better to call before making the trip.
And pharmacies?
Yes, they open, but only for urgent medications. CVS and Walgreens will open with reduced hours.
And supermarkets on the 25th?
Very few, and almost always with reduced hours. Albertsons or Safeway may open certain locations, but you need to check in advance.
Why everything closes on Christmas
December 25 is a deeply cultural holiday. Closing that day improves brand image and makes workers feel truly valued by being able to enjoy time with their families at home.
Avoid problems
- Buy important items before the afternoon of the 24th
- Do not count on big stores on the 25th
- Have a nearby on duty pharmacy in mind
- Take advantage of the sales on the 26th, which are usually very good
To sum up!
- Most large stores will be closed
- Pharmacies and convenience stores will open, but not all and not all day
- Check local hours is essential, remember it.
With a bit of planning, Christmas can be calm, without last minute runs or closed doors in your face. Remember that we are all looking forward to the 24th to see what is left under the tree, and that we all like to enjoy this date with family, right? Merry Christmas to you too. 🎄