Publix stores will close at 7:00 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and remain closed on Christmas Day, December 25. All locations will reopen on Thursday, December 26 during regular hours. Publix pharmacies usually close one hour earlier, around 6:00 p.m., so shoppers should plan ahead for last-minute needs.
If you’re wondering what time does Publix close on Christmas Eve, you’re not alone—thousands of shoppers search for that answer every December as last-minute grocery runs fill the aisles. With Christmas falling on Wednesday this year, Publix has confirmed its traditional holiday schedule, giving customers extra time for last-minute essentials before stores close early for the holiday.
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Publix Christmas Eve Hours 2025
As of December 24, 2025, Publix stores will close at 7:00 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve. The supermarket chain will then remain closed all day on Christmas Day, December 25, and reopen on Thursday, December 26, during regular business hours.
This schedule mirrors previous years and applies to nearly all Publix locations across the Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Some stores inside mixed-use complexes or resort communities may adjust by 30 minutes to an hour, but the majority follow the 7 p.m. closing time. Publix recommends that shoppers double-check local store listings through its online store locator before heading out, especially if traveling between time zones.
Why Publix Closes Early on Christmas Eve
Publix has long been recognized for its strong sense of community and commitment to employee well-being. Every holiday season, the company reinforces those values by adjusting its schedule to give team members time with their loved ones. Closing early on Christmas Eve allows thousands of associates across the Southeast to return home for family gatherings, religious services, or much-needed rest after the busy holiday rush.
This early closing tradition reflects Publix’s broader philosophy of treating employees like family. Rather than prioritizing late-night profits, the company places importance on work-life balance and respect for its workforce—principles that have defined the Publix brand for decades. By offering convenient morning and afternoon shopping hours, customers still have ample opportunity to pick up their final groceries or gifts before stores lock their doors at 7 p.m.
The decision also underscores Publix’s commitment to its communities. Shoppers appreciate that their favorite grocers and cashiers get to enjoy the same family moments they do. It fosters goodwill between staff and customers, strengthening the company’s reputation for kindness and consideration.
In essence, Publix’s approach creates a win-win situation: customers benefit from efficient service during the day, and employees enjoy a well-deserved evening off to celebrate Christmas. This thoughtful balance between business and humanity continues to set Publix apart, solidifying its status as one of America’s most family-oriented and community-driven grocery chains in 2025.
Regular Publix Store Hours
To plan your shopping week effectively, here’s a quick reference comparing standard and holiday hours:
| Day | Normal Hours | Holiday Schedule (Christmas Week 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, Dec 22 | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | Regular hours |
| Tuesday, Dec 23 | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | Regular hours |
| Wednesday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | 7 a.m.–7 p.m. | Early close |
| Thursday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day) | Closed | No operations |
| Friday, Dec 26 | 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | Regular hours resume |
While Publix pharmacies and liquor stores typically follow the same schedule, some in-store pharmacies may close slightly earlier—around 6 p.m.—on Christmas Eve.
Tips for Last-Minute Holiday Shopping at Publix
Christmas Eve shopping can get hectic—crowded aisles, long checkout lines, and shortened hours make it essential to plan wisely. Knowing Publix closes at 7 p.m. gives you a clear window to finish everything you need before the holiday begins. Here are some practical tips to make your trip fast, stress-free, and successful.
1. Shop Early in the Morning
Arriving at Publix shortly after opening—between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.—is the best way to avoid crowds. Shelves are fully stocked, staff are refreshed, and the overall experience feels calm and pleasant. Morning shoppers also get the best selection of fresh bakery items, produce, and deli favorites before they sell out.
2. Create and Organize Your Shopping List
Write down exactly what you need before you go. Focus on essentials like meats, vegetables, baked goods, beverages, and desserts. Organize your list by department—produce, bakery, frozen foods, pantry staples—to save time once you’re in the store. A well-structured list keeps your trip efficient and helps you stay within budget.
3. Take Advantage of Online Ordering Options
Publix’s “Order Ahead” feature is a huge time-saver during the holidays. You can pre-order deli platters, bakery cakes, subs, and specialty items through the Publix website or app, then pick them up at your chosen time. This allows you to skip long lines and ensures your holiday food is fresh and ready exactly when you need it.
4. Don’t Forget Pharmacy Refills
Publix pharmacies close around 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, an hour earlier than the main store. If you need medication for travel, refills, or prescriptions for family members, handle them early in the day. Picking up your prescriptions by mid-afternoon prevents last-minute stress and guarantees you’ll have what you need for the long holiday weekend.
5. Verify Store Hours Before You Go
Although most Publix stores close at 7 p.m., a few locations—especially those inside shopping centers or resort areas—may have slight variations. Always confirm your store’s schedule through the Publix mobile app or online store locator. Real-time updates will show exact closing times and special notices if weather or staffing affects hours.
6. Use Express or Self-Checkout When Possible
If you’re only grabbing a few items, the express or self-checkout lanes can save valuable minutes. Publix staff are always nearby to help with barcode issues or digital coupons, so the process stays smooth and quick.
7. Keep an Eye on Bakery and Deli Lines
The bakery and deli departments are often the busiest areas on Christmas Eve. To save time, place bakery or deli orders early in the day or online the day before. If you arrive late, choose ready-made options like prepackaged desserts, cheese trays, or heat-and-serve meals, which are available near the front of most stores.
8. Prepare for Busy Parking Lots
Holiday parking lots can be challenging, especially at larger Publix locations. Go early to secure a good spot or consider carpooling if multiple family members are shopping. Be patient when entering or exiting—Publix employees often help direct traffic during the holiday rush to keep things orderly.
9. Keep Reusable Bags Handy
Bring your reusable grocery bags or cooler bags for frozen items. Not only does this save time at checkout, but it also helps organize your groceries in the car. Cold bags are particularly useful for long drives or when picking up chilled desserts and seafood.
10. Stay Calm and Enjoy the Experience
Even with planning, Christmas Eve shopping will have some hustle and bustle. Take a deep breath, smile at the employees working hard, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Publix stores often play cheerful holiday music, and many employees go the extra mile to help shoppers find last-minute ingredients or gifts.
11. Have a Backup Plan
If something you need is sold out, consider simple alternatives. For example, if the bakery runs out of pies, grab a cake or cookies instead. If the deli line is long, prepackaged meats or cheese slices from the refrigerated aisle work just as well. Staying flexible ensures you’ll still leave the store happy.
12. Check Out Publix Holiday Deals
During the week of Christmas, Publix typically offers discounts on holiday favorites like roasts, wines, sparkling beverages, and desserts. Scan digital coupons on the Publix app before checkout—you might find savings on the very items you’re already buying.
By following these simple strategies, you’ll finish your Christmas Eve shopping well before Publix closes at 7 p.m., with everything you need for a joyful, stress-free holiday meal. Staying organized, shopping early, and using online tools will help you avoid the chaos and experience the friendly, festive service Publix is famous for every year.
Holiday Offerings and Seasonal Specials
In the days leading up to Christmas Eve, Publix typically highlights festive grocery items and prepared foods that simplify home cooking. This year’s seasonal features include:
- Publix Bakery holiday cakes and pies – from red velvet and pumpkin to classic pecan.
- Deli party trays – customizable platters for gatherings or office celebrations.
- Premade holiday meals – full turkey or ham dinners that can be reheated at home.
- Floral arrangements and poinsettias – brightening last-minute gifts or table décor.
Most of these items remain available through December 24, but selection becomes limited by afternoon, especially in high-traffic stores.
How Publix Communicates Holiday Hours
Publix maintains transparency about its operating hours each holiday season. The company updates store hours on its official website, mobile app, and in-store signage about two weeks before Christmas.
In addition, local Publix social-media pages often post reminders about early closing times and store-specific details. Shoppers can rely on these official updates for the most accurate information rather than third-party listings, which sometimes lag behind real-time changes.
Publix’s Consistent Christmas Policy
Publix has followed the same Christmas schedule for more than two decades: open until 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and fully closed on Christmas Day. This policy hasn’t changed even as other retailers have experimented with extended hours.
The approach reflects the company’s philosophy that employees deserve time off for family and rest. It also aligns with Publix’s broader holiday operations, which include:
- New Year’s Eve: Regular hours or early close at 9 p.m.
- New Year’s Day: Normal opening around 7 a.m.
- Thanksgiving: Closed all day.
- Easter Sunday: Closed in most states.
This consistency allows shoppers to plan ahead confidently, knowing Publix’s schedule rarely shifts year to year.
Customer Reactions and Community Support
Many customers appreciate Publix’s decision to close early on Christmas Eve. Social-media posts in previous years have praised the chain for prioritizing family time for workers. Others share reminders to fellow shoppers not to wait until the last minute.
As of 2025, Publix continues to receive strong community support for maintaining employee-friendly policies while offering excellent customer service during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Tips for Alternatives After Publix Closes
If you happen to miss the 7 p.m. cutoff on Christmas Eve, a few grocery and convenience options may remain open later in the evening. Most Publix locations close entirely, but nearby stores such as:
- Walmart – Often open until 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. depending on location.
- CVS and Walgreens – Many remain open late for snacks, drinks, and small groceries.
- 7-Eleven – 24-hour locations stay open through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
These options can fill small gaps if you forget an item after Publix closes, but major grocery trips are best done earlier in the day.
Holiday Preparedness: What to Buy Before 7 p.m.
For households planning family dinners or gatherings, here’s a checklist of essentials to pick up before Publix closes Christmas Eve night:
| Category | Top Items to Stock Up On |
|---|---|
| Fresh Produce | Potatoes, green beans, carrots, salad greens |
| Meat & Seafood | Turkey breast, ham, shrimp, salmon |
| Bakery | Dinner rolls, pies, cakes, cookies |
| Pantry | Spices, sugar, flour, oil, canned goods |
| Dairy | Milk, butter, eggs, cheese |
| Drinks | Wine, sparkling water, soft drinks |
| Household | Paper towels, napkins, foil, batteries |
Buying these items early helps ensure you’re ready for the holiday, especially since other major chains may also close early.
Read Also:- Is Publix Open Christmas Eve? Updated Store Hours and What Shoppers Should Know
Publix Pharmacies and Liquor Stores
Many Publix locations feature an in-store pharmacy and, in select states, a separate Publix Liquors. During the Christmas season, both departments adjust their schedules slightly to align with the store’s early closing time.
On Christmas Eve, Publix pharmacies typically close at 6:00 p.m., one hour before the main supermarket shuts its doors. This allows pharmacy staff to wrap up prescriptions and serve last-minute customers while maintaining smooth store operations. If you need to refill or pick up medication before the holiday, visiting earlier in the day—preferably before mid-afternoon—is strongly advised.
Publix Liquors, located next to select supermarkets in Florida and parts of other southern states, generally follows the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve closing time of the main grocery store. However, it’s important to note that alcohol sales laws differ by state and county. In some areas of Georgia and Alabama, liquor stores may close earlier due to local restrictions.
To ensure a stress-free shopping trip, it’s best to check the specific hours of your nearby Publix Liquors before heading out. Planning ahead also helps you avoid the late-day rush, as many shoppers pick up wine, beer, or spirits for holiday dinners and celebrations in the final hours before closing.
By stopping in early, you’ll find a wider selection of popular holiday beverages, from sparkling wines and craft beers to festive cocktail mixers—making your Christmas Eve gathering complete without the last-minute rush.
What Publix Employees Can Expect This Christmas
During the holiday season, Publix employees experience one of the most supportive and positive work environments in the retail industry. The company’s long-standing reputation for valuing its associates truly shines this time of year, as management focuses on balancing busy store operations with employee well-being.
Flexible Schedules and Fair Rotations
To prepare for the Christmas rush, Publix introduces adjusted schedules and fair time-off rotations. Store associates often receive flexible shift options that accommodate personal and family plans. By spreading hours evenly among team members, Publix ensures that everyone gets a chance to participate in holiday festivities while keeping stores well-staffed for customers.
Holiday Pay and Incentives
Employees who work during peak days leading up to Christmas Eve are eligible for bonus pay incentives and other performance rewards. These benefits recognize the hard work that goes into managing the increased demand of holiday shopping. Publix’s focus on rewarding dedication not only boosts morale but also reinforces the company’s commitment to treating employees with respect and appreciation.
Coordinated Management and Smooth Operations
Store managers play a key role during the holidays. They coordinate staffing carefully to maintain manageable workloads, ensuring that no one is overburdened. Each store prepares detailed staffing plans weeks in advance, assigning extra cashiers, stock clerks, and baggers during peak hours. This preparation keeps customer service levels high, even when aisles are crowded.
A Supportive and Uplifting Atmosphere
Beyond scheduling, Publix creates a cheerful workplace atmosphere filled with decorations, festive music, and customer appreciation events. Team members often describe Christmas week as one of the most rewarding times to work, as customers express gratitude and store leaders make an effort to celebrate employees’ contributions.
Work-Life Balance at the Core
The company’s early closing time of 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve reflects its respect for family time. Employees can finish their shifts, help close the store, and still return home to celebrate the evening with loved ones. This emphasis on work-life balance is a defining feature of Publix’s culture.
Because of this thoughtful planning and genuine care for staff, Publix continues to rank among America’s most admired grocery chains. Employees consistently highlight the company’s fairness, holiday spirit, and appreciation for teamwork as key reasons they enjoy working there.
A Look Ahead to Post-Christmas Shopping
Once stores reopen on December 26, shoppers can expect clearance discounts on holiday-themed bakery items, gift baskets, and seasonal décor. Regular hours resume immediately, and shelves are quickly restocked for the upcoming New Year’s celebrations.
If you missed certain foods before Christmas, December 26 is an ideal day to restock essentials and take advantage of post-holiday savings.
Key Takeaways
- Publix closes at 7 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve 2025.
- All stores are closed Christmas Day and reopen December 26.
- Pharmacies close around 6 p.m.
- Publix liquor stores follow the main store’s schedule.
- Plan early morning or midday shopping to avoid crowds.
Being aware of these hours helps you organize your day, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure your family celebrations run smoothly.
So, if you’ve been asking “what time does Publix close on Christmas Eve,” the clear answer for 2025 is 7 p.m. local time—shop early, stay safe, and enjoy a peaceful holiday evening.