What’s open today on Thursday, December 25, 2025, is a top search topic in the U.S. as people look for essential stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and services while most businesses close for Christmas Day. With federal holidays affecting nearly every corner of daily life — from retail closures to adjusted restaurant hours — this comprehensive guide gives you the most accurate and current information about what’s open today across America.
Holiday closures are extensive, but several businesses — especially essential services, convenience outlets, and select eateries — are operating with regular or modified hours. Below, you’ll find detailed sections covering every major category of places that could be important on Christmas Day.
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How Christmas Day Affects U.S. Operations
Christmas Day — December 25 — is a federal holiday in the United States. This means that federal institutions, including government offices and many banks, are officially closed. Most private businesses also choose to close or operate with limited hours so employees can spend time with family. This impacts what’s open today, especially in retail and services that usually operate year-round.
Federal law and custom encourage closures, and most of the country observes this tradition each year. Since Christmas falls on a Thursday in 2025, closures are widespread, though some essential and convenience locations remain open.
Major Retail Stores: Closed or Open Today
Major Retailers That Are Closed Today
Most big national retail chains across the U.S. are closed on December 25, 2025. If you were planning to shop on Christmas day, it’s important to know these closures:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Best Buy
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Macy’s
- Kohl’s
- IKEA
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
- ALDI
- Kroger and all Kroger-family stores
- Dollar General and Dollar Tree
- Sam’s Club
- Publix
- Sprouts Farmers Market
These stores have chosen to close entirely for the holiday so staff can observe Christmas with friends and family. This means traditional store shopping is largely not an option for “what’s open today.”
Retailers usually reopen the next day (December 26) with regular or adjusted hours.
Stores and Locations That Are Open Today
Although most large retailers are closed, a handful of locations remain available in some parts of the U.S. on Christmas Day with regular or modified hours:
Convenience Stores and Travel Centers (Mostly Open Today)
These stores are often open 24/7, including Christmas Day:
- 7-Eleven — Most locations open all day.
- Circle K — Many stores operate 24 hours.
- Sheetz — Open with regular hours.
- Wawa — Most locations open 24/7.
- Casey’s General Store — Open with modified hours.
- Love’s Travel Stops — Open 24 hours.
- Maverik Adventure’s First Stop — Usually open all day.
Drug Stores and Pharmacies (Variable, but Many Open)
Pharmacies and drug store chains often operate on holidays with limited or reduced hours:
- CVS — Many stores open with modified hours; pharmacy services may vary.
- Walgreens — Most stores open; 24-hour locations operate normally, though pharmacy hours vary.
- Duane Reade (New York area) — Varying holiday schedules.
Grocery Stores (Select, Limited Today)
Most grocery stores are closed, but some chains have select locations operating with adjusted hours:
- Albertsons — Some stores open with holiday schedules.
- Safeway and Vons — A few locations open with reduced hours.
For all locations above, calling ahead or checking the store’s app or website is recommended to confirm specific hours and services.
Restaurants & Fast Food: Eating Out on Christmas
One of the most popular parts of what’s open today on Christmas Day is where you can still grab food or have a sit-down meal. Many restaurants choose to remain open on Christmas, especially fast-food outlets and casual dining spots.
Fast Food and Quick-Service Options
These chains are known to have select locations open today, though hours may vary:
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Wendy’s
- Subway
- Popeyes
- Sonic Drive-In
- Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr.
- Jimmy John’s
Because many of these are franchise locations, individual restaurants decide their schedules. Some may operate from early morning into early evening.
Casual Dining and Sit-Down Restaurants Open Today
Several casual or family dining spots are welcoming guests on Christmas:
- Denny’s — Often open on major holidays with extended hours.
- IHOP — Many locations open with holiday hours.
- Golden Corral — Some locations are open for holiday meals.
- Red Lobster — Select locations with special holiday hours.
- Papa John’s and Domino’s — Delivery/take-out available where restaurants choose to operate.
- Perkins and Huddle House — Many restaurants open with longer schedules.
Coffee Shops and Cafés
Local schedules vary widely, but many of these may be open today:
- Starbucks — Some locations open; others closed or with limited hours.
- Dunkin’ — Many locations open, but hours vary.
What Major Chains Are Closed Today
It’s equally important to know which popular chains have chosen to close on Christmas:
- Chick-fil-A (Closed nationwide)
- Taco Bell (Closed)
- Chipotle (Closed)
- Olive Garden and all related brands under its parent company (Closed)
- Chili’s (Closed)
- Outback Steakhouse (Closed at all locations)
These closures mean that while food options are still available, choices are more limited than on a typical day.
Essential Services That Are Open Today
Even though retail and many restaurants are closed, several essential services continue operating on Christmas Day.
Healthcare Services
- Hospitals and emergency rooms are fully operational.
- Urgent care centers may be open for walk-in care.
- 24-hour pharmacies within hospitals and urgent care facilities serve basic needs.
If you require medical attention, these services continue without interruption.
Travel and Transportation
- Airports remain open with full flight schedules.
- Train stations, Amtrak services, and major bus hubs operate with scheduled departures.
- Rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft) and taxi services are available throughout the holiday.
Travel infrastructure generally runs on holiday or adjusted schedules, but roads, terminals, and booking services remain accessible.
Government, Finance & Mail: Closed Today
Christmas Day is a national holiday across government and financial sectors. This impacts mail delivery and financial services:
- Banks and credit unions are closed all day.
- Federal, state, and local government offices are closed.
- Courts are not in session.
- The U.S. Postal Service does not deliver mail today, and post offices are closed.
- UPS, FedEx, and most shipping pick-up or drop-off services are paused (except critical emergency delivery services).
- U.S. financial markets (NYSE, Nasdaq, etc.) are closed, with trading to resume the next business day.
If you were expecting services tied to government or finance — they are unavailable today.
Entertainment & Recreation: What’s Open Today
Many entertainment options are still available on Christmas Day, giving you plenty of ways to relax and enjoy the holiday.
Movie theaters are operating with special holiday showtimes, often featuring popular family films and seasonal favorites throughout the day. These theaters tend to stay open later than usual to accommodate festive audiences and give families a fun holiday outing.
Some museums and cultural venues have chosen to open today with limited hours or special Christmas programming. While not all exhibit halls may be available, seasonal displays, interactive experiences, and themed events can make a visit worthwhile.
Movie streaming and online entertainment options run without interruption, making it easy to enjoy new releases, classic holiday movies, and binge-watch sessions from home. Streaming platforms continue full libraries today, so you can pick from a wide range of titles whenever you like.
Local walks, parks, trails, and outdoor venues remain open for public enjoyment, weather permitting. Many communities see comfortable December weather, making parks, greenways, and waterfront areas ideal for family outings, fresh air, or scenic winter walks.
All these options make Christmas Day a great time to watch a film, explore a museum, take a long walk, or simply enjoy time outdoors with loved ones. Whether you prefer indoor entertainment or outdoor adventure, today offers plenty of opportunities to make the most of the holiday.attractions in your area.
Quick Reference: Open vs. Closed Today
Open Today (Dec. 25, 2025)
✔ Convenience stores & gas stations
✔ Select grocery/pharmacy locations
✔ Many fast-food restaurants
✔ Sit-down dining at some chains
✔ Coffee shops (varies)
✔ Travel and transportation services
✔ Emergency healthcare
✔ Movie theaters and some local entertainment
Closed Today (Dec. 25, 2025)
❌ Major retailers and department stores
❌ Most grocery store brands
❌ Dollar stores
❌ Banks and financial institutions
❌ Government offices
❌ Post offices and regular mail delivery
❌ Most shipping services
Helpful Tips for Your Day (Latest Update)
Always call ahead: Holiday hours can change without notice on Christmas Day, even for businesses that normally operate 24 hours. Some convenience stores, pharmacies, and restaurants may open later, close earlier, or pause certain services depending on local staffing.
Check online: Store locators, mobile apps, and official business pages often show real-time holiday hours. This is especially useful for restaurants and pharmacies, where availability can differ by neighborhood and franchise.
Plan meals early: Dining options are more limited today, and locations that remain open tend to see higher demand during peak meal times. Arriving earlier in the day or choosing off-peak hours can help avoid long waits or sold-out menus.
Expect reduced staff: Businesses that are open today typically operate with smaller teams. As a result, service may move more slowly, and some in-store services or menu items may be unavailable.
This guide to what’s open today helps you navigate Christmas Day 2025 with fewer surprises, whether you’re traveling, grabbing a meal, or picking up last-minute essentials. Merry Christmas and enjoy your day!
