CVS open Christmas Day is one of the most common questions for U.S. consumers planning last-minute errands on December 25, 2025. This year, CVS stands out among national retailers: many CVS stores will be open on Christmas Day, offering a critical lifeline for essentials when most major retailers remain closed. However, hours and services vary by location, especially for pharmacy counters. This comprehensive guide covers all you need to know — from store and pharmacy hours to tips for planning your visit.
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Why People Search “CVS Open Christmas Day”
Christmas Day is traditionally a time when the vast majority of U.S. stores shut down so employees can spend the holiday with family. Big-box stores, grocery chains, and department stores typically close completely, leaving very few options for last-minute needs.
In that context, CVS becomes one of the most important retail destinations on December 25. Because CVS stores are often open even on major holidays, many customers check whether CVS open Christmas Day means they can grab last-minute items, prescriptions, or emergency supplies. The answer this year is largely yes, but with details and variations you need to understand.
General Status: CVS Open on Christmas Day 2025
As of the latest confirmed reports, many CVS locations across the United States will be open on Christmas Day 2025, but hours will generally be reduced or modified compared to regular schedules.
Here’s what you need to know:
- CVS retail locations are expected to operate on Christmas Day with holiday hours, often from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., though this is not guaranteed for every location.
- Pharmacy counters inside CVS may have separate, shorter hours or might close entirely, depending on local staffing and store management decisions.
- 24-hour CVS stores typically remain open, but pharmacy counters could still operate on reduced hours.
Because schedules vary by store and region, the safest approach is to call your local CVS or use the store locator before showing up on Christmas Day.
How CVS Christmas Hours Compare to Other Stores
On Christmas Day 2025, most major retailers close entirely. This makes CVS one of the few big chains still operating.
Closed on Christmas Day:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger and many major grocery chains
- Home Depot and Lowe’s
- Macy’s and major department stores
Open on Christmas Day (select locations):
- CVS
- Walgreens — most locations open
- 7-Eleven and other convenience stores (often 24/7)
- Some grocery stores with modified hours
- Select restaurants (hours vary)
In other words, if you need everyday essentials like medicine, over-the-counter treatments, snacks, batteries, or personal care items on December 25, CVS is one of the most reliable big chains likely to be open.
Inside Look: CVS Store Hours on Christmas Day
Typical Holiday Hours
Most CVS stores that open on Christmas Day will follow holiday hours, which are usually shorter than normal. A common range seen from recent patterns is:
- 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. — common holiday schedule
- Some stores may open earlier or close later
- Locations in busy urban areas may adjust hours further
It’s important to stress that these are typical expectations, not national mandates. Local managers and franchise decisions determine actual hours.
24-Hour CVS Stores
24-hour CVS locations generally stay open throughout major holidays, including Christmas Day. However, even at 24-hour stores:
- Pharmacy services may close sooner
- Checkout lanes may have limited staffing
- Other services (like photo labs or MinuteClinic) may not operate
Calling ahead is always best.
CVS Pharmacy Services on Christmas Day
One of the biggest points of confusion around the phrase CVS open Christmas Day relates to pharmacy services.
Retail Store vs. Pharmacy Hours
- The retail store (where you buy products like toothpaste, snacks, cold medicine, etc.) is often open on Christmas Day.
- The pharmacy counter (where prescriptions are filled, and pharmacists are on duty) may operate shortened hours or not at all at some locations.
Some CVS pharmacies choose to open on December 25, often with limited hours (for example, mid-day to late afternoon). Others close the pharmacy entirely while leaving the retail side open.
Why Pharmacy Hours Vary
Pharmacy staffing and state pharmacy regulations influence when these counters can operate on holidays. Unlike the retail end, which can stay open with minimal staff, the pharmacy requires licensed professionals — and many decide to give their staff the holiday off.
MinuteClinic and Other In-Store Services
CVS’s MinuteClinic services (the in-store walk-in health clinics) also follow distinct schedules.
On Christmas Day:
- Many MinuteClinic services will not operate
- Some locations might open with limited hours
- Services that require additional staffing may be unavailable
Just as with pharmacy hours, MinuteClinic service availability on Christmas varies by location and should be confirmed ahead of time.
Why CVS Chooses to Stay Open on Christmas
CVS’s decision to operate on Christmas Day serves several customer needs:
- Emergency and last-minute needs: Medications, cold and flu remedies, first-aid supplies, baby products, and other essentials
- Convenience: With most large stores closed, CVS fills a service gap
- Community access: In many towns and cities, CVS is a local cornerstone for everyday necessities
Even when hours are reduced, staying open helps communities access essential products when other outlets are unavailable.
What You Can Buy at CVS on Christmas Day
When you visit a CVS on Christmas Day that is open, you can generally expect to find:
- Over-the-counter medications (cough and cold, pain relief, allergy meds)
- Household items (batteries, tissues, cleaning products)
- Personal care items (toothpaste, shampoo, razors)
- Snacks, drinks, and travel essentials
- Seasonal items that may still be in stock
Availability still depends on the specific store’s inventory and how recently shelves have been restocked.
Practical Tips Before You Go
1. Check Store Hours First
Every CVS location sets its own holiday hours. Use the CVS store locator to confirm exact open and close times before heading out.
2. Confirm Pharmacy Hours
If you need prescription pickup or pharmacist help, call your CVS ahead because pharmacy hours almost always differ from general store hours on holidays.
3. Plan for Reduced Staffing
Even stores that are open may have:
- Fewer active checkout lanes
- Reduced pharmacy services
- Some departments (like photo labs) closed
4. Think Ahead for Essentials
Because pharmacy and clinical services may be limited, you may want to shop earlier in the day if possible.
CVS vs. Walgreens on Christmas Day
Walgreens — CVS’s biggest competitor — also stays open on Christmas Day in many areas. However, similar to CVS:
- Hours vary by location
- Pharmacy counters may close early or have limited service
- 24-hour Walgreens locations generally remain open
Comparing CVS and Walgreens can help you choose which nearby store likely fits your needs on the holiday.
How Christmas Day 2025 Is Different from Other Years
Retail patterns change slowly over time. This year’s holiday season shows some notable context:
- Most major retailers remain closed on Christmas Day, including giants like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger.
- Pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are among the few national chains more commonly open.
- In regions where grocery stores might offer limited hours, CVS fills a vital role for basic needs.
These patterns reinforce why searches for CVS open Christmas Day spike as December 25 approaches.
What Stores Are Open or Closed on Christmas Day
Understanding CVS’s status properly requires seeing it in the broader retail landscape.
Stores Likely Closed on Christmas Day
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger and most grocery chains
- Big-box and department stores
Stores Likely Open on Christmas Day
- CVS (holiday hours, call ahead)
- Walgreens (holiday hours, call ahead)
- 7-Eleven and other convenience stores (often 24/7)
- Select grocery stores with modified hours
- Some restaurants and fast-food locations
This mix illustrates why CVS is one of the more dependable places to find essentials on Dec. 25.
Common Questions Consumers Ask
Is CVS definitely open on Christmas Day everywhere?
Not necessarily. Most locations will be open on Christmas Day, but hours differ widely. Always call ahead or use the CVS store locator to check.
Can I fill a prescription on Christmas Day at CVS?
Possibly, but many pharmacy counters operate reduced hours or close for the holiday. Confirmation before you go is crucial.
Are minute clinic services available on Christmas Day?
These also vary by location and tend to operate only on limited hours, if at all.
Do 24-hour CVS locations run fully on Christmas?
Yes — the store typically remains open, but individual services like pharmacy may still adjust hours.
Final Thoughts on CVS Open Christmas Day 2025
For U.S. shoppers wondering whether CVS open Christmas Day means guaranteed access to essentials — this year, many CVS locations are open, offering a valuable option when most stores are closed. But hours and services vary by area, especially for pharmacy and clinical services.
Planning ahead and checking specific store schedules will help avoid frustration and ensure you get what you need during the holiday.
If you visited a CVS on Christmas Day, share your experience in the comments and help other readers plan their holiday errands!