Finding coffee open on Christmas can be surprisingly tricky for many Americans. On December 25, 2025, most offices, retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants across the United States are closed as families gather and workers take the holiday off. Yet despite this widespread shutdown, thousands of people each year still want a cup of coffee — whether they’re traveling, hosting guests, working essential shifts, or simply craving their holiday morning brew.
In 2025, there are verified options where coffee is open on Christmas Day, from major chains with limited holiday hours to convenience store coffee stations and select local cafes choosing to serve holiday guests. This complete guide will help you understand where to find coffee on Christmas Day, how hours vary, and what to expect in cities and towns across the nation.
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Why Coffee Availability on Christmas Still Matters in the U.S.
Coffee is more than a beverage — it’s a daily ritual and a cultural anchor for millions of Americans. Even when nearly everything else is closed, the demand for coffee doesn’t disappear. On Christmas Day:
- Travelers heading to airports or highways still want caffeine.
- Hospital and emergency workers rely on coffee during shifts.
- Families hosting celebrations may need extra supplies.
- Holiday routines for many include a morning cup.
- Visitors in urban centers seek cafes open for brunch or relaxation.
While many independent and local coffee shops close to give staff time with family, there are still multiple reliable ways to find coffee available on Christmas Day. The key is knowing which businesses open, where to look, and how hours differ this year.
National Coffee Chains: What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025
When searching for coffee open on Christmas, your best bet is to start with major national chains that tend to stay open year-round, even on major holidays — though often with adjusted hours.
Starbucks on Christmas
Starbucks continues to be one of the most recognizable places to find coffee on Christmas Day across the U.S. In 2025:
- Many Starbucks locations are open on Christmas Day, but not all.
- Hours are often reduced compared to a normal day.
- Standalone neighborhood shops sometimes close entirely so staff can spend the day with family.
- The most reliable open Starbucks locations tend to be in travel hubs such as airports and transit stations where steady holiday foot traffic exists.
- Some Starbucks inside larger stores or 24/7 locations may also remain open with limited holiday hours.
Because Starbucks sets Christmas Day hours on a store-by-store basis, it’s important to check each location’s status if you’re planning a visit.
If you’re traveling, the Starbucks inside an airport, major hotel, or transportation hub is among the most dependable places where coffee is open on Christmas Day.
Dunkin’ Holiday Coffee Hours
Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) is another major coffee chain with a strong presence across the United States. On Christmas Day 2025:
- Many Dunkin’ locations choose to remain open on Christmas, often with shortened morning or afternoon hours.
- Because Dunkin’ operates primarily on a franchise model, holiday hours may vary by owner.
- Urban and tourist-heavy areas tend to have more Dunkin’ shops open compared with rural or suburban locations.
- Dunkin’ stores often open later in the morning and close earlier in the afternoon on Christmas.
For coffee open on Christmas, Dunkin’ remains one of the stronger chain options, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, Texas, and metropolitan regions where foot traffic and tourism are high.
Other National Coffee Chains
While Starbucks and Dunkin’ are the most common places people search for coffee on Christmas, several other national and regional coffee outlets may be open, depending on location:
- Peet’s Coffee: Most brick-and-mortar Peet’s locations close on Christmas, but those embedded inside grocery stores, transit hubs, or airport terminals may operate.
- Tim Hortons: More common in Canada, some U.S. airport and border locations may be open, but typical standalone shops often close.
- Seattle’s Best Coffee: Sometimes found inside partner stores or 24/7 locations, offering brewed coffee even when traditional shops close.
- Caribou Coffee: Generally closes on Christmas, though airport or hotel installations may have holiday hours.
Remember that individual store choices play a major role; one branch may open while another doesn’t, even in the same city.
Convenience Stores and 24/7 Outlets — Reliable Coffee on Christmas
Perhaps the most dependable places for coffee open on Christmas aren’t coffee shops at all — they’re convenience stores and travel centers that operate year-round without holiday closures.
Convenience Stores with Coffee Stations
On Christmas Day 2025, many convenience store chains remain open, offering brewed and specialty coffee at all hours:
- 7-Eleven: Most locations operate 24/7, including Christmas Day. Coffee stations inside these stores are typically available around the clock.
- Circle K: Another major convenience chain with many stores open 24/7 and coffee available.
- Sheetz and Wawa: Known for their coffee and custom beverage stations, these outlets remain open all day and night.
- Casey’s General Store, Cumberland Farms, Love’s Travel Stops, Maverik, Pilot Flying J, and TravelCenters of America: Offer coffee service throughout Christmas Day, often with 24-hour access.
- Gas station coffee stations: Even if the store cashier desk is limited, pump-area coffee machines are usually accessible.
These locations provide the most predictable coffee availability on Christmas, especially useful for:
- Travelers on long drives
- Early morning commuters
- Night shift workers
- People needing caffeine outside normal holiday hours
Coffee Inside Pharmacies and Drug Stores
Some pharmacy chains with extended holiday hours also offer coffee or espresso drinks inside:
- Walgreens: Many locations operate on Christmas Day, especially 24-hour stores. While pharmacy counters may have limited hours, self-serve coffee stands are often available.
- CVS: Some locations have modified holiday hours and may offer coffee, though this varies widely.
Because pharmacy and drug store hours are often regional or location-dependent, it’s wise to confirm if coffee is available as part of the holiday schedule.
Independent and Local Cafes Open on Christmas
Most independent and neighborhood coffee shops traditionally close on December 25, allowing staff to enjoy the holiday. However, some choose to open — especially in cities with heavy tourist traffic or where owners see holiday demand.
In communities where locals and visitors are out and about on Christmas Day, a handful of independent spots may offer holiday service, including:
- Local downtown cafes near tourist areas
- Coffee shops inside public markets
- Neighborhood spots that cater to travelers or breakfast crowds
- Hotels and brunch cafes offering seasonal menus
Some examples of spots that may be open on Christmas — especially in larger cities — include bakeries and cafes that pair coffee with food service, or shops inside public places that remain active during holidays.
For example, in a major West Coast city, there may be 10+ coffee shops listed as open on Christmas Day, serving holiday visitors and locals alike.
Before heading out, people searching for coffee open on Christmas should call ahead or check social media pages to confirm hours, as holiday plans can change.
Coffee in Major Travel Hubs and City Centers
If you’re in or near a major airport, train station, or bus terminal on Christmas, you’re in a great place to find coffee:
- Airport cafes, including Starbucks, Peet’s, local coffee patios, and quick-serve chains, often operate on holiday schedules.
- Train and bus station food courts frequently serve coffee to travelers at all times.
- Hotel lobbies and lounges may offer coffee service throughout the day and night.
- Transit centers’ kiosks and concessions sometimes remain open for commuter traffic.
Travelers should plan routes that include known food and beverage options inside these hubs, as Christmas Day can see increased travel activity and limited food options elsewhere.
How Holiday Hours for Coffee Shops Differ from Regular Days
On December 25, coffee businesses that remain open often adjust how they operate:
- Reduced hours — many open later and close earlier than usual.
- Limited menus — some drink or food items may be unavailable.
- Smaller staff — expect slower service during peak times.
- Holiday atmospheres — decorations, seasonal signage, and festive offerings may be featured.
Knowing these differences helps customers prepare and avoid frustration.
Regional Variations — Where Coffee is Most Likely Open
Coffee availability on Christmas varies widely by region:
Urban Areas:
Cities with strong tourism, business travel, and dense populations often have more coffee locations open — including chain and independent cafes that choose to serve holiday visitors.
Rural and Suburban Areas:
Here, independent coffee shops are more likely to close. The most reliable open locations often are convenience stores or coffee inside larger 24/7 venues.
Tourist Destinations:
Places like New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco, and major beach towns may have coffee shops — especially those inside attractions or markets — open for holiday crowds.
Travel Corridors:
Highway rest stops and travel plazas almost always have coffee machines operating regardless of the date, making them ideal for long-distance drivers.
Tips for Finding Coffee Open on Christmas Near You
If you’re out and about on December 25 and searching for coffee open on Christmas, use these tips:
Check Store Locators
Major chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ list holiday hours on their apps or websites.
Call Ahead
Independent coffee shops may update hours last-minute — a quick phone call saves time.
Consider Travel Hubs
Airports and transit centers are prime spots for reliable holiday service.
Think Convenience
Gas stations and travel centers almost always have coffee available.
Go Early
Many Christmas-open shops close early; get coffee in the morning.
Holiday Coffee Culture Across the U.S.
Coffee on Christmas has become part of many Americans’ celebrations. Whether it’s:
- A morning espresso before opening presents
- A midday latte during family gatherings
- Coffee with brunch reservations
- A travel break on a long drive
Coffee plays a role in holiday rituals and routines.
For some, finding coffee open on Christmas becomes part of the adventure — whether that means navigating holiday closures or celebrating at a café that stays open just for the occasion.
Common Questions About Coffee on Christmas
Do all Starbucks stay open on Christmas?
No — while many locations stay open with limited hours, others close entirely.
Can I find coffee at 24/7 gas stations?
Yes, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Sheetz, and Circle K remain open and offer coffee throughout the holiday.
Are local coffee shops more likely to close?
Most independent cafes choose to close, but some in busy areas remain open part of the day.
Is coffee available at airports?
Yes — coffee shops and quick-serve dining inside major airports typically operate on Christmas.
Final Thought
For thousands of Americans across the country, coffee open on Christmas remains more than a convenience — it’s part of how they celebrate, travel, work, and connect on the holiday. Whether you’re grabbing a latte before a road trip, meeting family for brunch, or simply craving a holiday brew, the options available in 2025 ensure you don’t have to go without.
Where did you find your Christmas coffee today? Share your experience in the comments and let fellow readers know your favorite open spots!