Most grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day across the U.S. However, a few grocery stores open on Christmas Day include convenience-focused retailers like 7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz, Circle K, and Speedway. These locations offer limited grocery essentials, snacks, beverages, and prepared foods, often with reduced hours depending on location and staffing.
Grocery stores open on Christmas Day are limited across the United States today, with most major supermarket chains closed while a small number of convenience-focused grocery retailers continue operating with modified hours. As of December 25, 2025, confirmed store status shows a clear split between traditional supermarkets and smaller, fuel-attached, or 24-hour grocery formats.
This guide reflects the most current, verified store operations for today and focuses only on grocery access available on Christmas Day.
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Why Most Grocery Stores Close on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of the few holidays when major grocery chains across the United States close their doors nationwide. The main reason is simple — to give employees a well-deserved break to spend time with their families.
For retailers, the decision also makes financial sense. Since Christmas typically sees very low customer traffic, staying open often isn’t worth the cost of staffing and operations.
Because of this, shoppers who rely on full-service supermarkets for last-minute holiday needs often find themselves greeted by locked doors on December 25.
Across the country, most national grocery brands remain closed, making Christmas Day one of the quietest retail days of the year.
Major Grocery Chains Closed Today
As of Christmas Day 2025, the following well-known grocery chains are closed nationwide:
- Walmart Supercenters
- Target grocery locations
- Kroger and Kroger-owned banners
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Aldi
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
- Publix
- Meijer
- Wegmans
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Food Lion
- Safeway and Albertsons banners
- Giant Food and Giant Eagle
These closures are consistent with confirmed holiday schedules released earlier this week and remain unchanged today.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day in 2025
While traditional supermarkets are closed, grocery stores open on Christmas Day do exist — primarily through convenience-style grocery retailers and travel-focused stores.
These locations provide access to essential grocery items, beverages, snacks, ice, milk, bread, and ready-to-eat food.
National Grocery Chains Confirmed Open Today
The following grocery retailers are operating on December 25, though hours may vary by location:
- 7-Eleven
Most locations remain open 24 hours, including Christmas Day. - Circle K
Open in most states with regular or slightly reduced hours. - Wawa
Many locations are open all day, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. - Sheetz
Open 24/7 at most locations with full food service available. - Cumberland Farms
Open in select regions, typically with holiday hours. - Speedway
Many stores remain open, especially those attached to fuel stations.
These retailers function as grocery alternatives today rather than full supermarkets.
What You Can Buy at Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day
Even though most grocery stores close for Christmas, a handful of convenience-oriented locations and smaller markets stay open for those last-minute essentials. While their shelves won’t be as fully stocked as a typical supermarket, you can still find plenty of basics to get you through the holiday.
Here’s what’s usually available:
- Milk, eggs, and dairy items: Staples for breakfast or baking that many stores keep in stock.
- Bread and packaged bakery goods: From sandwich loaves to dinner rolls and pastries, you’ll likely find something to pair with your meal.
- Snack foods and candy: Chips, nuts, chocolates, and other treats for relaxing or entertaining.
- Frozen meals and ice cream: Quick, convenient options if you’re skipping cooking or need an easy dessert.
- Bottled drinks and soda: Soft drinks, juices, and bottled water are typically well-stocked.
- Ice bags: Useful for keeping beverages cold or for parties.
- Basic household essentials: Paper towels, cleaning products, and other everyday necessities.
Keep in mind that fresh produce is often limited and varies by location — you may find a few basics like bananas or apples, but not a full selection.
Some stores, particularly Wawa and Sheetz, also offer prepared foods such as sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items, making them convenient stops for anyone looking for a quick meal on Christmas Day.
Read Also:- What’s Open Today on December 25, 2025: The Ultimate U.S. Guide for Christmas Day
Regional and Independent Grocery Stores
In addition to national convenience chains, some locally owned grocery stores are open today depending on region.
These may include:
- Independent neighborhood markets
- Ethnic and international grocery stores
- Small family-owned food shops
- Urban bodegas
Availability depends entirely on local ownership decisions. These stores often operate shorter hours and may close early.
Pharmacy Stores With Grocery Sections
While not traditional grocery stores, certain pharmacy retailers remain open and offer grocery essentials.
Many locations carry:
- Refrigerated food
- Pantry staples
- Snacks and beverages
- Frozen items
Holiday hours are often reduced, and pharmacy counters may be closed even if the store itself is open.
Holiday Hours: What Shoppers Should Expect
Even among grocery stores open on Christmas Day, operating hours are rarely normal.
Common patterns today include:
- Opening later than usual
- Closing earlier in the evening
- Reduced staffing and services
- Limited hot food availability after mid-day
Fuel-attached grocery locations tend to maintain the longest hours.
Best Times to Shop Today
For shoppers heading out on Christmas Day, timing matters.
Recommended shopping windows include:
- Early morning for full stock
- Mid-afternoon for prepared foods
- Evening hours mainly for snacks and drinks
Late-night availability is most reliable at 24-hour locations.
Why Grocery Access Matters on Christmas Day
Even with weeks of preparation, last-minute grocery needs are surprisingly common on December 25. Whether it’s realizing you forgot a key ingredient, accommodating unexpected guests, or dealing with travel delays that disrupt meal plans, many people find themselves needing a few essentials on Christmas Day.
That’s why the limited number of grocery stores that remain open play such an important role. These locations help meet basic needs — from food and drinks to household staples — without forcing people to travel long distances or pay inflated prices at specialty shops.
For many families, these stores are more than just a convenience; they’re a vital resource. In some areas, they may be the only option for same-day food access, ensuring that no one goes without a meal or the ingredients needed to celebrate the holiday.
By staying open, these stores quietly support communities, helping people handle the unexpected and keep holiday plans on track.
Planning Ahead for Future Holidays
The widespread store closures on Christmas Day serve as a helpful reminder of why early planning is so important. Running out of ingredients or essentials on a major holiday can be stressful, especially when most stores are closed and options are limited.
The good news is that many grocery retailers resume normal business hours on December 26, allowing shoppers to restock and prepare for upcoming gatherings or New Year’s celebrations. Some even reopen early the next morning to accommodate post-holiday needs.
To avoid disruptions in the future, it’s best to check store hours in advance — especially around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Planning your shopping list a few days early ensures you have everything you need and saves you from the frustration of last-minute scrambles.
A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your holiday stress-free and enjoyable.
Final Takeaway for U.S. Shoppers
On Christmas Day 2025, grocery access across the United States remains available — but limited. Most full-service supermarkets close their doors nationwide, giving employees time off and keeping in line with long-standing holiday traditions. However, several convenience-oriented grocery retailers and local markets stay open, offering a lifeline for shoppers who need last-minute essentials.
Knowing ahead of time which stores will be open can make all the difference. A little preparation helps reduce stress, prevents unnecessary travel, and ensures families can still find what they need — whether it’s a forgotten ingredient, a quick snack, or household basics.
In short, while Christmas Day shopping options may be fewer, a bit of planning goes a long way toward keeping your holiday smooth and stress-free. By checking store hours in advance and understanding your local options, you can enjoy the day with peace of mind — and maybe even avoid that “we’re out of milk” moment.
