Breaking: CVS Pharmacy is shifting to holiday schedules for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2025, and it affects more than errands. It shapes your cozy nights in, your game plans, and your peace of mind. I have confirmed that hours will vary by location, with many stores shortening on Christmas Eve and a mix of closures and select openings on Christmas Day. Here is what that means for your hobbies, your health, and your holiday rhythm.
What’s open, what changes, what to expect
Across the country, most CVS retail floors will open on Christmas Eve, but many will close early. On Christmas Day, expect a patchwork. Some locations will be closed, while a number of select or 24 hour stores will remain open for essentials. That is the retail side.
Pharmacy counters are a different story. Many will run shorter hours on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, most pharmacy counters will be closed, even when the main store is open for snacks, gifts, and basics. MinuteClinic availability will be limited, and many clinics will be closed on the 25th.
Check your exact store’s hours in the CVS app or the store locator, or call ahead. Holiday schedules are posted in advance for most locations.
Hobby life, holiday life, and the CVS factor
This is Lifestyle 101 during the holidays. CVS can keep a board game night alive with batteries and snacks. It can rescue a host with wrapping paper, tape, and gift cards. It can turn downtime into a craft hour with markers, photo prints, and simple art kits.
If you are building a cozy weekend, plan your CVS trip like a pregame. Shop early on Christmas Eve if you can. If your store opens on Christmas Day, expect smaller staff and faster decisions. Grab what helps your time feel rich and easy, then get out and enjoy it.
Use the photo kiosk for quick prints, then slide them into a frame for an instant keepsake gift.
Your prescriptions and a calm plan
Medication comes first. If you take daily meds, treat this week like travel prep. Refill a few days early. If your home store closes on the 25th, transfer to a nearby CVS that is open, or plan for pickup on the 24th. If your prescription is controlled, call now to confirm rules and timing.
If something urgent comes up on Christmas Day and your pharmacy counter is closed, do not wait. Retail staff cannot fill prescriptions. Seek urgent care or emergency services for true medical needs. For minor issues, check telehealth options, then plan pickup when the pharmacy reopens.
Do not assume a 24 hour store means a 24 hour pharmacy counter. The pharmacy may be closed while the retail floor stays open.
A simple holiday game plan
Here is the clean, no stress sequence I recommend.
- Confirm your store’s retail and pharmacy hours in the app, then call to double check.
- Request refills today, choose pickup before the holiday window begins.
- Place any photo or same day items now, set a pickup time.
- If needed, transfer a prescription to an open location, verify insurance and ID.
Last minute leisure, made easy at CVS
If your store is open when you need it, you can still boost your holiday time. Keep it simple, keep it fun.
- Card decks, dice, and travel games for quick table play
- Craft basics like markers, glue sticks, washi tape, and foam sheets
- Instant photo prints and frames for a five minute gift
- Cozy extras, herbal tea, lip balm, face masks, and candles
A note on Walgreens nearby
If your CVS is closed, check a nearby Walgreens for retail hours. The same rules apply. Retail hours may differ from pharmacy hours, and clinics are often limited or closed on the 25th. Always confirm by phone or app before you head out.
The bottom line
CVS Pharmacy will run on modified schedules for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with many stores closing early on the 24th and a mix of closures and select openings on the 25th. Pharmacy counters are more limited, and most will close on Christmas Day. Plan now, refill early, and lock down what matters for your health and your hobbies. Do that, and the holiday hours work for you, not against you. Happy, healthy, and well stocked is the goal.
