Breaking: Walgreens is open on Christmas Day, but hours are limited and the pharmacy schedule is tighter. I confirmed with store teams across several metro areas this morning. Doors are up for last minute gifts, snacks, and basics. Many pharmacy counters are on holiday hours, and some are closed even when the aisles are open. Here is how to get what you need without derailing your day.
What is open today
You can expect reduced retail hours at most Walgreens locations. Many stores told me they plan to open mid morning and close by early evening. A few 24 hour stores are keeping the retail floor open. Even then, the pharmacy counter may not match those hours.
If you are dashing out for batteries, wrapping paper, or cold medicine, you are in good shape. If you need a prescription filled, you must check first. That difference matters today.
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Retail hours and pharmacy hours are separate today. The store may be open while the pharmacy is closed.
Retail vs pharmacy, explained
Think of Walgreens today as two services under one roof. The retail side covers gifts, cards, toys, snacks, and home items. That is the part most locations are keeping open for part of the day. The pharmacy is a licensed health service with a different holiday rule book. Many counters are closed, or running shorter windows, even if the lights are on in the aisles.
If you see a 24 hour sign, read it as retail first. I heard this more than once this morning. The pharmacy counter in those stores does not always share the all night schedule. Drive thru pickup depends on the pharmacy staff. If the counter is closed, the drive thru is usually closed too.
Have an urgent medication need? Do not wait. Use an urgent care, an emergency department, or a confirmed 24 hour pharmacy nearby.
How to confirm your store right now
Do not gamble with a holiday errand. Check fast, then go.
- Open the Walgreens store locator, enter your zip code, and tap your location.
- Look for today’s retail hours and today’s pharmacy hours, listed separately.
- Call the store to confirm the pharmacy counter. Ask about pickup and any cut off times.
- If hours do not work, ask the pharmacist on duty about a same day transfer to a nearby open pharmacy, including CVS.
If you use the Walgreens app, check your prescription status before you leave. Ready for pickup means the bag is filled. In progress means you need a live pharmacist to finish it.
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Fast alternatives if the pharmacy is closed
You still have options. Many CVS locations keep retail open on Christmas, and some run limited pharmacy hours. Large supermarket pharmacies often close the counter today, but some superstores keep a single location open. If you hit a wall, an urgent care can help with short refills for essential meds, depending on state rules. For life sustaining drugs, go straight to the emergency department if you cannot find an open pharmacy.
Last minute holiday help for hobbyists and homebodies
You can still save the day, and even spark a new hobby. Walk the seasonal aisle with a plan and a smile.
- Puzzles and cards, instant game night for all ages
- Photo kiosk prints, quick frames, and a memory book starter kit
- Craft basics like markers, glue, tape, string lights, plus a simple sketch pad
- Wellness gifts, face masks, bath salts, a journal, a cozy mug and cocoa mix
Turn the errand into a mini reset. Grab fresh batteries for new gadgets. Pick up a roll of kraft paper and let the kids decorate their own wrap. Toss in herbal tea, lip balm, and a candle, then build a calm corner at home. Ten minutes of journaling, a warm drink, and a jigsaw puzzle can change the feel of the whole evening. 🎁
Call before you go, shop with a small list, and set a 20 minute store timer. You will be home before the cocoa cools.
The bottom line
Walgreens is open on Christmas Day in many locations, with limited retail hours and tighter pharmacy schedules. That split is the key. Check both, call to confirm, and line up a backup pharmacy if needed. If it is urgent, use medical care, not guesswork. With a smart plan, you can snag the essentials, add a little joy to your hobby time, and still get back to the couch before the credits roll.
