Christmas morning, the roast is ready to go, and the cinnamon rolls are rising. Then you realize you are out of butter. Or cream. Or foil. Do not panic. I have your Christmas Day grocery playbook right now, so you can rescue the meal and keep the vibes merry.
What is open right now
Christmas Day is a true slow day for retail. Most big supermarkets are dark. Expect Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, ALDI, Publix, H‑E‑B, and Whole Foods to be closed in most regions. Meat counters and bakery cases are quiet almost everywhere.
There is good news. Convenience is carrying the day. Many 7‑Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz, Circle K, QuikTrip, and Casey’s stores are open, often around the clock. CVS and Walgreens have select stores open with reduced hours. Pharmacy counters may be closed, but front-of-store aisles are your friend. A handful of local and independent urban markets usually keep short holiday shifts. Some Safeway and Albertsons family locations also open in limited windows. Hours vary by neighborhood.
- Likely open right now, with limited hours: convenience chains, select CVS or Walgreens stores, gas stations with markets, and independent corner grocers
Hours today are set store by store. Check your exact location before you go, even if the chain says it is open.
How to confirm hours fast
Move with purpose. Open your store’s app or site first, since holiday banners update there. Tap the location page and look for “Holiday hours.” If you cannot tell, call the store. Most shops set a recorded greeting with today’s times. Save a minute by using the “call” button inside the map listing. While you are at it, confirm whether services like bakery, deli, or curbside are running. Many are paused.
If your first choice is closed, pivot to a convenience store within five miles. Those aisles often carry milk, butter, eggs, sugar, flour, tortillas, rice, canned beans, pasta, and foil. For produce, scan small ethnic markets. Many Chinese, Korean, Indian, and Middle Eastern groceries keep different holiday calendars. Some stay open for part of the day.
Call before you leave, screenshot the hours, and bring a flexible list. Add one backup for every must-have item.
Shop like a pro, save the feast
Go light and fast. Bring a basket, not a cart. You will move quicker and buy only what matters. Skip the meat counter and bakery lines. Grab prepackaged cuts, frozen rolls, or ready sides. Dry goods beat fresh when stock is low. Think swaps. No heavy cream, use evaporated milk. No buttermilk, use milk and lemon juice. No butter, use olive oil in savory dishes.
Lean into pantry power. You can plate a holiday table with five smart grabs.
- A rescue menu: rotisserie chicken or frozen entrée, bagged salad, instant mashed potatoes, crusty bread or tortillas, a pint of ice cream
Shop the perimeter first, then fill gaps in the middle aisles. Check the back of the cooler for hidden stock. Be kind to workers. Today is a skeleton crew day. A smile helps everyone, including you 🙂
Fast alternatives if your store is dark
Your dinner does not live or die with one store. On-demand convenience is running in many cities. Delivery from convenience chains, local markets, and pharmacies is spotty but alive. If you see a 20 to 40 minute estimate, grab it. Restaurant takeout is a strong Plan B. Many diners and hotel restaurants will pack sides, bread, and desserts. A single quart of gravy and a salad can turn leftovers into a feast.
Gas station markets can surprise you. Look for eggs, milk, butter, snacks, ice, and charcoal. Hotel gift shops often stock sparkling water, chocolate, and travel basics like foil and tape. That tape might be what your gift wrap needs right now.
If you are hosting a game night, simplify. Build a board of crackers, nuts, dried fruit, cheese singles, and jam. Slice apples or oranges. Warm frozen appetizers. Brew a big pot of tea or cocoa. Your guests came for the company.
Pharmacy counters may be closed, even if the store is open. Refill pickups and vaccinations usually resume tomorrow.
The bottom line
Today rewards the calm and the nimble. Big grocers are mostly closed, but convenience, select pharmacies, and some local markets are open in short windows. Verify hours, buy only what matters, and embrace smart swaps. You will get what you need, serve it with confidence, and get back to what counts, the people at your table.
