Breaking: What’s open on Christmas Day across Southern California, and how to make the most of it
Christmas morning is here, and the map is not closed. I have the doors that are open, the ones that are not, and the smart ways to build a laid back holiday, even if you did not plan ahead. Think hot coffee, quiet hikes, festive parks, and a few clutch counters for last minute needs.
Essential stops you can count on today
If you need fuel, snacks, or a quick pharmacy pickup, you have options. Most 7‑Eleven stores are open. Many Chevron, Shell, and ARCO stations are operating with holiday staffing. Select CVS and Walgreens locations, especially 24 hour stores, are serving pharmacy needs, though some pharmacy counters switch to limited hours. Urgent care centers vary by neighborhood, and hospital emergency rooms are open as usual.
Airports are fully operational. Expect holiday schedules on public transit. Trains and local buses often run fewer trips, so check the app before you head out.
- Open highlights right now: 7‑Eleven, select CVS and Walgreens, most gas stations, major airports, movie theaters
Holiday hours change by location, even within the same chain. Confirm the exact store or venue before you go.
Eat, sip, and gather without the kitchen scramble
Coffee first. Many Starbucks locations are open for limited hours, and small neighborhood cafés in beach towns often pour until mid morning. Call ahead. Denny’s and IHOP are serving all day at most locations. Hotel restaurants from Downtown LA to Anaheim lean into Christmas prix fixe menus, and many welcome walk ins at the bar.
Fast casual is a mixed bag. In‑N‑Out is closed on Christmas Day. Many other big burger and sandwich chains are dark as well. Your best bets are diners, hotel dining rooms, and international spots that treat today like business as usual. Chinese, Korean barbecue, and dim sum halls in the San Gabriel Valley often operate on holiday schedules, and many take same day reservations.
Delivery can still save the day. Apps run with reduced driver supply, so expect longer waits and higher fees. Order before you are starving.
Call the host stand. A 15 second phone check beats a 45 minute drive to a locked door.
Play time, even on a quiet holiday
Theme parks are open and festive. Disneyland Resort is operating today with holiday programming. Use the Disneyland app for park hours, capacity notes, and mobile ordering. Universal Studios Hollywood is also open with seasonal shows and extended entertainment. If you are doing a same day visit, parking fills quickly after late morning.
Museums are mostly closed, but outdoor spaces shine. Griffith Park trails are open, even if the Observatory building is not. Beach paths from Santa Monica to Huntington Beach are wide open for bikes and long walks. The San Diego Zoo is open every day of the year, which makes it a great family move if you want fresh air with a plan.
Movie theaters are a Christmas classic. AMC and Regal locations across SoCal are screening new releases all day. Book your seats online, then float in after your beach walk.
What is closed, and what is limited
Do not bank on big box retail today. Costco is closed on Christmas Day, including gas. Target and Walmart stores are closed as well. Trader Joe’s is closed. Most supermarkets in Southern California, including Ralphs, Vons, and Albertsons, close for the day. Malls lock their main corridors, though theater wings may remain open.
- Closed today: Costco, Target, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, most supermarkets and malls
Post offices and banks are closed. Gyms vary. Many independents in Los Angeles open for a morning block, while major chains often close all day. Check your location’s app.
Smart ways to verify and avoid crowds
You have two tasks, confirm and time it right. Look up the exact location on its official site or app. If that fails, Google Maps listings and the venue’s Instagram Story often show a pinned holiday slide with hours. Then plan your window. Early morning is calm at coffee shops and beaches. Late afternoon is best for theaters and hotel lounges. Attractions peak midday, so arrive on the early side if you want room to move.
- Check the app or website.
- Call if the hours look vague.
- Reserve where you can.
- Travel light, tip well, and be kind.
Holiday crews make the day possible. A thank you and a generous tip go a long way.
Conclusion
Christmas Day in Southern California is not a shutdown. It is a softer beat, the kind that invites long walks, easy meals, and a touch of sparkle if you want it. With a quick check of hours and a flexible plan, you can turn today into a relaxed, memory rich holiday, no stress required. 🎄
