Breaking: What’s open on Christmas Day, and how to make the most of it
Christmas morning is here, and the doors you expect may not be open. I can confirm a key change for last minute errands. Walmart will not open on Christmas Day this year. That shifts the day’s safety net to convenience stores, select groceries, and a short list of restaurants and coffee shops with holiday hours.
Here is your live, practical plan for getting what you need, eating well, and enjoying the day without stress. It is a guide you can use in any city, with smart checks for local hours and easy backup moves.
The big picture today
Most big retailers are closed. Plan on Target, Costco, Home Depot, and many mall stores staying dark. Grocery chains are mixed, and hours depend on the store. Some Safeway and Albertsons banners open for short windows. Some Kroger family stores, like King Soopers and Ralphs, run morning hours only. In other areas, doors stay shut.
Convenience wins the day. Gas station marts, 24 hour brands, and neighborhood pharmacies carry the load. Many fast food and sit down spots open limited hours, with franchise by franchise calls.
Hours vary by location, even within the same chain. Check your local store or app before you go.
Where you can actually go right now
Convenience stores are your best bet. 7 Eleven, Circle K, and many gas station shops remain open, often all day. You can grab milk, snacks, ice, batteries, tape, and gift cards. Prices can be higher, so buy only what you need.
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens often keep the front store open for reduced hours. Expect basic groceries, cold medicine, and small gifts. Many pharmacy counters are closed, or open for a brief window.
Sit down diners shine today. Denny’s and Waffle House are famous for staying open. IHOP often runs holiday hours. Coffee is a maybe. Starbucks opens many stores for morning service, but not all. Fast food varies. Some McDonald’s and Burger King locations open if the franchisee chooses.
- Likely open with limited hours: 7 Eleven, Circle K, CVS, Walgreens, Denny’s, Waffle House, IHOP, select Starbucks and McDonald’s
Grocery options are local. In some regions, Safeway and Albertsons banners unlock for a short morning rush. In others, doors stay closed. Smaller independents sometimes open a few hours. Call first.
Movie theaters are a bright spot. Many cinemas open all afternoon and evening. If you want a low effort outing, this is the easiest win.
Pharmacy service counters may be closed even if the store is open. Refill pickup could be unavailable.
Find hours fast without driving around
Use the store’s app or website first. Toggle curbside pickup. If you see same day slots, the store is open. Tap the location name to view today’s hours.
Check the map listing in Apple or Google Maps. Many chains post special holiday hours there. Call the number shown if you see a mismatch.
For restaurants, look at the location’s own page, not only the brand site. Franchise owners post local hours and menus.
Delivery can save the day. Some grocery and convenience delivery runs today, but fees surge late. If you need baby supplies or medicine, order early.
Have a Plan B within walking distance, like a nearby pharmacy or gas station market. It beats a long drive and a closed door.
When stores are closed, make holiday magic at home
You do not need a big shop to have a rich day. Try quick, low stress moves that feel like a gift.
- Host a board game swap, each person teaches one game they love
- Bake a pantry dessert, rice crispy treats or chocolate bark with mix ins
- Take a photo walk, make a 12 shot scavenger hunt around the block
- Run a cozy craft hour, paper snowflakes, origami stars, or a hot chocolate bar
Set a simple table, turn on a playlist, and declare it special. The ritual is the real treat.
What Walmart’s call means for you
With Walmart closed, pressure shifts to convenience stores, open diners, and select groceries. It also moves the last minute run to Christmas Eve. If you rely on a big box for batteries, toys, or dinner extras, plan ahead next year. Today, it is still manageable. Think small trips, smart checks, and flexible meals.
This change also gives workers a true day off. That matters. Use the pause to slow down yourself. Play a longer game. Watch the afternoon film. Take that cold walk. You will remember the feeling more than the errand.
The bottom line
Christmas Day is not a retail blackout. It is a lighter map with careful pockets of open doors. You can find coffee, a warm meal, basic supplies, and even a movie. Start with convenience, confirm hours on your phone, and keep a creative backup. Your day can still shine, and you might like the simpler pace ⭐
