As Christmas approaches, many Americans are prepared to celebrate without the usual winter wonderland backdrop, thanks to unusually warm weather this year. While some may miss out on a snowy holiday, they might still find themselves making last-minute trips to the store for dinner ingredients or essentials.
It’s important to note that most major retail stores and grocery chains will be closed on Christmas Day, but a few exceptions exist for those in need of shopping or dining options. For instance, Walmart, one of the largest retail chains in the country, will be closed on Christmas Day but will reopen the following day, December 26, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shoppers are advised to check store hours on Walmart’s online locator, as they may vary by location.
For those requiring pharmacy items or household essentials, several convenience and drugstores will remain open. Notably, CVS and Walgreens will welcome customers on Christmas, although their hours may differ based on individual store locations. Most 7-Eleven outlets will be open around the clock, providing 24/7 service on Christmas Day, as will Sheetz stores.
In the grocery sector, however, the majority of stores will shutter their doors for the holiday. Chains including Aldi, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Publix, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, and Wegmans will not be open.
On a brighter note for those looking to avoid cooking, many restaurants and fast-food chains plan to serve customers on Christmas Day. Establishments such as Applebee’s and several Dunkin’ locations will be open, while McDonald’s will keep some of its locations operational. Domino’s has indicated that while they do not require stores to be open, customers should consult their website for local hours. Some Starbucks locations may have limited hours, so it’s best to verify in advance.
The retail landscape remains largely closed, with major superstores and department stores such as Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, IKEA, JCPenney, and Target among those opting for a Christmas closure.
In logistical matters, the United States Postal Service (USPS) will not operate on Christmas Day, halting mail delivery, which will resume on December 26. Similarly, UPS will not offer pick-up or delivery services on Christmas, except for their Express Critical service.
Financial markets will also be closed on Christmas Day, with trading resuming on December 26. As the holiday draws near, individuals planning their schedules are encouraged to verify store operating hours and make arrangements accordingly.
