Major Retail Chains Open on Christmas Day
Many large retailers keep selected locations open on Christmas Day to serve shoppers, with most opening between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM and closing by 6:00 PM. Target, Walmart, and Costco typically operate a limited number of stores, while grocery chains such as Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix often keep more locations open than general merchandise retailers. Apple Store and Best Buy also run reduced-hour openings at high-traffic malls, and some 7-Eleven and CVS Pharmacy locations remain open 24 hours for last-minute essentials and pharmacy needs. For exact hours, check the store locator on the retailer's official website or call the specific branch directly, as hours vary by city and mall management rules.
Holiday shopping data from the National Retail Federation shows that a growing share of consumers prefer early December purchases, yet Christmas Day foot traffic remains relevant for urgent gifts and returns. Online order pick-up and curbside services at places like Amazon Hub Lockers, Walmart Pickup Towers, and Target Drive Up can reduce the need to visit physical stores on Christmas itself. Many retailers publish their Christmas Day schedules in early December, with updates posted on their websites and apps, and some offer extended hours in the days leading up to December 25 to shift demand away from the holiday.
Restaurants, Food Delivery, and Fast Food Options
Chain restaurants such as Applebee's, IHOP, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, and Waffle House often open on Christmas Day with limited menus, and some locations serve brunch or dinner service depending on local demand. Pizza chains including Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's usually keep many locations open, while fast-food operators such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell vary by franchise ownership and local licensing. Food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates expand driver availability on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though delivery times may be longer and fees higher due to surge pricing and reduced driver pools.
For sit-down dining, many upscale chains such as The Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, and Olive Garden operate select branches on Christmas, often requiring reservations weeks in advance. Starbucks and Dunkin' typically keep many locations open, with hours matching regular weekday schedules, and some grocery delis and bakery sections in stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's sell prepared holiday meals that can be heated at home. Always confirm Christmas Day hours through the restaurant's website or app, as franchisee discretion and local ordinances can override corporate default schedules.
Banks, ATMs, Transportation, and Essential Services
Most bank branches are closed on Christmas Day, but ATMs, online banking, and mobile apps remain fully operational, and some credit unions and banks with in-store branches inside grocery retailers may open for limited hours. Federal Reserve banks and payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, and ACH processors process transactions normally, so holiday purchases clear on regular business days unless they fall on a weekend. Transportation services vary widely: Amtrak, Greyhound, and regional bus carriers often run reduced schedules, while most major airlines operate flights on Christmas Day, especially for early morning and late evening departures to connect with holiday travel plans.
Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft usually operate on Christmas with dynamic pricing, and airport ground transportation, taxis, and rental car agencies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise often maintain service at major hubs. Gas stations attached to convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Sheetz frequently stay open, and many Shell, BP, and Exxon stations operate 24 hours year-round. For real-time updates on service availability, check the official websites of the U.S. Department of Transportation and individual carriers, which publish Christmas schedules and service advisories before the holiday.