Christmas Day, December 25, remains one of the most observed holidays globally, with many businesses choosing to close so employees can spend the holiday with family. But depending on where you live or travel, essential services, food outlets, and entertainment options still operate in many places. Here’s what to know this year.
1. Retail and Grocery Stores: Mostly Closed (But With Exceptions)
Across major cities in the U.S. and many Western countries, most large stores and grocery chains will be closed on Christmas Day:
- U.S. retail giants like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale, Kroger, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Macy’s will all be closed on December 25, 2025.
- Department stores such as Nordstrom, JCPenney, and Kohl’s follow the same pattern.
These closures reflect a broader trend of giving staff the day off, making Christmas Day one of the quietest retail days of the year.
Open exceptions:
- Convenience stores and fuel stations like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Sheetz, Wawa, and other 24/7 outlets usually remain open, though hours can differ by location.
- Select pharmacy locations (e.g., Walgreen’s, CVS) may also operate with limited hours in some areas.
- Some supermarkets like Safeway or Albertsons may keep specific branches open with adjusted hours, but this is not universal.
Pro tip: Always check online store locators before heading out, holiday schedules vary widely.
2. Restaurants and Fast Food: Holiday Dining Options
While many restaurants close for Christmas Day, a surprising number of dining options stay open, especially fast-food chains and casual diners:
Fast Food & Chain Restaurants
- McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Dunkin’, Domino’s, Applebee’s, Arby’s, Denny’s, IHOP, Qdoba, Red Lobster, and Starbucks plan to operate on Christmas Day — with hours that can vary by location.
- Diners like Waffle House often remain open all day and are a classic go-to for holiday dining.
Sit-Down & Delivery
- Select full-service restaurants may offer holiday menus or Christmas dinner reservations via apps like OpenTable, particularly in cities with tourist traffic.
- Some chains like Red Lobster or Hooters may open with special menus or limited hours.
Closed on Christmas
- Chains like Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Olive Garden, and many regional favorites choose to stay closed on December 25 to allow staff holiday time.
3. UK & Europe: Pubs, Bakeries, and Local Tradition
In the UK and much of Europe, Christmas Day is a more solemn and family-focused holiday, meaning many mainstream shops stay shut:
- Many retail stores and shopping centers in the UK and other European nations remain closed on Christmas Day, with shops reopening after Boxing Day.
- However, select pubs and eateries do open for limited hours, for example, over 600 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK are operating around midday for drinks only (no food menus).
- Gail’s Bakery announced that around 10 locations in London will remain open on Christmas Day, offering festive baked goods and free mince pies while supplies last.
In some European cities, tourist-oriented hotels, cafés, and restaurants remain open, especially in central areas, though most grocery stores and smaller shops shut for the holiday.
4. Emergency, Essential, and Public Services
Not every service closes for Christmas, especially those related to safety and health:
- Hospitals and emergency medical services operate 24/7 everywhere.
- Public transportation often runs on a special holiday schedule with reduced frequency.
- ATM banking and automated services remain accessible even though physical bank branches close.
Government offices, post offices, and stock markets are closed, but essential services continue with backups or holiday staffing.
5. International Highlights & Local Variance
Hungary & Eastern Europe
Almost all shops and markets are closed on Christmas Day, but small convenience stores, petrol station shops, and pharmacy rotations may operate. Restaurants in tourist districts can remain open with holiday hours.
Traveler Experiences
Reports from travelers in cities like Bruges and Budapest indicate that while most shops are shuttered, select restaurants, kiosks, and public attractions (e.g., seasonal markets or parks) might operate on or near Christmas Day, though reservations are often required.
Global Variance
In countries that do not widely celebrate Christmas (e.g., some East Asian nations, Middle Eastern states), businesses often remain open or follow regular hours, making Christmas Day just another weekday for many shops and services.
Tips for Christmas Day Planning
Plan Ahead
- Shop early on Christmas Eve as most stores close early or not at all on the 25th.
- Check local hours online or via apps, store hours change by franchise and region.
Food & Dining
- Calling restaurants or checking their apps (e.g., McDonald’s, Starbucks) helps confirm exact hours.
- Grocery stops should happen before Dec. 25 unless visiting a 24/7 convenience store or petrol station.
Travel & Public Transport
- Public transport runs reduced services; plan your routes in advance if traveling on Christmas Day.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Day 2025 will look much like years past: most mainstream retail stores and big grocery chains will be closed, reflecting the global tradition of prioritizing family and rest. Yet in nearly every city around the world, restaurants, convenience stores, 24/7 services, petrol stations, and select pubs or cafes will provide refuge to those needing essentials or a holiday meal. Whether you’re staying home or traveling, planning ahead and checking local listings is your best strategy for finding what’s open on this special day.
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