22 Restaurants and Stores Open on Christmas Day 2022

If Santa finished your last carton of milk, have no fear—there ARE stores open on Christmas Day.

In our imaginations, Christmas dinner always runs smoothly, without a hitch. But in real life, our kids all catch colds, milk curdles in our coffee, and we have to buy a last-minute Christmas gift for Aunt Betty who is now unexpectedly coming over for dinner. That’s when the pajamas come off, the yoga pants go on, and we run to the store for cold medicine, creamer, and one of these gift ideas. Fortunately, there are stores open on Christmas Day—this list is different than the stores open on Christmas Eve. Here are the ones you’re most likely to visit—but be sure to check with your local location for their holiday hours before heading out. Then, check out the best day-after-Christmas sales to shop.

Grocery stores open on Christmas Day

Giant Food Stores: Most locations will be open Christmas Day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; check your local store for hours.

Safeway: Some Safeway locations will be open on Christmas, so check your local store for hours.

You’ll be able to pick up all the ingredients at these places for these delicious Christmas appetizers.

Gas stations and convenience stores open on Christmas Day

A sign for the popular convenience store chain 7 Eleven on the corner of the awning above gas pumps appears with a clear blue sky and power lines in the background.Zachery Jensen/Getty Images

7-Eleven: Most 7-Elevens continue their usual 24/7 schedule on Christmas Day.

Cumberland Farms: Locations are set to be open on Christmas from 7 a.m. to midnight, but it’s best to call ahead of time to check.

Circle K: Most should be open 24 hours on Christmas, like every other day of the year.

QuickChek: Most locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Sheetz: They’re open 24/7 daily, including on Christmas.

Speedway: Most Speedway locations will stay open all day, as per usual.

Wawa: This is another 24/7 chain that doesn’t close for Christmas.

Drugstores open on Christmas Day

CVS Pharmacy Retail Location on a sunny dayjetcityimage/Getty Images

CVS: Many CVS stores are open 24/7, but on Christmas, the hours are shorter. Check your local CVS for exact hours.

Walgreens: Most Walgreens locations are open on Christmas Day. Some will be open all day as per usual, and those locations that aren’t will have limited hours.

Rite Aid: Rite Aid stores are will remain open on Christmas, but hours may vary. Check your local Rite Aid for exact hours.

These drugstores will do the trick if you need a few last-minute stocking stuffers for the kids.

Coffee shops open on Christmas Day

a starbucks logo sign attached to a buildingRobert Alexander/Getty Images

Starbucks: Select Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas this year. Double-check your local cafe’s hours before you leave.

Restaurants open on Christmas Day

Buca di Beppo: Have a Christmas feast full of pasta and garlic bread at your local Italian chain. Make sure to call ahead though because hours vary by location.

Casey’s: They’ll be open at 10 a.m. on Christmas.

Chinese food restaurants: This is their big day. Head to your local Chinatown, where nearly every restaurant is open regular hours.

Denny’s: Stop in 24/7 for a meal on Christmas Day at Denny’s.

exterior of ihop restaurant on a sunny dayTennesseePhotographer/Getty Images

IHOP: Hours will vary by location, but nearly all IHOPs plan to be open.

McDonald’s: These are independently owned and operated, so some will be open. Check your local McDonald’s hours before hitting the drive thru.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: Yes, you can have a full steak dinner on Christmas. They also have holiday special meals served.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: This varies by location, but most will be open.

Waffle House: This breakfast-all-day restaurant plans to be open.

If you’re scrambling for a gift for the women in your life, check out the best gifts for her she will really appreciate.

Stores closed on Christmas Day

Costco

Dollar General

Home Depot

Kroger

Publix

Ralphs

Sam’s Club

Stop & Shop

Target

Trader Joe’s

Walmart

Wegmans

Whole Foods

Next, read up on these gifts for men who seemingly have everything.

Danielle Braff
Danielle Braff regularly covers travel, health and lifestyle for Reader's Digest. Her articles have also been published in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe and other publications. She has a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master's degree in musicology from Oxford University in England. Danielle is based in Chicago, where she lives with her husband and two children. See her recent articles at Daniellebraff.com. You can follow her on Facebook @Danielle.Karpinos, Twitter @daniellebraff and Instagram at danikarp.