What Is Open On Xmas Day

Alright, let’s be honest: Christmas Day is basically a national game of “Will It Be Open?” The streets are emptier than a politician’s promise, and your chances of finding a cup of coffee feel slimmer than a reindeer on a diet. But fear not, my festive friends! The world doesn’t shut down entirely—you just need to know where to look.

First, the good news: Chinese restaurants are your Christmas angels. It’s a glorious, greasy miracle. According to the New York Times, Chinese food on Christmas has been a Jewish tradition for over a century, and everyone else quickly realized, “Hey, that’s genius.” So if you crave dumplings while everyone else burns a turkey, you’re winning.

Movie theaters are also open, because capitalism doesn’t take a holiday. You can escape awkward family conversations and watch an animated chipmunk save Christmas for the 47th time. Plus, the popcorn is always stale—which, in a weird way, feels comforting on a lonely day.

The Unlikely Heroes: 7-Elevens and Pharmacies

Let’s talk about 7-Eleven. These gas-station palaces of hope are open 365 days a year—even on Christmas. I’m convinced they’re run by elves who only drink Slurpees and hate Santa. You can grab a Hot Dog that’s been spinning since dawn and a cheap coffee that tastes like regret. Perfect.

Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also keep their lights on. Need Tums after your aunt’s “famous” fruitcake? They’ve got you. Surprisingly, many are open until 6 PM, but call first—nothing ruins a holiday like driving to a locked door while holding a half-eaten candy cane.

Fast Food’s Secret Christmas Army

Starbucks? Mostly closed, but some “we never rest” locations stay open. It’s a lottery, so check your app like a gambler checking a racehorse. Dunkin’ is a better bet—they know you need that iced coffee to survive your uncle’s political rants.

Now, McDonald’s is a coin toss. About 35% of locations are open on Christmas, per Chew Boom data. That’s a 1-in-3 chance of a McFlurry—which are down to one unit and still broken? Honestly, it’s the Christmas spirit we deserve. Pro tip: The drive-thru line is usually shorter than the “I love you” line you told your mother-in-law.

The Surprising “Open On Christmas” Hall of Fame

Here’s a shocker: Waffle House is open. Like, always. Even during hurricanes. Even during alien invasions. They serve hash browns as a legal requirement, I swear. On Christmas, the Waffle House becomes an ironic haven for lonely travelers and drunk uncles. God bless America.

Another weirdo open on Dec 25th: IHOP. But only certain locations. And yes, they will serve you pancakes shaped like Christmas trees if you ask nicely. (Or if you just yell, “I’m lonely!”—they get it.)

Oh, and most gas stations. Because someone has to sell you a cheap Christmas sweater you’ll buy on impulse while pumping gas. Also, Sheetz and Wawa are basically shrines to the holiday—hot food, coffee, and terrible eggnog cheesecake. Don’t judge. It’s Christmas.

The Great Christmas Grocery Gamble

Major grocery chains? Closed. Walmart and Target lock their doors—they’re not joking around. But smaller independent grocery stores or bodegas might be open, especially in big cities. You won’t find a turkey, but you can buy a bag of Funyuns and feel like a king. Live your best life.

Here’s a bizarre fact: Dollar Tree is often open. For a dollar, you can buy a sad, half-deflated balloon and a card that says “To a Special Someone.” Who is that someone? You, now. You earned it.

The Absolute Last Resort: ERs and Gas Pumps

Look, if everything fails, the emergency room is open. But you don’t want to go there unless you swallowed a Christmas ornament. Also, self-serve gas pumps are technically open—but you’ll pay for that gas with tears when you realize the car wash is closed forever.

Finally, let’s not forget your neighbor’s garage. Wait, no—don’t break in. But if you hear music and smell garlic bread, go knock. Everyone loves a brave beggar on Christmas.

So here’s the bottom line: On Christmas Day, you can get a greasy burger, a questionable coffee, a stale bagel, and—if you’re lucky—a sugar cookie from a kind gas station clerk. It’s not perfect, but it’s a little Christmas miracle. And if you still can’t find anything open? Well, that’s what leftover candy canes and hot tap water are for.

Merry Christmas, you beautiful, hungry weirdos.