What Is Open On Christmas Day

So there I was, Christmas morning, staring into the abyss of my own refrigerator. A sad, wilted jar of pickles stared back, judging me. I had a craving for something—anything—that wasn't another leftover slice of pie. That’s when the frantic question hit: what on earth is actually open on Christmas Day?

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been there. You forgot to buy milk, or the power went out, or you just need a ridiculous greasy spoon breakfast to break the family tension. It’s a frantic, oddly specific panic that feels both hilarious and desperate.

Let’s be real: Christmas is a ghost town—but a ghost town with a few stubborn, glowing lights. Most places are shut, and rightly so. But a handful of heroes stay open, and they are the unsung saviors of last-minute emergencies.

The Inevitable Suspects: Drugstores & Gas Stations

Your first port of call is the pharmacy or the gas station. Chains like CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven often keep limited hours—think morning to early afternoon. You won’t get a Christmas sweater, but you can grab aspirin, a stale bagel, and the existential joy of buying a pack of gum on a holiday.

Just don’t expect any smiles. The poor soul working the register is probably surviving on black coffee and sheer willpower. If you go, be nice. Like, obnoxiously nice. They are the day’s real miracle.

The Dining Dilemma: Chinese Food & Diner Lights

Ah, the classic Christmas tradition: Chinese food. It’s practically a meme at this point. P.F. Chang’s and many local Chinese restaurants are often open, serving up kung pao chicken like it’s any other Tuesday. Why? Because Christmas isn’t a major holiday in many Asian cultures, so they’ve got your six.

Then there are the diners. You know the ones—neon-lit, coffee-stained menus, open 24 hours for reasons unknown. Places like Denny’s, IHOP, or a local greasy spoon often run a skeleton crew. It’s a magical, slightly sad vibe. You’ll find other lost souls there: divorced dads, truck drivers, and people who just really, really want pancakes.

The Silver Lining: Movie Theaters & Hotels

If you’re losing your mind with family, movie theaters are your escape pod. Major chains like AMC and Regal typically open in the afternoon on Christmas Day. It’s a strategic move—they know you need to hide from Aunt Carol’s political rants. Plus, a new blockbuster is usually dropping. Best. Gift. Ever.

Hotels are also open, obviously. Their restaurants and bars often run sets of Christmas brunch or dinner. It’s pricey, but there’s something delightfully decadent about letting someone else carve the turkey while you sip a mimosa in a robe. You’re not lazy; you’re strategic.

The “Maybe, Maybe Not” List

Starbucks is a coin flip. Some corporate-owned stores close, but locations inside Target or in airports might stay open. Don’t bank on your triple-venti nonsense; check online before you drive into the void.

Walmart is almost always closed on Christmas Day. They’ve leaned pretty hard into the “family first” brand move. Same for most major grocery stores like Kroger or Trader Joe’s. These are hard closures—don’t even try the back door.

McDonald’s? A wildcard. Many franchise locations open for a few hours, usually breakfast. But it’s a gamble. You might get a happy meal, or you might get a locked door and a sad clown face. Proceed with caution.

How to Survive the Hunt

Here’s the real talk: always, always check ahead. Google Maps is a liar sometimes, especially on holidays. Call the store. Yes, a real phone call. It feels archaic, but it saves you from driving across town only to find a “Closed for Jesus” sign taped to the glass.

Also, have a backup plan. If you’re hunting for a gallon of milk, maybe you pivot to powdered creamer. Flexibility is the key to Christmas survival. And if all else fails, you can always go to a gas station and buy a bag of Combos and call it dinner. I’ve been there. No judgment.

So, this Christmas, if you find yourself wandering the empty streets, remember: you’re not alone. There’s a guy at a diner eating pie at 3 p.m., a pharmacist refilling your headache meds, and a crew at the Chinese joint folding dumplings. They’re the real MVPs. And if you’re the one stuck working? Hang in there. Your coffee is on me when the world reopens.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go chase a sushi craving on a day when all sushi places are definitely closed. Wish me luck. Or don’t—I’ll probably just end up at the gas station again.