Christmas Day 2026 is Friday, December 25. Many businesses and government offices close for Christmas, but some restaurants, pharmacies, convenience stores, gas stations and other essential services may stay open. Holiday hours vary by company and location, so check the specific location before you travel.
Updated for Christmas Day 2026 (last reviewed October 8, 2026). To keep this guide accurate, every item carries one of three labels:
- Confirmed: an official 2026 schedule has been published.
- Expected/General: based on how that type of service normally operates, but not a specific 2026 announcement.
- Verify Locally: retailer, restaurant, pharmacy or branch hours that must be checked with the specific location.
For the traditions behind the day, read our Christmas 2026 guide. To see other dates on the calendar, browse Upcoming Days & Events.
What Is Open on Christmas Day 2026?
On Christmas Day 2026, federal offices and USPS locations will be closed, while some restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores and other essential businesses may remain open. Use this table as a general guide, not a substitute for checking a specific location.
| Business/Service | Christmas Day 2026 | Status Label |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Closed | Confirmed |
| USPS | Closed (holiday) | Confirmed |
| Federal Reserve operations | Closed | Confirmed |
| Banks | Branches generally closed | Verify with your bank |
| Major retailers | Varies | Verify Locally |
| Grocery stores | Varies | Verify Locally |
| Restaurants | Varies | Verify Locally |
| Pharmacies | Varies | Verify Locally |
| Gas stations | Often location-dependent | Verify Locally |
| Hospitals/emergency services | Emergency services operate | Expected/General |
| Airports | Operating | Expected/General |
| Public transit | Varies | Verify Locally |
Are Banks Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Most bank branches are expected to be closed on Christmas Day 2026, but online and mobile banking usually stay available. Policies vary by institution, so check your bank’s holiday schedule.
Is Christmas Day a Bank Holiday?
Yes, in practical terms. Christmas Day is a federal holiday, and the Federal Reserve Banks observe it. Federal Reserve payment services such as Fedwire and ACH do not operate on Federal Reserve holidays. That is why transfers started late on Thursday, December 24 may not settle until the next business day, which is Monday, December 28.
Individual banks and credit unions set their own branch hours. Most close on Christmas Day, but some local institutions follow different schedules.
Can You Use an ATM on Christmas?
In most cases, yes. ATMs generally stay available, and mobile and online banking usually keep running. However:
- Online access does not mean branch services are operating.
- Deposits and transfers may post on the next business day.
- ATM cash availability depends on the machine’s location and operator.
Not every banking function is unavailable on Christmas, but anything that needs a teller or Federal Reserve processing will wait.
Is USPS Open on Christmas Day 2026?
No. USPS lists Friday, December 25, 2026 as a holiday, so Post Offices are closed.
Are Post Offices Open on Christmas?
Post Offices observe Christmas Day as a holiday, so retail counters will not be open. For background on the agency, see Wikipedia’s United States Postal Service article.
Is Mail Delivered on Christmas Day?
Regular USPS operations are affected by the holiday, and routine mail delivery does not run on postal holidays. Specific services can have their own rules, so check USPS directly for service-specific information before counting on any delivery that day.
USPS Christmas Shipping Deadlines
USPS has already announced its recommended 2026 send-by dates for delivery before December 25 within the contiguous U.S.
| Service | 2026 Recommended Send-By Date |
|---|---|
| USPS Ground Advantage | December 17 |
| First-Class Mail | December 17 |
| Priority Mail | December 18 |
| Priority Mail Express | December 19 |
For Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories, the recommended Ground Advantage date is December 16, and the other services use the same dates as above. These are recommended dates, and actual delivery can vary. Dates for military and international mail are published separately.
What Stores Are Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Most major retailers close or sharply reduce hours on Christmas Day, but each company sets its own policy. Retailers typically publish official holiday hours in the weeks before December 25, so this section uses verification labels instead of guesses based on last year.
Major Retail Stores
| Retailer | Christmas Day 2026 | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Verify closer to December 25 | Official store locator |
| Target | Verify closer to December 25 | Store-specific holiday hours |
| Costco | Verify official holiday schedule | Warehouse hours |
| Sam’s Club | Verify official schedule | Club-specific hours |
| Best Buy | Verify official schedule | Store hours |
| Home Depot | Verify official schedule | Local store |
| Lowe’s | Verify official schedule | Local store |
Holiday policies can change from year to year, and even stores in the same chain may differ by location. The safest approach is to check the official store locator in December.
Is a specific store open on Christmas Day 2026? The answer depends on the company’s announcement for 2026. Check the store’s website or app a few days before the holiday.
Are Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day?
Grocery store schedules are especially location-dependent. Some stores close completely, some open limited hours, and some regional divisions follow different policies than their parent company.
Grocery Stores to Check
Look up the hours for your local store of any of these chains:
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Publix
- H-E-B
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Aldi
- Meijer
- Wegmans
Do not assume every location of a chain shares the same schedule.
What to Buy Before Christmas Day
- Milk, bread and eggs
- Ice
- Batteries
- Baby supplies
- Pet food
- Basic over-the-counter medicines
- Last-minute ingredients
What Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Some restaurants open on Christmas, but many close or run reduced hours. Those that open often have:
- Reduced hours
- Special holiday menus
- Required reservations
- Limited staff and limited menus
- Location-specific schedules
Restaurant Chains to Check
- Denny’s
- IHOP
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Dunkin’
- Waffle House
- Applebee’s
- Hooters
- Hotel restaurants
Do not assume every location is open. Franchise owners often set their own holiday hours.
How to Find a Restaurant Open on Christmas
- Search the restaurant’s official website.
- Check the specific location, not just the chain.
- Check the official app.
- Call the restaurant.
- Confirm holiday hours before you leave.
- Ask whether reservations are required.
Are Pharmacies Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Some pharmacy locations are open on Christmas, but hours vary. Chains such as CVS and Walgreens, along with independent pharmacies, set holiday hours store by store.
A pharmacy’s front store may have different hours from its pharmacy counter. A location can be open for snacks and household items while the prescription counter is closed or has shorter hours.
What to Do If You Need Medicine on Christmas
- Use the pharmacy’s store locator and check pharmacy-counter hours specifically.
- Refill prescriptions before Thursday, December 24 whenever possible.
- Check local urgent-care information if you need non-emergency care.
- Call 911 or go to an emergency department if the situation is a medical emergency.
Are Gas Stations Open on Christmas Day?
Many gas stations operate on Christmas because fuel is essential for travel, but hours vary by location. The pumps may run differently from the attached convenience store, and staffing can change the schedule.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores are often a good option for:
- Snacks and drinks
- Ice
- Basic household items
- Fuel
- Travel necessities
Confirm hours first, especially in smaller towns.
Are Hospitals and Emergency Services Open on Christmas?
Emergency services operate on Christmas Day, but routine appointments generally do not.
Emergency Departments
Hospital emergency departments operate continuously, including on holidays.
Doctor’s Offices and Clinics
Routine offices and clinics may close or run reduced schedules. Call ahead and ask whether urgent-care options are available.
911 and Emergency Services
Police, fire and 911 dispatch services continue operating on holidays. Location-specific details, such as which hospital is nearest, should come from official local sources.
Are Government Offices Open on Christmas Day?
Federal government offices are closed on Christmas Day 2026 because it is a federal holiday. Other federal holidays on the 2026 calendar include Labor Day 2026, which was observed earlier this fall. For a broader explanation, see Wikipedia’s article on federal holidays in the United States.
- State and local government schedules can vary.
- Courts, DMV offices and municipal services may follow separate holiday schedules.
- Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, is not a regularly scheduled federal holiday, although special leave for federal employees is sometimes granted by presidential action.
Are Schools Open on Christmas Day?
Generally, schools are not in session on Christmas Day, but each school calendar determines official closures and winter-break dates.
This applies to public schools, private schools and colleges. Winter break dates vary widely by district and institution, so check your school’s official calendar.
Are Airports Open on Christmas Day?
Airports generally keep operating on Christmas Day, though airlines may run reduced schedules. Security and terminal operations continue according to each airport’s schedule. Shops and restaurants inside terminals may have different hours.
Traveling on Christmas Day
- Confirm your flight status before leaving.
- Arrive according to airline and airport guidance.
- Check ground transportation connections.
- Verify rental-car desk hours.
- Confirm hotel check-in availability.
Is Public Transportation Open on Christmas?
Many bus and rail systems run on Christmas, but often on reduced or holiday schedules. Some routes may not operate at all. Schedules vary by city, so check your local transit authority’s official holiday timetable.
What Is Closed on Christmas Day 2026?
These services are generally closed or often closed on Christmas Day 2026. Confirm any specific business before you go.
- Federal government offices (confirmed holiday)
- USPS and Post Offices (confirmed holiday)
- Federal Reserve operations (confirmed holiday)
- U.S. stock exchanges (expected)
- Many bank branches
- Many major retailers
- Some grocery stores
- Some restaurants
- Many corporate offices
Christmas Day 2026 Open vs Closed: Quick Guide
| Service | General Christmas Day Status |
|---|---|
| Federal offices | Closed |
| USPS | Closed |
| Federal Reserve | Closed |
| Banks | Generally closed |
| Major retailers | Varies |
| Grocery stores | Varies |
| Restaurants | Varies |
| Pharmacies | Varies |
| Gas stations | Often location-dependent |
| Hospitals/emergency departments | Open for emergency services |
| Airports | Operating |
| Public transit | Varies |
How to Check Christmas Day Hours
Holiday hours change quickly, so confirm them directly. Follow these steps.
Step 1: Check the Official Website
Use the company’s own website rather than relying only on search-engine listings, which can be outdated.
Step 2: Check the Specific Location
Holiday hours can differ between branches of the same company.
Step 3: Check the Official App
Some chains publish holiday hours through their apps.
Step 4: Call Before Leaving
This matters most for restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores and independent businesses.
Step 5: Check for Special Holiday Hours
Look for early closing, late opening, reduced services or reservation-only service.
What Should You Buy Before Christmas Day?
Because Christmas falls on a Friday, many people have a long weekend with limited store access. Use this checklist to avoid a last-minute scramble.
Food
- Turkey, ham or main dish
- Vegetables
- Bread
- Desserts
- Drinks
- Snacks
Household
- Batteries
- Ice
- Paper products
- Cleaning supplies
Family
- Gifts
- Wrapping paper
- Stocking stuffers
- Children’s supplies
Emergency/Essential
- Prescriptions
- Baby supplies
- Pet supplies
- Fuel
Christmas Day Emergency & Essential Services
Retail availability and essential services are different things. Stores may close, but critical services continue.
- Hospitals and emergency departments: operate continuously.
- Fire departments and police: respond to emergencies.
- 911: available throughout the holiday.
- Gas stations: many stay open, with varying hours.
- Certain pharmacies: some locations offer modified hours.
- Airport operations: continue according to schedules.
For location-specific information, consult your city, county or hospital’s official website.
Christmas Day 2026 Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When is Christmas Day 2026? | Friday, December 25 |
| Is Christmas a federal holiday? | Yes |
| Is USPS open? | No, Christmas Day is a USPS holiday |
| Are banks open? | Generally no branch service |
| Are stores open? | Varies by retailer and location |
| Are restaurants open? | Varies by restaurant and location |
| Are pharmacies open? | Varies by location |
| Are hospitals open? | Emergency services operate |
| Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday? | No, not a regularly scheduled federal holiday |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is open on Christmas Day 2026?
Some restaurants, pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores and other essential businesses may be open, but holiday hours vary by company and location. Check the specific business before traveling.
Are banks open Christmas Day 2026?
Most bank branches are expected to be closed because Christmas Day is a federal and Federal Reserve holiday. Individual bank policies and digital services can differ.
Is USPS open on Christmas Day 2026?
No. USPS lists Friday, December 25, 2026 as a holiday.
Is Walmart open on Christmas Day 2026?
Walmart’s hours are set by the company and can change by year and location. Check Walmart’s official store locator in December for the confirmed 2026 schedule.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Some restaurants open, often with modified hours, while others close. Check the specific location’s holiday schedule.
Are grocery stores open on Christmas?
Some grocery stores operate limited hours, while others close completely. Check your local store individually.
Are pharmacies open on Christmas Day?
Some pharmacy locations are open, potentially with reduced hours or different pharmacy-counter hours. Verify the individual location.
Are gas stations open on Christmas?
Many gas stations operate on Christmas Day, but convenience-store and staffing hours can vary.
Are government offices open on Christmas Day?
Federal offices generally close because Christmas Day is a federal holiday. State and local offices may follow their own holiday schedules.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No. Christmas Eve is not a regularly scheduled federal holiday, although special leave is sometimes granted to federal employees.
Christmas Day 2026 Countdown
🎄 Christmas Day 2026 Countdown: Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026.
Conclusion
Christmas Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25. Federal offices and USPS observe the holiday, while banks, retailers, grocery stores, restaurants and pharmacies have schedules that vary by organization and location. Before heading out, check the official website or call the specific location to confirm its Christmas Day hours.
Once your plans are set, you can find message ideas in our Christmas wishes 2026 guide. For more holiday dates and planning help, visit the National Days & Events Guide.