Last updated: September 9, 2026
Quick answer: Most major retailers, banks, government offices, and the U.S. stock market are closed on Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026). Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24) is typically a normal or shortened business day, with many stores closing a few hours earlier than usual. Below is the full breakdown by category — hours can vary by location, so confirm with your local store before visiting.
Store & Retailer Hours
Nearly all major retail chains close entirely on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours vary — some stay open close to normal hours, others close early. Here’s the typical pattern based on recent years; always check your local store’s posted hours as the date approaches, since they can shift year to year.
| Store | Christmas Eve (Dec 24) | Christmas Day (Dec 25) |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Typically open, often shortened hours | Closed |
| Target | Typically open, often shortened hours | Closed |
| Costco | Typically open, reduced hours | Closed |
| Dollar General | Typically open, normal or reduced hours | Closed |
| Walgreens | Typically open; some 24-hour locations may adjust hours | Many locations open with reduced hours (pharmacy access varies) |
| CVS | Typically open; some 24-hour locations may adjust hours | Many locations open with reduced hours (pharmacy access varies) |
| Kroger | Typically open, often shortened hours | Closed |
| Home Depot | Typically open, often shortened hours | Closed |
| Best Buy | Typically open, often shortened hours | Closed |
Disclaimer: Hours vary by location and can change year to year. Always confirm with your local store or the retailer’s official store locator before visiting on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Fast Food & Coffee Chains Open on Christmas
| Chain | Christmas Day Status |
|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Many locations open, hours vary by franchise |
| Starbucks | Most company-operated stores closed; some licensed locations (e.g., inside grocery stores) may open |
| Dunkin’ | Many locations open with reduced hours, varies by franchise |
| Taco Bell | Most locations closed or reduced hours; varies by franchise |
| Chick-fil-A | Closed (Chick-fil-A closes every Sunday and most major holidays, including Christmas) |
| Waffle House | Open — Waffle House is known for staying open on Christmas Day |
Fast food hours are set franchise-by-franchise, so status can vary significantly by location — call ahead or check the chain’s app/store locator.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Many national chain restaurants stay open on Christmas Day to serve holiday travelers and families who’d rather not cook, though hours are usually shortened and vary by franchise owner. Chinese restaurants and Indian restaurants are also a long-standing Christmas Day tradition in many U.S. communities, with a large share choosing to stay open.
Since actual hours are set location-by-location, the most reliable way to find restaurants open near you on Christmas Day is to:
- Search “restaurants open on Christmas Day near me” on Google Maps, which shows real-time hours pulled from each business listing
- Call ahead to confirm, since holiday hours are sometimes not accurately reflected online
- Check delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) — many restaurants that are closed for dine-in still fulfill delivery orders on Christmas
Banks, Post Office & Financial Markets
Is Christmas Eve a bank holiday?
No — Christmas Eve is not a federal bank holiday, so most banks are open, though some close early or reduce lobby hours. Christmas Day (December 25) is a full federal bank holiday; all FDIC-insured banks are closed.
Is USPS delivering on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
USPS operates normal delivery on Christmas Eve. Post offices and mail delivery are suspended on Christmas Day, which is a federal holiday for postal workers.
Is the stock market open on Christmas Eve?
The NYSE and Nasdaq typically close early (around 1:00 p.m. ET) on Christmas Eve when it falls on a trading day, and are fully closed on Christmas Day. Confirm exact hours with the exchange as the date approaches, since early-close schedules are set annually.
Is Christmas Eve a Federal Holiday?
Technically, no — Christmas Eve (December 24) is not one of the eleven official U.S. federal holidays. Christmas Day (December 25) is the federal holiday. That said, many private employers, schools, and some government offices choose to close or shorten hours on Christmas Eve as a matter of policy, which is why it often feels like a holiday even though it isn’t one on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amazon delivering on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
Amazon typically continues deliveries on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day itself, standard delivery is generally paused, though Amazon has in some years run limited Christmas Day delivery in select markets. Check your order status in the Amazon app for the most accurate delivery estimate.
What time does Walmart close on Christmas Eve?
Walmart is typically open on Christmas Eve with shortened hours, but exact closing times vary by store. Check your local Walmart’s hours via the Walmart store locator closer to the date.
Are banks open the day after Christmas?
Yes. December 26, 2026 (the Saturday after Christmas) follows normal weekend banking hours — most bank branches are already closed for the weekend regardless of the holiday, but online and mobile banking function normally.
Counting down to the big day? Check our live Christmas 2026 countdown for the exact days, hours, and minutes remaining — or head back to the National Days & Events Guide homepage for more upcoming holidays.