Desperately hunting for last-minute stocking stuffers or a can of cranberry sauce? Your options will be limited.
Christmas is the one day that Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, shutters its locations and several regional and national stores follow suit.
But never fear, drug stores including CVS and Walgreens will be open as will several convenience stores including 7-Eleven and Cumberland Farms.
If you need to grab a snack or a meal on Christmas Day, most national restaurant chains like Bob Evans, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A are closed, but many Starbucks, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ locations will be open along with IHOP, Denny’s and Waffle House.
Why so many shuttered eateries? Christmas is historically a slow day for the industry, according to small business software provider Womply. In 2019, only 20% of restaurants were open on the holiday. The national surge in coronavirus cases is not helping. Womply found 28% of restaurants were closed nationwide as of Dec. 1.
What stores are open Christmas Day?
Hours can vary and not all locations will be open. In some cases, store websites have not been updated to reflect holiday hours, so call your closest location.
7-Eleven
Albertsons
Circle K
Cumberland Farms
CVS
Love’s Travel Stops
Pilot Flying J.
RaceTrac
Rite-Aid
Safeway
Speedway
TravelCenters of America
Vons
Walgreens
Additional stores, gas stations and convenience stores also are expected to be open. Check websites before heading out.
What restaurant chains are open Christmas Day?
The following restaurant chains have select locations open in some capacity. Some dining rooms may be closed, and many may be offering a more limited menu or only takeout and delivery.
Check with your closest location before heading out as not all locations are open. Some restaurant websites do not have updated holiday hours so call ahead.
Benihana
Boston Market
Buca di Beppo
Burger King
Del Taco
Denny’s
Dunkin’
IHOP
Jack in the Box
McDonald’s
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Popeyes
Ruth Chris’ Steak House
Shoney’s
Sonic Drive-In
Starbucks
TGI Fridays
Waffle House
