Major Retailers and Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day
Many large retailers and grocery chains keep at least some locations open on December 25 to serve shoppers and last-minute gift buyers. Walmart typically opens a limited number of stores, often from 6 a.m. to noon, though hours vary by location and year. Target usually keeps a smaller selection of stores open with reduced hours, and customers should check local store pages for exact times. Whole Foods Market operates select locations on Christmas Day, often with shorter hours than usual, and shoppers can confirm schedules on the company website or app Whole Foods Market.
Costco generally closes on Christmas Day but reopens the following day, while some warehouse clubs and regional grocery chains choose to stay open for extended hours. Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar often keep many locations open, particularly in high-demand areas. Specialty retailers such as Apple Store and Best Buy may also operate select stores with adjusted hours, and consumers are advised to verify availability online before traveling.
Banks, Financial Services, and Stock Market Operations
Most major banks in the United States, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, are closed on Christmas Day, with branches reopening on the next business day. Online banking, mobile apps, and ATMs remain available, and customers can still schedule transfers, pay bills, and access account information 24/7. The Federal Reserve System and the Securities and Exchange Commission observe Christmas Day as a federal holiday, meaning no regular trading or settlement operations take place U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq do not conduct regular trading sessions on December 25, and bond markets also remain closed. International financial hubs such as the London Stock Exchange and Tokyo Stock Exchange similarly observe the holiday with no regular trading. Customers who need urgent financial services can use online platforms, fintech apps, and ATMs, but in-person branch services are unavailable across most major institutions.
Delivery Services, Transportation, and Essential Businesses Open on Christmas Day
Major delivery and logistics companies often maintain limited Christmas Day operations to handle last-minute e-commerce orders and urgent shipments. FedEx and UPS typically do not deliver packages on December 25, but some pickup and drop-off locations may remain open depending on the area. Amazon Flex drivers and Amazon Locker locations may operate on a limited basis, and customers can track real-time delivery updates through the Amazon app Amazon.
Public transportation systems vary widely, with many urban subway and bus networks running on reduced holiday schedules while long-distance rail services often operate on modified timetables. Airlines generally fly regular schedules on Christmas Day, and airports remain open, though travelers should expect higher demand and potential delays. Hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, gas stations, and convenience stores frequently stay open on December 25 to serve essential needs, with many pharmacies offering extended hours at select locations.