You’re standing in the kitchen. The oven is preheating, the family is getting loud in the living room, and you suddenly realize you forgot the heavy cream. Or the butter. Or maybe the dog knocked the entire tray of deviled eggs onto the floor. It happens to the best of us. Honestly, it’s practically a holiday tradition at this point.
Finding grocery stores open on Christmas Day 2024 is always a bit of a gamble because, let’s be real, most of the country shuts down. Big names like Walmart and Target have been very vocal about staying closed to give their staff a break. But you aren’t totally out of luck. There are always a few retailers that keep the lights on for those of us who can’t seem to remember everything on the first three trips to the store.
The Big Names That Actually Stay Open
Don't bother driving to Costco. It’s closed. Same for Publix, Aldi, and Kroger. If you head there, you’ll just be sitting in an empty parking lot feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, you need to look at the pharmacies and the regional players that have a history of staying open.
CVS and Walgreens are your best bets. Most people think of them as just places to get cold medicine or overpriced greeting cards, but their grocery aisles are surprisingly decent in a pinch. You can grab milk, eggs, frozen pizzas, and even some basic baking supplies.
- Walgreens: Most locations are open, though pharmacy hours might be shorter. 24-hour stores usually stay 24 hours.
- CVS: Many are open, but hours vary wildly by location. Some might close at 8 p.m. instead of staying open late.
- Rite Aid: Some locations remain open, but they’ve been closing stores lately, so this one is hit-or-miss.
If you need a "real" grocery store with a produce section, you’re looking at Safeway or Albertsons. But here is the catch: it’s not all of them. These companies leave it up to the individual store managers or regional directors. Typically, you’ll see them open from maybe 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a narrow window.
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Why Most Stores Stay Closed Now
It wasn't always like this. A decade ago, you could find a lot more open doors on December 25th. But since the pandemic, there’s been a massive shift in how retailers handle the holidays. Big chains like Walmart started using the "closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas" thing as a recruiting tool. It’s good PR, and frankly, it saves them a fortune in holiday pay for a day that isn't usually that profitable anyway.
According to retail analysts like those at Kiplinger, this trend is likely permanent. For the workers, it’s a win. For you, the person who forgot the cranberry sauce, it’s a headache.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day 2024: A Quick List
If you are in a rush, here is the breakdown of who is generally "yes" and who is a hard "no."
Likely Open (Check local hours first!):
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- 7-Eleven: These guys are the champions of the holiday. Most are open 24/7. It’s mostly snacks, but they have bread and milk.
- Safeway / Albertsons: Select locations only. Expect 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Vons: Similar to Safeway, select West Coast spots will be open.
- Giant Food: Some East Coast stores keep limited hours, usually until 5 p.m.
- Cumberland Farms / Wawa / Sheetz: If you live near these gas station-grocery hybrids, you’re golden. They are almost always open 365 days a year.
Definitely Closed:
- Walmart & Target
- Costco & Sam's Club
- Kroger & Harris Teeter
- Publix
- Trader Joe's & Whole Foods
- Aldi
The "Convenience Store" Strategy
Look, if you just need a gallon of milk or some butter, don't even try the supermarket. Just hit a gas station. Sheetz, Wawa, and Circle K have actually leveled up their food game over the last few years. You can get decent coffee and basic staples without fighting for a parking spot.
Even 7-Eleven has stepped up. Is it the most "Christmas" experience to buy your dinner ingredients next to a spinning hot dog grill? Maybe not. But when the alternative is a dry turkey because you forgot the basting liquid, you do what you have to do.
Don't Trust the Internet Blindly
Here is a bit of expert advice: Call the store. I know, I know. Nobody wants to make a phone call in 2024. But Google Maps is notoriously bad at updating holiday hours for individual franchises. Just because the corporate website says "Select stores open" doesn't mean your store is the one they are talking about.
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A quick 30-second call can save you a 20-minute drive through the snow. Most stores that are open on Christmas Day 2024 will have a skeletal crew, so be nice to the person who answers. They’re the reason your dinner is saved.
What to Do if Everything is Closed
If you truly can't find a single grocery store open, look toward the restaurants. Denny’s and IHOP are famous for never closing. Sometimes you can actually convince a manager to sell you a loaf of bread or a carton of eggs if you’re desperate enough.
Also, ethnic grocery stores—specifically smaller, family-owned Asian or Middle Eastern markets—often stay open because they don't always observe the same holiday schedule. These are hidden gems on Christmas Day. You might go in for potatoes and come out with the best spices you’ve ever tasted.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Download the apps: CVS and Walgreens apps usually have the most accurate "Live" hours.
- Check the gas: If you’re near a Wawa or Sheetz, just go there first. It’s a guaranteed win.
- Prep the "Emergency Kit": Next year, buy an extra bag of flour and a carton of long-life milk on December 20th. You’ll thank yourself later.