You just unwrapped a brand-new iPhone 16 or maybe that sleek Apple Watch you’ve been eyeing for months. Suddenly, you realize you need a specific case, or worse, you can't remember your Apple ID password to save your life. You’re ready to bolt out the door to the nearest mall. But then the big question hits: is Apple Store open on Christmas?
Honestly, the short answer is no.
Every single year, without fail, Apple shuts down its physical retail operations for December 25th. It doesn't matter if you're in the middle of Manhattan or a quiet suburb in the Midwest. Those glass doors are locked.
Is Apple Store open on Christmas? The hard truth about December 25
It’s a bit of a bummer if you’re in a tech emergency, but Apple is pretty firm on this one. They close all 500+ stores globally on Christmas Day. While some grocery stores or pharmacies might stay open for a few hours to catch the "I forgot the cranberry sauce" crowd, Apple chooses to give its retail staff a total break.
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In the retail world, this is actually a pretty significant statement. Think about it. Christmas is arguably the biggest day for tech "emergencies"—people getting new gadgets, needing setups, or realizing they bought the wrong charging cable. By staying closed, Apple leaves millions in potential revenue on the table. But they’ve stuck to this policy for years. It’s basically their way of letting employees have a life outside of the Genius Bar.
The closure is universal. In the past, there were rumors that flagship locations like the iconic Fifth Avenue "Cube" in New York—which is famously open 24/7, 365 days a year—might stay open. Even that location usually shutters its doors for the holiday. If you're looking for a physical person to help you with a MacBook that won't boot up on Christmas morning, you're out of luck until the 26th.
What about Christmas Eve and Boxing Day?
Now, if you’re a last-minute shopper, December 24th is a different story. Apple Stores are definitely open on Christmas Eve, but don't expect them to stay open late. Most locations start shooing people out around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM local time.
If you’re in the UK, Canada, or Australia, you’ve also got Boxing Day to consider. On December 26th, stores usually fly open with extended hours to handle the massive wave of returns and people spending their gift cards. In the US, it’s just a standard post-holiday rush, but the doors will definitely be open.
Why you can't just "pop in" for a quick fix
Most people think, "Surely there’s a skeleton crew for repairs?" Nope. The Genius Bar is totally offline.
If your screen is cracked or your battery is dead, you're waiting. Apple’s internal systems for scheduling appointments usually won't even let you see December 25th as an option. If you try to use the Apple Store app to book a session, those slots just won't exist. It’s a total blackout.
There is one small exception to the "everything is closed" rule: the internet.
The Apple Online Store never sleeps. You can still buy an iMac or a pair of AirPods Pro at 3:00 AM while sitting in your pajamas eating leftover ham. Just keep in mind that nothing is going to ship until at least the 26th. Also, if you’re hoping for "In-Store Pickup" for something you bought online on Christmas Day, you’ll have to wait until the store reopens the following morning.
Digital services are still humming
While the physical buildings are dark, Apple’s digital ecosystem is very much alive.
- The App Store: Fully functional. You can download games and apps for your new iPad all day long.
- iCloud and Services: Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud syncing are monitored by essential engineering teams. These aren't retail workers; they're the backend folks keeping the servers from melting.
- Support Forums: If you’re desperate, the Apple Support Communities are often packed with other people who just got new devices and are trying to figure out how to transfer their data.
Real-world alternatives for a tech crisis
So, the Apple Store is closed. You’re staring at a "Disabled" screen on your new phone. What do you actually do?
First, check the Apple Support app on another device. Sometimes, you can get a chat representative who is working remotely. While they can't physically take your device apart, they can walk you through software resets or account recovery steps. It’s a lot better than just staring at a bricked device until tomorrow.
Second, don't forget about third-party retailers. Places like Best Buy or Target are also typically closed on Christmas, but some local authorized service providers or independent repair shops might have different hours (though it's rare). Generally, if Apple is closed, the rest of the big-box retail world is too.
The holiday return window trick
One thing most people get wrong about the holidays is the stress of the return window. Apple is actually pretty cool about this. For the 2025 holiday season, they’ve extended the return policy. Most items purchased between early November and December 25 can be returned through January 8, 2026.
So, if you realize on Christmas Day that you actually wanted the "Max" version of the phone you just got, don't panic. You don't have to rush in the second they open on the 26th. You’ve got a couple of weeks to breathe.
How to check your specific store hours for 2026
While we know the answer to is Apple Store open on Christmas is a "no," the hours for the days around the holiday can be weird. Here is the best way to get the exact timing for your local spot:
- The Apple Store App: This is the most accurate. Go to the "Stores" tab, find your location, and it will list "Special Store Hours."
- Apple’s Website: Go to apple.com/retail. It’s updated in real-time.
- Siri: You can literally ask your phone, "Hey Siri, what are the hours for the Apple Store tomorrow?" It’s surprisingly reliable for this.
Actionable steps for your tech holiday
If you are worried about being stuck without help, do these three things before the 25th hits:
- Backup your old device early. Don't wait until Christmas morning to try and move 200GB of photos to a new phone. The servers get slammed on the 25th and everything moves slower.
- Check your Apple ID password now. Most "emergencies" on Christmas are just people forgetting their passwords. Reset it now if you're unsure.
- Buy that extra charger on the 23rd. If you think you might need an extra USB-C cable or a power brick, get it early. Once those doors close on the 24th, you're stuck with whatever you have in the house.
Essentially, treat Christmas as a tech-support-free zone. Prepare for the silence, enjoy your new gadgets as best as you can, and save the Genius Bar visits for the 26th.