Honestly, the holidays are a chaotic mess for anyone trying to keep a routine. You’ve got the heavy meals, the family drama, and that nagging feeling that you really should go move your body before the third round of ham hits the table. If you’re a member of the "Judgement Free Zone," your first thought is probably: Is Planet Fitness open Christmas Day? It’s a fair question because their whole brand is built on being accessible and often staying open 24/7. But Christmas is the one day where the "24/7" rule usually hits a brick wall.
Let's get the blunt truth out of the way. Most Planet Fitness locations are closed on December 25th.
It’s a bummer if you’re trying to escape the house for an hour of cardio. While the franchise is famous for never closing, Christmas is the singular exception that almost every franchise owner agrees on. However, because Planet Fitness operates on a franchise model, there isn't one single "corporate" rule that governs every single front door in the country. This creates a bit of a gray area that drives people crazy every December.
Why the 24/7 sign isn't always literal
Most people see that glowing purple sign and assume the doors never lock. For 360 days of the year, that’s basically true. But Christmas is different. Ownership groups, like PF Growth Partners or United FP, manage hundreds of clubs across different states. They have the final say.
Typically, you'll see a pattern. On Christmas Eve, most gyms will start tapering down. They might close early—think 1:00 PM or 4:00 PM—to let the staff get home. Then, the doors stay locked until the morning of December 26th. It's not just about the holiday spirit; it’s about the logistics of staffing a gym when nobody wants to work. Even a "low-cost" gym needs at least one or two people on-site for safety and cleaning.
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If you're in a massive metro area like New York City or Chicago, you might find a rare outlier. Some corporate-owned flagship locations might experiment with limited hours, but don't bet your workout on it. It’s a recipe for showing up to a dark parking lot.
How to check your specific club without wasting gas
Don't just drive there. Seriously. Gas is too expensive for a "maybe."
The Planet Fitness app is actually pretty decent for this, though it has its quirks. Usually, under the "Club Info" section, they’ll post holiday hours about a week in advance. But here’s the pro tip: check their local Facebook or Instagram page. Often, the manager of a specific club will post a photo of a printed sign taped to the front door. That’s the most reliable source of truth you’re going to find.
- Open the PF App and find your home club.
- Look for the "Holiday Hours" banner.
- If it says "Check with club," call them on December 23rd.
- If they don't answer, they’re probably following the standard "Closed on Christmas" protocol.
Keep in mind that even if they are closed on the 25th, they usually roar back to life at 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM on the 26th. That’s when the "New Year's Resolution" crowd starts trickling in early, so if you want to avoid the swarm, go as soon as they reopen.
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The Franchise Factor
Every Planet Fitness is a bit of an island. Chris Rondeau, the long-time CEO, has spoken before about the balance between the 24/7 model and franchisee needs. Owners pay for the right to use the name, but they also have to pay the electricity and the labor. Running a gym on Christmas Day is often a net loss. There isn't enough foot traffic to justify the overhead.
What to do when the doors are locked
If you absolutely must sweat on Christmas and your local PF is closed, you have options. You don't need a Smith machine to burn off the stuffing.
The Planet Fitness app has a library of digital workouts that are actually included in most memberships. You can do a bodyweight circuit in your living room while the rest of the family is napping. It’s not the same as hitting the cable machines, but it beats doing nothing.
Alternatively, some 24-hour boutique gyms that use keycard access (like Anytime Fitness or some local iron gyms) stay open because they don't require staff to be present. If you have a buddy with a membership elsewhere, today is the day to use that guest pass.
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Holiday hours at a glance
While things change, here is the "usual" schedule for most clubs across the United States:
- December 24th (Christmas Eve): Most clubs close early. Expect the lights to go out between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
- December 25th (Christmas Day): 99% of locations are closed.
- December 26th: Reopening early, often by 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM, resuming normal 24-hour operations.
- New Year's Eve: Often limited hours, closing by 7:00 PM.
- New Year's Day: Usually open, but often with "Sunday hours" or a slightly later start.
The "Judgment Free" reality of holiday breaks
Look, if you can't get into the gym on Christmas, don't sweat it. The whole ethos of the gym is about being approachable. Missing one day because the world decided to take a break isn't going to ruin your progress.
In fact, use the day for active recovery. Go for a walk. Play with the kids. Do some mobility work on the floor while watching a movie. The weights will still be there on the 26th, and honestly, the gym is going to be way more fun when the staff is actually happy to be there instead of wishing they were home opening presents.
Actionable Steps for Your Holiday Workout
- Call ahead on December 23rd: This is the "Goldilocks" zone. The holiday schedule will be finalized, and staff will be on-site to answer the phone.
- Download your workouts: If you're traveling or expect a closure, download three or four bodyweight routines in the PF app before Christmas Eve.
- Plan for the 26th: Since the 25th is a wash, aim to be the first person in the door on the 26th. It helps beat the "New Year, New Me" rush that starts a few days early.
- Verify your "PF Black Card" perks: If you’re traveling, remember your Black Card lets you use any Planet Fitness. If the one near your parents' house is closed, one twenty miles away in a bigger city might have different hours—though it's unlikely on Christmas.
Most importantly, enjoy the break. The machines aren't going anywhere. Whether you're a casual lifter or a cardio junkie, a single day of closure is just a blip in a year-long journey. Pack your gym bag on Christmas night and leave it by the door. That way, when the 26th rolls around, you’re ready to hit the ground running without any excuses.