So, you’re standing in the kitchen, flour on your face, and you realize you forgot the heavy cream. Or maybe the batteries for the kid’s new remote-controlled car are missing. Naturally, your first thought is a quick run to the local Supercenter. But is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
No. It’s not.
Honestly, it’s one of the only days of the year when the retail giant completely goes dark. For decades, the "Always Open" mantra was basically the law of the land, but that shifted. If you show up on December 25th, you'll be greeted by a very empty parking lot and locked sliding glass doors.
Why is Walmart open on Christmas Day a myth?
A lot of people remember the 90s differently. Back then, some locations actually did have limited hours or stayed open 24/7 right through the holidays. But the world changed. Today, Walmart has a firm corporate policy: every single store in the United States closes for Christmas.
It's a big deal.
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The company uses this as a "thank you" to its 1.6 million associates. It’s their one guaranteed day to sit on a couch, eat ham, and not deal with a broken self-checkout machine. Since 2020, they’ve even added Thanksgiving to the "closed" list, which used to be unheard of in the retail world.
The Christmas Eve "Shut Down"
If you’re desperate, you have to move fast on the 24th.
Walmart doesn't stay open until midnight on Christmas Eve. In 2025, and looking ahead to 2026, the standard closing time is 6:00 PM local time.
Picture this: at 5:45 PM, the overhead speakers start making those "please make your final selections" announcements. By 6:01 PM, they are ushering people out. If you’re that person trying to buy a LEGO set at 6:05 PM, you’re probably out of luck.
What about the Walmart Pharmacy?
This is where it gets tricky. If you need a prescription, you absolutely cannot wait until Christmas Day.
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- Christmas Eve Hours: Most Walmart pharmacies close even earlier than the main store. While the store might close at 6:00 PM, the pharmacy often shuts its window at 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM.
- Christmas Day: Total shutdown. No pharmacists are on-site.
- Reopening: They typically resume normal business hours on December 26th, usually starting at 6:00 AM or 7:00 AM.
Where can you actually go on December 25th?
If Walmart is closed, you aren't totally stranded, but your options are thin. Forget about Target, Costco, or Aldi—they’re all closed too.
Instead, look for drugstores and convenience spots. Walgreens is usually the most reliable bet, especially their 24-hour locations. CVS is often open, though their hours might be weird, like 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
If it’s just milk or a bag of chips, hit up a gas station like 7-Eleven, Wawa, or Sheetz. They rarely, if ever, close. For a full meal? Denny’s, Waffle House, and IHOP are the champions of Christmas Day service.
Making a plan for the 26th
The day after Christmas is absolute chaos at Walmart. It’s the "Great Return." People are lining up with unwanted sweaters and broken electronics before the sun even comes up.
Most stores reopen at 6:00 AM on December 26th. If you need to go, go early. If you wait until noon, you’ll be fighting through a sea of people looking for 50% off wrapping paper and leftover tinsel.
Actionable Holiday Survival Steps:
- Set a "Hard Stop" Alarm: Set your phone for 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. If you haven't bought it by then, you don't need it.
- Check the App: The Walmart app is actually pretty good at showing real-time local hours. Use the "Store Finder" feature.
- Stock the Basics: Buy an extra gallon of milk and a 24-pack of AA batteries on December 22nd. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Pharmacy First: Call in any refills by December 20th to ensure they are ready before the holiday rush.
Don't be the person circling an empty Walmart parking lot on Christmas morning. It’s a lonely feeling. Grab your stuff early, settle in, and enjoy the day off—just like the Walmart employees are doing.