Most national grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix typically close by 4 p.m. or are fully shut on Christmas Day. However, a handful of stores buck the trend. Walmart is a wildcard—many are open but with reduced hours, so check your local store’s website. Some Walmart Neighborhood Markets even stay open until 6 p.m., which is a lifeline for last-minute baking flour.
Gas stations are your most reliable bet. Shell, BP, and Exxon franchise locations often operate independently, meaning many are open 24/7. They aren’t glamorous, but they are there. It’s a good reminder that even on a major holiday, the world keeps turning on a tank of gas.
The Fast-Food Miracle Workers
If you need a hot meal that isn’t cold ham, fast food is the next frontier. McDonald’s is famously inconsistent—some are open, most are not. Starbucks is even trickier; many close, but some airport and downtown locations remain open for caffeine-seekers. The real surprise is Denny’s and IHOP, which often stay open 24/7, serving pancakes to the faithful and the foolish alike.
Las Cruces Christmas Markets 2026 | Christmas Events Near Me
Then there’s the cultural phenomenon of Chinese restaurants. This is a Jewish-American tradition that has become a secular holiday norm for everyone. Many Chinese-American restaurants are open on Christmas, offering a delicious escape from turkey leftovers. It’s a beautiful, delicious cultural mashup.
