MAIN Home Life Holidays Christmas What's Open Christmas Day

It can be a bit of an anti-climax when Christmas finally rolls around, leaving many families to wonder - so, what's open today?

In big metropolitan areas, you can usually rely on major department stores in some locations to open on Christmas day - especially for those post-Christmas gift exchanges.

Many retail stores will open late on Christmas Eve, but some of the biggest like Walmart, Macy's, Target, and IKEA, close their doors at midnight and only reopen on December 26. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's will also be closed on Christmas Day. 

Of course, you can always count on Hollywood movie blockbusters premiering around the holidays, so be sure to check out the entire list of popular 2023 Christmas movies in theaters on the big day just up ahead.

Meanwhile, you can always count on Walgreens, Duane Reade,CVS and Rite Aid to be open. And don't forget to check out upwards of 90% savings on discounted Christmas cards, wrap, candy and decorations while you're there!

If you're not sure where to go in your area, simply find contact details, store circulars and store opening hours on the web ahead of time.

Before you attempt to brave the stores, start the day with a big holiday tradition that has grown in popularity year after year — a Christmas pancake breakfast at IHOP!

McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and other fast food joints are also traditionally open, along with Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts which also give a warm welcome to customers on Christmas Day.

What restaurants are usually NOT open Christmas Day? Usually giving the entire day off to employees are Wendy's. Arby's, KFC, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster.

And, if you're looking to ship or receive a gift on Christmas Day, don't count on the post office, FedEx or UPS who traditionally close their doors December 25.

Christmas Day 2023 at the movies

Meanwhile, if you have nothing else to do in the afternoon, check nationwide movie listings in your neighborhood for epic films that traditionally premiere during the holiday season.

This year, Timothee Chalamet takes his turn as WIlly Wonka, exploring the backstory of the imaginative young inventor in "Wonka", opening in movie theaters nationwide Friday, December 15, 2023.

Then watch for the opening on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 for another Ghostbusters reboot as the franchise returns to its original NYC firehouse setting in "Ghostbusters: Afterlife 2" starring Gil Kenan and Jason Reitman.

Timothee Chalamet stars in the latest reboot of WIlly Wonka exploring the backstory of the
imaginative young inventor in "Wonka" opening nationwide Friday, December 15, 2023.

Also slated to hit theaters on December 20 is the musical version of the Spielberg classic, "The Color Purple" starring R&B singer Fantasia as the lead character, Celie, who grows up in poverty in the American South.

The following Friday, December 22, the kids are in for a treat as the animated comedy "Migration" spins the tale of a family of ducks who convince their over-protective father to go on vacation.

And, just in time for Christmas, there's another entry into the Aquaman franchise starring Ben Affleck, Amber Heard and Nicole Kidman in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" opening Christmas Day 2023.

What else to do on Christmas Day 2023

While Boston usually shuts down for the entire day due to antiquated blue laws, if you happen to be visiting New York know that "the city that never sleeps" also never closes on Christmas!

You can take in some of the best New York City restaurants open on Christmas day, the biggest Broadway shows, as well as major NYC museums and other attractions which continue to hang out the welcome sign on the biggest holiday of the year.

With your day filled with activity until dinner, return home for a festive holiday meal with friends and family or make plans to go out. Check out MapMuse where you can search for nationwide restaurants open on Christmas with more than 700 establishments listed in major cities.

Or, find your way to a Boston Market restaurant offering a Christmas turkey dinner special at most locations. Otherwise, if you find yourself in a city that pulls in the sidewalks for the holiday — there's always the local Chinese restaurant.

Meanwhile, have a wonderful Christmas. THEN... it's right to bed!

Tomorrow promises the best shopping day of the year with huge savings at after Christmas sales.

What stores are open on Christmas? - While some of the following shopping giants traditionally close on Christmas, store hours change from year to year, so you might find a surprise announcement that your favorite department store will be open for business this Christmas Day.

Just up ahead find sales circulars, store hours, contact info and locations for major department stores nationwide through the U.S. and Canada:

also see -> Christmas TV Schedules

New Year's Eve Party Ideas   |    Last Minute Christmas Shopping

More about what's open on Christmas around the Web:

Christmas in Las Vegas

What to do in Washington DC on Christmas Day

What's Open in Toronto on Christmas Day and Boxing Day