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Town of Babylon History Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick
Town of Babylon History Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick
Old Bethpage Village Restoration - 5:00 PM Pick
Long Island Aquarium - 9:00 AM
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What's Open on Christmas Day on Long Island? Stores, Grocery Stores & Family-Friendly Places on Long Island
Looking for fun things to do as a family after opening gifts on Christmas Day on Long Island, or perhaps you are not celebrating and wondering what is open on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25? While many businesses are closed, there are a few kid-friendly destinations open, plus plenty of holiday activities, both indoors and out, to keep the group entertained. In fact, we’ve rounded up 12 activities the whole family can enjoy on Christmas Day.
For more seasonal fun, be sure to check out our Long Island Family Activity Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide for Long Island kids. Plus, we have our best bets for things to do over the school vacation.
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What is Open Christmas Day?
While many places are closed, like fast food chains and stores, there are still options to get the family out of the house; from a quick trip to the grocery store to a family-friendly activity.
What Can Families Do on Christmas Day?
1. AMC Theaters - Islandwide
Another sequel to Avatar releases in time for the holidays, Avatar: Fire and Ash will be released over the weekend and is a good bet for teens and older. Families with younger kids can catch The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants or David, a CGI movie about the biblical David.
2. Port Washington Skating Center - Port Washington
The Port Washington Skating Center has a public skate on Christmas Day from 12:45pm -3:45pm. are open on Christmas Day.
3. Long Beach Boardwalk Lights - Long Beach
Who says the beaches are only for the summer? Long Beach's Boardwalk Lights make for a charming ending to the say of celebrations and illuminate from 5-9pm on Christmas Day.
RELATED: Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island
The King Avenue Dancing Lights in Selden are a delight. Photo by James Stephen Smith
4. Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays - Islandwide
Gazing at the beautiful holiday lights displays on Long Island is a favorite holiday tradition, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. Choose from among the many planned professional holiday light displays, or take a tour to see the spectacular lights adorning the holiday homes around LI.
5. Round 1 - Hicksville
Round 1 is open on all major holidays, including Christmas Day. So for families that don't celebrate or just need to get out of the house, it's a great spot for everyone to get in on the arcade action.
6. Jones Beach Magic of Lights - Wantagh
See festive light displays like 12 Days of Christmas, meet Santa and have a warming cup of hot chocolate.
RELATED: See the Iconic Christmas Window Displays in Manhattan
Gaze in awe at the decorated holiday windows in Manhattan. Photo by Jody Mercier
7. New York City
Is there a place more magical at Christmas than Manhattan? Take a quiet but festive holiday walk, or a visit to one of these NYC hot spots that remain open on the holiday, including theaters and museums. You can even check something off our holiday bucket list for Christmas in NYC! While Macy's may be closed, you can still see the window displays.
RELATED: Polar Express and Holiday Train Trips for Christmas
8. United Skates - Seaford
United Skates is holding a special Christmas Day hip-hop skate, running from 7pm-10pm. Tickets are just $13 online ($15 at the door), and it's best to purchase in advance. Admission includes skate rental. Spectators can attend for just $6.
Stores Open on Christmas Day for Last-Minute Gifts and Essentials
CVS Pharmacy
CVS is open on Christmas Day with revised hours. It's a great stop if your kid got a gift and someone forget to buy the batteries to go with it.
Walgreens
On your way to the in-laws and forgot something? Walgreens is open on Christmas Day for last-minute needs. Check with your local store for hour information.
7/11
7/11 is open on Christmas Day, just in case you need an essential like milk.
Bolla Market
Bolla Markets attached to gas stations are open on Christmas Day, but you will want to check with your local Bolla Market for exact hours.
Are Any Grocery Stores Open Christmas Day 2025 on Long Island?
No major grocery stores are open on Christmas Day.
Closed Grocery Stores on Christmas Day 2025
- Stop and Shop
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe's
- ShopRite
- King Kullen
- Lidl
- Aldi
- Uncle Guiseppe's
- Guinta's Meat Farms
- Iavarone Bros.
Are Walmart, Target, Costco and BJs Open on Christmas Day?
Is Walmart Open on Christmas Day?
No, Walmart is not open Christmas Day, but they reopen at 6am on December 26.
Is Target Open on Christmas Day?
No, Target is not open Christmas Day. They will reopen at 7am on December 26.
Is Costco Open on Christmas Day?
No, Costco is not open on Christmas Day. They reopen at 9am on December 26 for executive members and 10am for other members.
Is BJs Open on Christmas Day?
No, BJs is not open on Christmas Day. They will reopen at 8am on December 26.
FAQ: What is Open on Christmas Day 2025?
Q: Are Walmart and Target Open on Christmas Day?
A: No, Walmart and Target are both closed on Christmas Day to allow their employees to spend the holiday with family.
Q: Are Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day?
A: No, grocery stores are not open, but many convience stores like CVS, Walgreens and 7/11 are open.
Q: Are Gas Stations Open on Christmas?
Yes, most gas stations are open on Christmas Day. Their attached convienence stores, like 7/11 and Bolla Market are also open.
Q. Are Restaurants Open on Christmas Day?
A: Yes, some national chains like IHOP are open, as well as local restaurants. You can find our complete guide to restaurants open on Christmas Day here.
Q: What Can You Do On Christmas Day with Kids if You Don't Celebrate or Want to Go Out?
A: If the weather is nice, you can go to a local playground, take a walk in the park or catch light displays. Arcade Round 1 is open, as well as AMC movie theaters.
Q: Is Starbucks Open on Christmas Day?
A: Yes, many Starbucks are open for your caffeine fix. Check with your local store to verify their hours.
A version of this post was first published in 2016.
