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What Is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Most businesses close on Christmas Day, but many essential businesses (like drug stores) stay open with limited hours. Some family activities stay open, too, so you can enjoy an outing after the big festivities have died down.

What Can Families Do on Christmas Day? 

1. Sofia — Englewood

Head to Sofia for a delectable Christmas brunch, which runs 11:30-3:00. Not near Englewood? There are plenty of other restaurants open on Christmas Day, so take a day off from the kitchen and enjoy a special holiday meal out.

2. Adventure Aquarium — Camden

You might not be able to spot a North Pole narwhal, but you’ll still have a blast at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Online reservations are recommended as there will be shortened hours that day.

3. Cranford Theater — Cranford

See a movie in a new spot, like the Cranford Theater, which recently reopened its doors with new seats and flooring. On Christmas Day, they are showing Zootopia 2 and The SpongeBob Movie. Check your local theater listings for showtimes.

4. Branch Brook Park Roller Skating — Newark

Prefer to have fun without bundling up? Try roller skating! The Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center has two sessions for families on Christmas Day, and both are themed with everyone's favorite blue alien: Stitch!

5. Lucky Strike — Green Brook, Cherry Hill

Stay warm indoors and wear cool shoes at a local bowling alley. Some open lanes include Lucky Strike in Green Brook and Lucky Strike in Cherry Hill.

RELATED: Best and Brightest Christmas Light Displays on New Jersey Homes

See the trees floating on the lake in a holiday light show at Historic Smithville. Photo courtesy of Historic Smithville

6. Historic Smithville Holiday Light Show — Smithville

Looking for something a little more festive? Check out one of the holiday light shows happening on Christmas Day. Head to Smithville for a FREE holiday light show on the water, or book tickets to a drive-thru display like the Magic of Lights.

RELATED: Top Holiday and Christmas Events in NJ for Kids

Join a reenactment of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. Photo courtesy of Washington Crossing Historic Park

7. Reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware River on Christmas — Washington Crossing, PA

Do something patriotic and watch hundreds of costumed reenactors present Washington's famous Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River. The ceremony begins at noon, but arrive early for a viewing spot as this event draws a big crowd. Tickets are required.

8. Watchung Reservation — Mountainside

Take a wintery walk at Watchung Reservation and let the kids play at the Loop Playground. If you want another option, most NJ parks are open until dusk, so whether you venture out early in the morning or decide to play a family round of hide-and-seek later in the day, you can enjoy a bit of fresh air.

9. Mountain Creek — Vernon

If Mother Nature cooperates, Mountain Creek, which has snow tubing sessions starting at 10am. Or, head to one of these snow tubing hills near New Jersey for some winter recreation.

10. Asbury Park Beach and Boardbwalk — Asbury Park

I love the beach in winter. Something about the brisk air and being alone (except for your family) is refreshing and relaxing. Asbury Park is my favorite at Christmas time because of the large, lit-up Christmas tree on display in Convention Hall, and there is a playground right on the beach.  

11. Sandbox VR — Paramus, Woodbridge

Guests over 48 inches can get in on an exciting virtual reality. Themes include Stranger Things, Squid Games, pirates, and more. The experience takes about 1 hour and 2-6 people can play at once.

12. Dave & Busters — Multiple locations

Many Dave & Busters locations open at 5pm on Christmas Day, so you can spend the evening playing games and enjoying a fun dinner.

13. American Dream Mall — East Rutherford

American Dream stores will be open on Christmas, and so will many attractions like DreamWorks Waterpark and Nickelodeon Universe with limited hours (both open 12-5 pm). Check the hours for the attractions you're interested in before heading out.

14. Escape Room NJ — Madison, Englewood, Pompton Lakes, Hackensack

Bring a group to a themed room and solve puzzles and challenges as a team to try and escape the room within 60 minutes.

Stores Open on Christmas Day for Last-Minute Gifts or Essentials

15. Walgreens and CVS

These stores are great for small gifts, batteries, cards, last-minute wrapping paper, and the inevitable medicine you need to get through the holiday.

16. Dunkin' and Starbucks

These coffee shops are usually open on Christmas Day for a morning treat, hot beverage, or gift card, but with shortened hours.

17. Wawa, Quickcheck, and 7-Eleven

Many convenience stores remain open on Christmas Day for gas, coffee, snacks, and other essentials, but check the hours since some stores may close early.

Are Any Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 in NJ?

Major Chains That Are Open in NJ

Hours vary by location, so always call ahead. 

• Some Acme locations will be open 8am to 2pm
• Certain Foodtown locations will be open 8am to 2pm

Grocery Stores Typically Closed

• Aldi

• Lidl

• Giant

• Sprouts

• Stew Leonard's

• Stop & Shop

• Trader Joe's

• Wegmans

• Whole Foods Market

Are Walmart, Target, and Costco Open on Christmas Day?

Is Walmart open on Christmas?

Walmart will be closed on Christmas, and reopens the next day.

Is Target open on Christmas?

Nope, Target will be closed on Christmas, but will be open on December 26.

Is Costco open on Christmas?

No, Costco closes on Christmas and opens on December 26.

FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Q: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
A: No, Walmart is closed on Christmas Day and reopens early on Friday, December 26.

Q: Are grocery stores open on Christmas?
A: A handful might stay open with limited hours, so you'll definitely want to call to see what's open before heading out. Some that might stay open with limited hours include Acme and Shoprite (select locations)—but definitely call your local store to confirm.

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas?
A: Yes, most gas stations remain open as well as those attached to convenience stores like Wawa and Quickcheck.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
A: There are lots of other restaurants open on Christmas Day if you want to eat out. Plus, many chain diners like Denny’s, IHOP, and Perkins are open, plus certain hotel restaurants. 

Q: What can you do with kids on Christmas Day if you don’t celebrate or want to get out?
A: Go to a movie, enjoy light displays, go sledding or skating, or take a winter hike.

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
A: Yes, in the morning. Check the app for hours of your nearest location.

Q: Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas?
A: Most malls are closed, though some outlet food courts or movie theaters may be open. American Dream will be open, though certain attractions may be closed.

This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.