What Is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

While many businesses close their doors on Christmas Day, Orlando still offers plenty of options for families on the go. From essential stores, select grocery stores, and restaurants open on Christmas, to theme parks and family activities open on Christmas Day, there are more places open than you might expect, making it easy to find things to do and places to go on December 25, 2025.

Feel the holiday magic on Christmas Day at Walt Disney World Resort. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

What Can Families Do on Christmas Day? Fun Activities That Are Open

Walt Disney World - Lake Buena Vista

There's so much happening in and around Walt Disney World approaching Christmas Day, it's hard to list it all! International Festival of the Holidays at EPCOT is a fun time to ring in the holidays. Make sure to visit Disney Springs as well for more holiday fun!

During the holidays, enjoy Who-liday charm and celebrate Grinchmas. Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort - Orlando

Holidays at Universal Orlando are full of wonderful adventures for the whole family. Watch the Universal Holiday Parade featuring Macy's and see huge floats, enjoy Grinchmas, and feel the magic of Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with festive decor and holiday performances. 

RELATED: Universal's Epic Universe: Epic Fun at Orlando's Newest Theme Park

Celebrate Christmas Day at Legoland Florida with seasonal shows and holiday Lego characters. Photo by Charlotte Blanton

Holidays at Legoland Florida - Winter Haven

Connect the bricks for fun on Christmas in Orlando at Legoland Florida! Holiday features include a giant Lego Christmas tree, cool seasonal shows, holiday lights, characters, and more.

SeaWorld Christmas Celebration - Orlando

Enjoy more than 3 million Christmas lights decorating SeaWorld Orlando, as well as holiday fireworks, Sesame Street Christmas parade, and appearances by Santa and Rudolph!

Busch Gardens Christmas Town - Tampa

Busch Gardens puts on its annual Christmas Town event, featuring the Holly Jolly Express train ride, Rudolph's Winter Wonderland, Santa's North Pole Experience, and much more.

Blue Spring State Park - Orange City

Open 365 days a year, Blue Spring State Park allows visitors to walk along the boardwalk and watch manatees in the clear waters (colder months are prime months). Blue Springs also has a small playground area.

Wander through the sparkling snow at Wekiva Island for a Christmas Day outing. Photo courtesy of Wekiva Island

Winter Wonderland at Wekiva Island - Longwood

Open on Christmas Day from 10am to 3pm, Wekiva Island is a great place to let the kids run out all their energy after opening gifts.

Walking and Hiking Trails

Enjoy the nice weather and spend some time outdoors on Christmas.

Now Snowing - Celebration

Celebration's Now Snowing event is a wonderful way to spend Christmas night, with ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, and nightly "snowfall." 

Beaches - Various locations

Trade snow for sand and head to one of the beautiful Florida beaches near Orlando. Show off that fresh Christmas tan with some fun under the sun!

Neighborhood Light Displays - Orlando

Let mom relax on Christmas and take the kiddos out of the house to drive around neighborhoods that night and witness engineering feats of the most holiday-obsessed homeowners.

Boat Rides

Fresh air and cool water is always available on Christmas Day and beyond. Borrow or rent a boat and enjoy Mother Nature during the holidays!

Holinights Celebration - Kissimmee

Join the Promenade at Sunset Walk for its annual Holinights Celebration, featuring Santa, elves, towering toy soldiers, live music, and the lighting of the 45-foot animated Christmas tree.

Showcase of Citrus - Clermont

Showcase of Citrus is open 365 days per year, including holidays. This 2,500 acre farm offers a special Christmas monster truck adventure, u-pick citrus, gem mining, farm animals, and a country store.

ICON Park - Orlando

This I-Drive entertainment district is home to The Orlando Eye, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds wax museum, and many more restaurants and attractions.

Gatorland - Orlando

Enjoy fun at the "Alligator Capital of the World" this Christmas. Feed alligators, take a train ride, visit the petting zoo, and if it's warm, let the kids run through the splash pad. Gatorland is open daily, including holidays. 

Old Town - Kissimmee

Old Town is open every day from 11am to 11pm. This entertainment area in South Orlando features stores, dining, rides, and attractions.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive - Apopka

This free, wildlife sanctuary features an 11-mile driving loop with an abundance of alligators, birds, and other wildlife. It is open on federal holidays, including Christmas.

Colorful Christmas at Crayola Experience - Orlando

Add a little color to your Christmas Day by heading to Crayola Experience Orlando, open on December 25, 2025, from 10am to 4pm. Holiday programming includes animatronic Christmas characters, a singing light show, a giant snow globe, and more.

Christmas at Gaylord Palms - Kissimmee

It's tough to list all the awesome activities, both indoors and outdoors, at Gaylord Palms for Christmas Day. Just to scratch the surface of Christmas events, there is the popular ICE! Experience, a POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance show, ice tubing, and more.

Dinner Shows - Multiple locations

Many of Orlando's dinner-and-a-show venues offer holiday takes on their beloved programming, many open on Christmas. Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show (with a special holiday makeover!), Pirate's Dinner Adventure, and more are waiting to entertain your family Christmas Day.

Restaurants - Multiple locations

Don't go hungry on Christmas Day! We've taken the hassle out of finding a good restaurant open on Christmas with a round-up full of tasty options.

WonderWorks - Orlando

Visit the iconic upside-down building on I-Drive known as WonderWorks, an entirely indoor attraction complete with three floors of over 100 hands-on exhibits and displays. WonderWorks is open every day of the year, from 9am to midnight.

Movie Theaters - Multiple locations

Christmas is a big movie going day, and new films are often released on Christmas day because of this. Cozy up at the theater with some popcorn and a good flick!

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

If you find yourself needing batteries, a forgotten gift, or a few holiday essentials, you’re not completely out of luck. While most big retailers close on December 25, several reliable stores open on Christmas Day can help save the day.

Walgreens & CVS

These pharmacy chains are popular Christmas Day go-tos for families. Many locations stay open with limited hours and carry small gift items, toys, candy, greeting cards, batteries, wrapping paper, and everyday necessities—perfect for last-minute needs.

Wawa, 7-Eleven, and Other Gas Stations

In most areas, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, and RaceTrac remain open on Christmas Day. 

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

All major Orlando grocery stores like Publix, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Aldi, and Trader Joe's are closed on Christmas Day. Plan ahead if possible, or look to convenience stores and pharmacies for basics.

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

These are some of the most searched questions every holiday season. Here’s what families should know if you’re hoping to shop at major retailers on December 25.

Is Walmart Open on Christmas?

No. Walmart stores are closed on Christmas Day. Most locations reopen early on December 26. For last-minute needs, nearby convenience stores, pharmacies, or gas station marts are your best alternatives.

Is Target Open on Christmas?

No. Target is also closed on Christmas Day. Stores typically reopen the day after Christmas, and same-day pickup or delivery options resume once stores reopen.

Is Costco Open on Christmas?

No. Costco warehouses are closed on Christmas Day and reopen on December 26. Because Costco also closes early on Christmas Eve, it’s best to plan Costco shopping well in advance.

FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Orlando?

Q: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
A: No. Walmart is closed on December 25, 2025, including all Orlando-area locations. Stores reopen on December 26.

Q: Are grocery stores open on Christmas in Orlando?
A: Most are closed. A few independently owned or specialty food stores may open with limited hours, but always call ahead to confirm.

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas Day?
A: Yes. Most gas stations and their attached convenience stores remain open throughout Orlando on Christmas Day.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day in Orlando?
A: Many are. Chain diners, hotel restaurants, and select local eateries stay open, though hours vary by location.

Q: What can you do with kids on Christmas Day in Orlando if you don’t celebrate or want to get out?
A: So much! See our list above. Families can head to the movies, explore open attractions, visit theme parks, enjoy outdoor parks and trails, or look for special holiday events still running on December 25.

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
A: Some Orlando Starbucks locations are open with limited hours. The Starbucks app is the best way to check your nearest store.

Q: Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas Day?
A: Orlando malls and shopping centers are closed, though individual restaurants, movie theaters, or entertainment venues may operate independently.