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12/15/23 - By Tara D

Whether your kids are done with gifts before breakfast, you need last-minute supplies, or your family doesn’t celebrate Christmas, figuring out what is open on Christmas Day can feel like a rescue mission. Major holidays like Christmas often mean stores close their doors, leaving families wondering where to go on Christmas Day with kids, whether any restaurants are open, and which essential spots around Boston will be open on Christmas Day in 2025.

This guide breaks down what stores, grocery options, restaurants, and family activities are likely to be open this Thursday, December 25, 2025. For more ideas, explore our Holiday Fun Guide.

What Is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Most non-essential shops and businesses in Boston will be closed on Christmas Day, but there are plenty of essential stores, restaurants, and activities that stay open for last-minute needs or family fun.

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

Even with many stores closed, Boston offers places to explore and enjoy on December 25, whether it’s a walk through a historic site, strolling through the neighborhood to see the lights, or a giant bucket of popcorn at the movies.

Family-Friendly Places & Activities

Most movie theaters in Boston and the surrounding neighborhoods
View Boston, Boston, MA
Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA
The North End, Boston, MA

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

While most big retail stores in Boston close on Christmas Day, a handful of pharmacies and convenience chains are typically open and perfect for picking up batteries, cards, small gifts, or forgotten items.

Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid

These drugstores often remain open on Christmas Day with limited hours. While the store may be open, most pharmacies will be closed. Hours can vary by location, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead.

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

Due to Massachusetts blue laws, supermarkets and most retail stores are required to close on major holidays, including Christmas Day.

Grocery Stores Typically Closed on Christmas

Stop & Shop
Market Basket
Shaw’s / Star Market
Roche Bros.
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods
Big Y
Aldi
Target
Walmart

Always check directly with a specific store location or website for official holiday hours.

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

Is Walmart Open on Christmas?

No — Walmart locations are closed on Christmas Day 2025. Most stores will reopen with regular hours on December 26.

Is Target Open on Christmas?

Target locations across the U.S. — including Boston area stores — close on Christmas Day and resume normal hours the following day.

Is Costco Open on Christmas?

Like other major retailers, Costco warehouses are closed on Christmas Day and are expected to resume regular service after the holiday.

For last-minute groceries or essentials while these stores are closed, consider convenience stores, pharmacies, or restaurants offering takeout.

FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Q: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
A: No — Walmart stores are closed on December 25, 2025, typically reopening early on December 26.

Q: Are grocery stores open on Christmas?
A: In Boston, most grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day due to local regulations, though convenience stores and small markets may be open.

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas?
A: Yes — most gas stations and their convenience sections (Cumberland Farms, 7-Eleven, Circle K) remain open.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
A: Many Boston restaurants are open with special menus or holiday hours — reservations are highly recommended.

Q: What can you do with kids on Christmas Day if you want to get out?
A: Enjoy outdoor walks, visit museums with holiday hours, explore historic areas like Faneuil Hall or the North End, or check for special winter attractions and light displays around the city.

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
A: Some Starbucks locations may be open with limited morning hours, but it’s best to check the app for exact details.

Q: Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas?
A: Almost all malls and major shopping centers are closed on Christmas Day, though individual independent vendors may operate on limited holiday hours.

Post originally published December 2012; updated December 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2023, 2025

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About the Author

Tara D

Tara constantly seeks out opportunities for enrichment and exploration with her kids. When she started writing about it as the Boston Community Ambassador for Ziptivity.com, she discovered a passion for sharing her unique finds with parents, helping to make their lives a little easier and a lot more fun. Her work, which has been highlighted by Huffington Post, can be seen nationally across the Mommy Poppins sites and on Appalachian Mountain Club's Kids Outdoors blog.