Many shoppers wonder which department stores are open on Christmas day, especially when they need last minute gifts, pharmacies, or a warm place to browse. While hours vary by city and region, several major chains keep key locations open on December 25.
This guide highlights popular department stores that typically remain open on Christmas, outlines their core departments, and offers practical alternatives when full shopping is not available.
| Store | Typical Christmas Hours | Key Departments Often Accessible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Variable by region, often 8 am–6 pm | Home, Kitchen, Health & Beauty, Gifts | Pharmacy and Starbucks inside many stores may follow separate hours |
| Walmart | Usually 7 am–7 pm, location dependent | Grocery, Pharmacy, Home, Electronics, Toys | Supercenter model means most departments available |
| Macy's | Select stores open, often 10 am–4 pm | Apparel, Home, Cosmetics, Gifts | Check local mall or store page for exact status |
| Kohl's | Many locations open, roughly 9 am–5 pm | Apparel, Shoes, Home, Beauty | Click & Ship services usually still available in store |
| JCPenney | Limited stores open, often closed | Apparel, Home, Shoes, Beauty | Online pickup options may operate in select regions |
Holiday Shopping at Target on Christmas
Target often keeps many stores open on Christmas, though hours are shorter than on Black Friday. You can usually find gifts, home décor, kitchen tools, and beauty products, while Starbucks counters may follow a different schedule.
Use the Target app or website to confirm the specific department stores open on Christmas in your area, and to check whether pharmacy services are available at that location.
Walmart Christmas Store Operations
Supercenter Availability
Many Walmart Supercenters stay open on Christmas with reduced hours, giving access to groceries, pharmacy, electronics, toys, and household essentials.
Neighborhood and Small Formats
Neighborhood markets and smaller Walmart locations may close entirely or operate limited hours, so it is important to verify the exact department stores open on Christmas at your address.
Macy's and Limited Christmas Service
Macy's typically opens only selected stores on Christmas, often with shortened hours focused on last minute gift needs. Department coverage may include apparel, home goods, and beauty, but full ranges are not guaranteed.
Check the Macy's store locator and call ahead to confirm which department stores are open on Christmas at your nearby location.
Alternative Options When Stores Are Closed
If your preferred department stores are closed on Christmas, pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience shops often remain open for essentials and small gifts, while online retailers with in store pickup can be a reliable backup.
Planning ahead for returns or exchanges after the holiday ensures you can manage gifts that need adjustments once regular hours resume.
Planning Ahead for Christmas Shopping
- Confirm department store hours using the retailer's official store locator or app before traveling.
- Focus on departments likely to remain accessible, such as pharmacy, groceries, and gifts at stores open on Christmas.
- Use online ordering with in store pickup or delivery when physical hours are limited.
- Set reminders for post holiday returns or exchanges if you need more time to evaluate gifts.
- Keep a list of nearby 24 hour pharmacies and grocery stores for urgent needs on Christmas Day.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which Target departments are usually accessible on Christmas Day?
You can typically access Home, Kitchen, Health & Beauty, and Gifts at many Target locations on Christmas, while services like Starbucks or the pharmacy may follow different hours.
Do Walmart Supercenters stay open on Christmas in most areas?
Many Walmart Supercenters remain open on Christmas with reduced hours, providing access to groceries, pharmacy, electronics, toys, and household items, though some smaller formats may close entirely.
Are most Macy's stores open on Christmas with full departments?
Most Macy's stores are closed on Christmas or operate with very limited hours and departments, so only select locations offer apparel, home, cosmetics, and gifts on December 25.
What should I do if my local JCPenney is closed on Christmas?
Check the JCPenney store locator for any exceptions, use online pickup where available, and rely on partner pharmacies or other retailers for essentials if the location remains closed.