You’ve been there. It’s 10:00 AM on December 25th, the oven is preheating, and you suddenly realize the "unsalted" butter you bought is actually very salted. Or maybe the batteries for the kids' new remote-control car are nowhere to be found. Your first instinct is probably to grab your keys and head to the nearest blue-and-yellow beacon of hope. But before you pull out of the driveway, you need the hard truth about whether does walmart open on christmas or if you're about to waste a trip.
Honestly, the answer is a flat no.
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Walmart stores across the United States are closed on Christmas Day. Every single one. Whether it’s a massive Supercenter in Texas or a small Neighborhood Market in a suburb of Chicago, the doors stay locked on December 25. This isn't just a recent trend; it’s a long-standing corporate policy that has become one of the few predictable things in the retail world.
Why the Doors Stay Locked
It’s kinda rare for a company that loves profit as much as Walmart to just... stop. But they do. For the last several years, including 2024 and 2025, Walmart has remained firm on giving its 1.6 million U.S. associates the day off.
Back in the day, you might have found a few 24-hour locations that bucked the trend, but those days are long gone. Since the pandemic shifted retail hours in 2020, Walmart has actually doubled down on closures. They now close on Thanksgiving too, which used to be the biggest shopping night of the year.
Expert Note: Walmart's official stance is that closing on Christmas allows their "associates to spend well-deserved time with their families and friends."
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Even if you’re a Walmart+ member or a frequent flyer at the pharmacy, the rules apply to you. The pharmacy, the auto care center, and even the Vision Center all shut down. Don't expect to pick up a prescription or get a tire patched while the rest of the world is opening presents.
Timing is Everything: Christmas Eve Hours
If you’re panicking, you still have a window. But it’s smaller than you think.
On Christmas Eve, Walmart doesn't stay open until midnight. They usually start ushering people toward the registers much earlier. For 2025 and 2026, the standard schedule for Christmas Eve is 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time.
Basically, if you haven’t walked through those doors by 5:30 PM on the 24th, you’re cutting it way too close. Employees want to get home to their own eggnog and wrapping paper, so they are generally very strict about that 6:00 PM cutoff.
- Opening Time: 6:00 AM (Early birds get the last of the heavy cream).
- Closing Time: 6:00 PM sharp.
- Online Orders: If you’re hoping for Express Delivery on Christmas Eve, you usually need to place that order by 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM at the latest.
The December 26th Rebound
The good news? The "Great Closure" doesn't last long. Walmart is one of the first places to roar back to life the day after Christmas.
Most stores reopen their doors at 6:00 AM on December 26th. This is when the chaos of returns begins. If you got a sweater that’s three sizes too small or a gadget that doesn't actually work, you can head back in first thing in the morning. Be warned, though: the day after Christmas is notoriously busy. It’s almost like a second Black Friday, but with more people standing in the customer service line.
What to Do If You're Truly Desperate
So, Walmart is closed. You’re out of milk. The world feels like it’s ending. What now?
While the big box stores like Target, Costco, and Walmart are all hunkered down, a few places usually keep the lights on. You won't find the same selection, but you won't starve either.
- CVS and Walgreens: Many locations stay open, though the pharmacy hours might be wonky. It's a lifesaver for batteries, milk, and basic meds.
- 7-Eleven: These guys basically never sleep. Most are open 24/7, even on Christmas.
- Wawa or Sheetz: If you live in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, these gas station heavens are usually open.
- Starbucks: Select locations open late morning (around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM) so you can get your caffeine fix.
Planning Your Survival Strategy
To avoid the "Does Walmart open on Christmas?" panic next year, there are a few things you can do to prep. Honestly, the best move is to use the Walmart app on December 23rd. Look at your pantry. If you have less than half a gallon of milk or you're down to your last roll of paper towels, just buy them then.
Also, keep in mind that "Last Minute" delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats might still be running, but their "Shop and Deliver" options for Walmart won't work if the physical store is closed. The app might let you build a cart, but no one is there to pick the items off the shelf.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the App Now: Open your Walmart app and use the "Store Finder" to see if your local spot has any weird regional variations for Christmas Eve.
- Stock the Essentials: Buy your "emergency" items (batteries, butter, tape, milk) no later than December 23rd.
- Set a Reminder: Put an alert on your phone for 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve. That’s your "Last Chance" warning to get to the store before the 6:00 PM closure.
- Locate a Backup: Find the nearest 24-hour Walgreens or 7-Eleven just in case you have a true holiday emergency on the 25th.
Knowing that Walmart stays closed on Christmas Day is the first step to a stress-free holiday. It’s the one day of the year where the "Save Money, Live Better" mantra means staying home and enjoying what you already have.