As Christmas 2025 draws near, Americans are finalising their holiday plans, which includes knowing where they can shop and what services will be available. A significant number of businesses and services across the United States will either remain shut or operate with reduced hours on the festive day, 25 December. This annual shift impacts everything from grocery runs to mail delivery, making advance planning essential for a smooth celebration.
Major Retail Stores: Operating Hours and Closures
For last-minute shoppers, knowing the schedule of major retail chains is crucial. Walmart, a popular choice for final purchases due to its extended hours, will be closed on Christmas Day. This closure applies to all its formats, including Supercenters and Neighbourhood Markets. However, on Christmas Eve, 24 December, most Walmart stores will be open for shorter hours, typically from 6 am to 6 pm, instead of the usual 11 pm closing. It is advisable for customers to confirm the exact timings for their local store using the Walmart Store Finder or app.
Similarly, other retail giants are following suit. Target has announced that all its stores will be closed on 25 December. Warehouse club Costco will also shut its doors on Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, Costco outlets are expected to close early, at 5:00 pm, as per reports.
Mail Services and Restaurant Availability
Essential services like mail delivery will also take a holiday break. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver mail on Christmas Day, and its post offices will be closed. Mail services will resume on 26 December, with post offices also open on Christmas Eve. It's important to note that while a federal holiday extension was issued by former President Donald Trump, covering Christmas Eve and the day after, it did not mandate a halt in postal services on those days.
For those planning to dine out or grab a quick meal, McDonald's offers a convenient option. Most McDonald's outlets across the country are scheduled to remain open on Christmas Day. However, operating hours may vary by location, so patrons should use the restaurant's store locator tool to verify holiday hours before heading out.
Planning Ahead for a Hassle-Free Holiday
The common thread for Christmas 2025 is the importance of verification and planning. While national chains like Walmart, Target, and Costco have announced a blanket closure for 25 December, regional variations in hours for Christmas Eve are possible. For services like USPS and restaurants like McDonald's, while general guidelines exist, local exceptions can always occur. The best practice is to use official company apps, store finders, or a quick phone call to confirm the status of your intended destination. This proactive approach will ensure you can focus on celebration rather than last-minute surprises, making the most of your holiday season with family and friends.
