What every chain does on Christmas Day
| Chain | Store | Pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| CVS | Most CVS stores closed; 24-hour CVS locations stay open with limited service | Closed at standalone CVS locations; limited service at 24-hour pharmacies in major metros |
| Walgreens | Most Walgreens closed; 24-hour locations remain open all day | Closed at standard locations; 24-hour pharmacies open with reduced staffing |
| Rite Aid | Closed | Closed |
| Walmart Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
| Costco Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
| Kroger Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
| Publix Pharmacy | Closed | Closed |
Why Christmas Day pharmacy hours change
Christmas Day is the single biggest closure day for chain pharmacies in the United States. Most stores close entirely; a small subset of 24-hour CVS and Walgreens locations stay open with limited pharmacy service. Chain pharmacies build their holiday calendar around two factors: federal holiday observance for staffing premiums, and corporate policy on which holidays the entire workforce gets the day off. Costco, Publix, and Walmart all close on the largest closure holidays out of corporate policy. CVS and Walgreens keep their 24-hour pharmacies open year-round, which is why those two chains dominate the "open on Christmas" search results in major metros.
Holiday hours rarely match the front-store hours one-to-one. Even when the store is open, the pharmacy counter requires a licensed pharmacist on duty, and that staffing is the most expensive line item to fill on a holiday. Expect the pharmacy counter to open later and close earlier than the front store on every holiday this site covers.
Christmas Day prescription pickup tips
- Refill 48 hours ahead. Holiday week always runs slow.
- Check the chain app for your specific store's holiday status — chain-wide policies don't always apply to franchised or licensed locations.
- Identify your nearest 24-hour pharmacy in advance: Walgreens 24-hour, CVS 24-hour.
- If your prescription is at a closed chain, any open pharmacy can transfer it in minutes.