What's open on Christmas Day in Chicago?

You'd be surprised at the number of places open 365 days a year in and around Chicago. Many grocery stores and pharmacies are open for last minute food or gift needs, plus a handful of big box stores. And there are tourist attractions, parks, and gardens that have hours on the holiday — if the cold and snow isn't too much to keep you inside.

We've rounded up a list of fun things to do on Christmas Day in Chicago for families who want to get out of the house. Be sure to also check out our guide to holiday and Christmas activities for more fun on or around the holidays.

What can families do on Christmas Day in Chicago?

1. Go to the zoo

Wish the resident animals a Merry Christmas. Families can visit the Lincoln Park Zoo is open on Christmas Day (but not for ZooLights in the evening).

2. Willis Tower's SkyDeck

Step out on the clear glass ledge to see the lights of the city from the 103rd floor of this Chicago iconic structure. Reservations are required, and the SkyDeck is open on Christmas Day from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., giving viewers plenty of time to take in the scene after dark to experience one of the best things to do in all of Chicago. You can get a complimentary photo of your family in pajamas on the SkyDeck!

 
Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up is open on Christmas Day in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up

3.  Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up

You might no longer need a Christmas tree, but you can visit Jack Frost Winter Pop-Up for ice skating, holiday lights, music, axe-throwing, and bumper cars.

4. Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden 

The light shows at both of these gardens are closed on Christmas, but visitors can hike through the winter landscapes to see what is in bloom.

RELATED: 35 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago

5. Holiday Flower Shows

Warm up with some tropical plants. Both Garfield Park Conservatory and Wilder Park Conservatory have spectacular flower shows going on to celebrate the holidays, and offer some of the least expensive indoor activity options on Christmas.

 
Ice skating is always a festive thing to do on Christmas Day. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

6. Outdoor Skating Rinks

Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Maggie Daley Park's Skating Ribbon, and Rosemont's Parkway Bank Park rink are all open for business. Reservations are required.

7. Kid-Friendly Restaurants

From fancy (like the Peninsula) to low-key (like Eataly), Chicago has plenty of options for keeping your kitchen clean, even if there's still wrapping paper littering the living room.

8. Holiday Light Shows

Displays dazzle at Lilacia Park in Lombard, Willow Hill in Northbrook, Central Park in Oak Brook, Adams Park in Wheaton, and in Downtown Naperville on December 25 for families who want to brighten up Christmas night.

9. Chi-Town Movies

The charming drive-in venue is showing Elf and Home Alone on Christmas Day. Plus, you can pass on making dinner and order tacos to your car.

RELATED: 43 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids 

 
Take in some local art on Christmas Day at Art on the Mart. Photo courtesy of artonthemart.com

10. Art on the Mart

The nightly show is on this holiday season at The Merchandise Mart, featuring Arts of Life and images and music from The Nutcracker.

11. Millennium Park Christmas Tree

The official Chicago Christmas tree is located in Millennium Park. The park and tree are free to visit and open all season long. On Christmas Day, you can take a stroll around the park and view the official tree of the city of Chicago. As mentioned above, the skating ribbon is also open to give you a few more festive activities by the tree. 

12. Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

For something out of the ordinary this Christmas, take in the city sights from a magical boat cruise on Lake Michigan. This special cruise offers seasonal cocktails and plated dinner service along the Chicago skyline. See iconic landmarks such as the Willis Tower and Navy Pier all decked out for Christmas. There are both cozy indoor spaces and breezy open-air decks available. There is also a DJ to keep the party going. 

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

Walgreen's and CVS

Both of these major pharmacies/convenience stores are open for limited hours on Christmas Day. There's usually a small toy section there, in case you discover you were one gift short for a kid, and you can get basic food staples or a bottle of wine to bring to wherever you're going for dinner.

7 Eleven and Circle K

Again, this may not be ideal, but if you're out of milk, hand soap, or some other essential that you cannot get through the day without, you may be able to find it at 7 Eleven or Circle K.

Patel Brothers

Locations on Devon and in Niles, Schaumburg, and Naperville are open for limited hours on Christmas Day. These stores specialize in south Asian foods, but you'll likely be able to get an ingredient you need there.

H Mart

This Asian market's website says all locations are open 365 days a year, but you should check your local store's site for its hours. Locations in the West Loop, Glenview, Naperville, Niles, and Schaumburg all appeared to be open on Christmas.

Tony's Fresh Market

Local chain grocer Tony's Fresh Market's Instagram says its stores will be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Day! Great news for unexpected butter shortages.

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

Most grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day, but Tony's Fresh Market, H Mart, and Patel Brothers locations are open.

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

Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?

No. Walmart's policy is to close all stores on Christmas day so that employees can celebrate with their families

Is Target open on Christmas Day?

No. Target says that its stores are all closed on Christmas, but you can still shop on Target.com for pick up or delivery after the holiday.

Is Costco open on Christmas Day?

We wish, but no. We'll have to wait until December 26 to buy 30 rolls of toilet paper, a 65-inch TV, and all of the peanut butter pretzels we could possibly eat.

FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Q: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?

A. No, all Walmart locations are closed on December 25. Plan ahead and buy items on the 24th, or wait until Walmart opens again early on December 26.

Q: Are grocery stores open on Christmas?

A. Tony's Fresh Market, Patel Brothers, and H Mart are open on Christmas, along with convenience stores like 7 Eleven and Circle K. Most big box grocery stores are closed on Christmas.

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas?

 A: Yes, most gas stations, especially major chains, stay open on Christmas day. Some smaller family-owned stations may close.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?

A. We have a great list of restaurants open on Christmas! But you would likely need a reservation. Some diners, like IHOP and Denny's, will remain open. For fast food restaurants and major chains, check the restaurant's app to see if your location is open.

Q: What can you do with kids on Christmas Day if you don’t celebrate or want to get out?

A. It's a great time to hit normally crowded attractions like the Willis Tower SkyDeck, Chicago Botanic Garden, or Morton Arboretum! Or find a place to go ice skating, sledding, or cross country skiing. Many of the free light displays will be open as well.

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?

A. Many locations are open, but you might be better off checking the Starbuck's app for nearby locations. 

Q: Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas?

A. We have not found any malls or shopping centers that are open, but some individual stores or restaurants may be open within malls.