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Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Boston Children's Museum - 9:00 AM
USS Constitution Museum - 10:00 AM
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Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Boston Children's Museum - 9:00 AM
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Boston Children's Museum - 9:00 AM
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
Boston Children's Museum - 9:00 AM
Faneuil Hall - 10:00 AM
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
USS Constitution Museum - 10:00 AM
Grove Hall Branch Boston Public Library - 10:30 AM
Faneuil Hall - 10:00 AM
Harvard Museum of Natural History - 9:00 AM
USS Constitution Museum - 10:00 AM
American Ancestors - 10:00 AM
Faneuil Hall - 10:00 AM
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What’s Open in Connecticut on Christmas Day 2025? Stores, Grocery Stores & Family-Friendly Places for Parents
Christmas morning doesn’t look the same for every family. Maybe you don’t celebrate the holiday, or your kids already opened all the presents under the tree before 8 a.m and now bored. Maybe you suddenly realize you’re missing a key ingredient for a recipe, a gift for a relative, or batteries for your little one’s new toy. Whatever the reason, sometimes you just need something to do, somewhere to go on what feels like the busiest (yet quietest for stores and businesses) day of the year. Parent to parent, we’ve got you covered. And yes, many Starbucks locations are open – you're welcome!
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This guide highlights which grocery and retail stores are open on Christmas Day in Connecticut. Additionally, fun activities to enjoy with your kids throughout the day and resources for when you need a little extra help on December 25. Read on to enjoy a fun and stress-free day filled with family-friendly activities and places.
For everything holiday focused, check out the CT Holiday Fun Guide. Always looking for family ideas? Sign up for our free newsletter, check out our Activities Calender, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
What is Open in Connecticut on Christmas Day 2025?
Even though many businesses close on Christmas Day, some essential stores, grocery options, and family-friendly attractions remain open throughout Connecticut. Families can still enjoy convenient shopping, dining, and festive activities during the holiday.
What Can Connecticut Families Do on Christmas Day? (Fun Activities That Are Open)
Hit the slopes with the family on Christmas Day 2025 in Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Ski Sundown
1. Go Night Skiing at Ski Sundown - New Hartford
Enjoy celebrating or relaxing during the day, then gear up for an evening adventure with night skiing. Ski Sundown is open on Christmas Day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Take a Drive Through a Holiday Light Display - Multiple Locations
Pack the whole family into the car with snacks, hot cocoa, and cozy clothes, and enjoy a Christmas Day drive through some truly impressive holiday light displays. Chose between Magic of Lights (East Hartford), Mystic Holiday Light Show (North Stonington), Fantasy of Lights (New Haven), Festival of Silver Lights at Hebbard Park (Meriden), and Hebron Lion Lights in Motion (Hebron). Confirm times on the website before heading out.
3 Participate in a 5k With the Scrooge Scramble - Vernon
Run, Jog, walk, or even push a stroller on Christmas Day for the Scrooge Scramble. Dress festive and enjoy other participations in the holiday spirit. All proceeds from the race go towards local shelters, soup kitchens, food cupboards, and clothing banks. It's a great way to give to those in need.
4. Water Park at Great Wolf Lodge – Mashantucket
Celebrate the holidays with a day pass to the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. Full and half-day options are available for under $100 per person. Enjoy slides for every age and thrill level or simply relax and take in a fun family outing. With on-site dining and plenty to do, you can easily spend the whole day here. Trust us - this is a spot that guarantees a memorable holiday experience.
Head to Great Wolf Lodge in CT for unique Christmas 2025 family activity! Photo courtesy of the author
5. Go Ice Skating Outside - Westport
Bundle up and embrace the winter weather with skating. WPAL Rink at Longshore is open for public ice skating on Christmas from 11:30am until 2pm. Rentals and sharpening available onsite.
6. Go Ice Skating Indoors at Sports Center of Connecticut – Shelton
Spend the day at an indoor ice skating rink. Public skating hours are 11am - 1250pm with rentals on-site available.
7. See a Movie - Multiple Locations
Everyone loves a trip to the movies- popcorn, comfy seats, and the fun of watching a film outside the house. The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants will be in theaters for families to enjoy. Be sure to check your local theater for show times.
8. Go on a Hike - Multiple Locations
Explore nature with the family by taking a hike. Kent Falls, Sleeping Giant, an Gillette Castle are always great options. Check out our guide for Short Hikes in Connecticut.
9. Walk and Play at a Beach - Multiple Locations
Even though it’s not beach season, the shoreline is still a peaceful spot for families. Take a stroll along the sand or nearby paths, build in the sand, or collect shells. Beaches make for a simple, relaxing family outing. Check out our Guide to Connecticut Beaches.
10. Find a new Playground - Multiple Locations
For families with little ones, a playground is sometimes all you need to get out of the house and have fun. Make it an adventure by driving to a neighboring town and trying out their playground instead. Check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Connecticut.
Stores Open in Connecticut on Christmas Day for Last-Minute Gifts or Essentials
1. CVS - Multiple Locations
Most CVS locations will be open on Christmas Day, though hours may be reduced. You can grab last-minute essentials like gift cards, stocking stuffers, and wrapping supplies. All 24-hour CVS stores will remain open.
2. Walgreens - Multiple Locations
Need a last-minute gift or forget batteries for a new toy? Walgreens has you covered with essentials. From small gift items in the toy aisle to everyday needs like greeting cards and gift tags. Walgreens locations will be open with reduced hours, so be sure to check your nearest store for its schedule.
3. Rite Aid - Multiple Locations
Rite Aid offers a variety of last-minute gift options like gift cards, makeup, and toys for anyone still on your list. You can also find all your wrapping essentials, including tape, bows, bags, and wrapping paper.
Are Any Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Connecticut?
No, unlike Thanksgiving, all grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day, so be sure to plan ahead. Some convenience stores at gas stations like 7-Eleven and Cumberland Farms will be open for essentials such as milk or eggs. You can also check pharmacy retailers like CVS or Rite Aid for basic grocery items and snacks.
Are Walmart, Target, Costco, and McDonald's Open on Christmas Day?
Is Walmart open on Christmas?
No, all Walmart locations will be closed on December 25, 2025. Stores will reopen early on December 26, but hours vary by location, so check your nearest store for exact opening times. You can still shop through their website or app, with options for in-store pickup or shipping.
Is Target open on Christmas?
No, all Target locations will be closed on December 25, 2025. All locations will open early on December 26th. Check you nearest location for hours via Target app. You can still do a "buy online/store pick" to be ready early on December 26th or have an order shipped.
Is Costco open on Christmas?
No, all Costco locations including Costco Gas and Liquor will be closed on December 25, 2025. All Costco locations will open on December 26th at 10am and Costco Gas earlier. For any needs, you can use their online website or app to place an order for delivery.
Is McDonald's open on Christmas?
Yes, many McDonald’s locations are open. Check the store locator in the app to confirm hours. And don’t forget to grab a fun Grinch Meal to celebrate the holiday!
FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Connecticut?
Is Walmart open in Connecticut on Christmas Day?
No, Walmart is closed on December 25, 2025. All locations will reopen early on December 26. Check your nearest's location hours online.
Are grocery stores open in Connecticut on Christmas Day?
No, all major grocery stores are closed on December 25, 2025. Your only options will be convenience stores at gas stations, such as 7-Eleven and Speedway. Hours will vary so call ahead to ensure open.
Are gas stations open in Connecticut on Christmas Day?
Yes, most gas stations are open on December 25, 2025.
Are restaurants open in Connecticut on Christmas Day?
Yes! Check out our guide Restaurants Open on Christmas Day. Fast casual options like McDonald's and IHOP are also open on Christimas Day.
What can you do with the kids in Connecticut on Christmas Day if you don't celebrate or want to get out?
Go night skiing, ice skate outside or indoors, or even sledding if there’s snow. You can also see a movie, take a walk on the beach, or go for a scenic hike. Even grab a day pass for the water park.
Is Starbucks open in Connecticut on Christmas Day?
Yes, but hours vary by location. Check your Starbucks app for specific store hours.
Are malls or shopping centers open in Connecticut on Christmas Day?
No, malls are closed on December 25, 2025. They’ll reopen early on December 26.
