Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

What is Open Christmas Day?

While many places are closed, like fast food chains and stores, there are still options to get the family out of the house, from a quick trip to the grocery store to a family-friendly activity.

What Can Families Do on Christmas Day?

1. AMC Theatres – Islandwide

Another sequel to "Avatar" is coming to theaters in time for the holidays. "Avatar: Fire and Ash" will be released over the weekend and is a good bet for teens and young adults. Families with younger kids can catch "The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants" or "David," a CGI movie about the biblical David.  

2. Port Washington Skating Center – Port Washington

The Port Washington Skating Center has a public skate on Christmas Day from 12-3:45pm on Christmas Day. 

3. Long Beach Boardwalk Lights – Long Beach

Who says the beaches are only for the summer? Long Beach's Boardwalk Lights are a charming ending to the season of celebrations and will shine from 5-9pm on Christmas Day.

RELATED: Free Holiday and Christmas Events on Long Island

The King Avenue Dancing Lights in Selden are a delight. Photo by James Stephen Smith

4. Neighborhood Holiday Light Displays – Islandwide

Gazing at the beautiful holiday light displays on Long Island is a favorite holiday tradition, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. Choose from among the many planned professional holiday light displays, or take a tour to see the spectacular lights adorning the holiday homes around LI.

5. Round 1 – Hicksville

Round 1 is open on all major holidays, including Christmas Day, and it's a great spot for everyone to get in on some arcade action.

6. Jones Beach Magic of Lights – Wantagh

See festive light displays like 12 Days of Christmas, meet Santa, and have a yummy cup of hot chocolate at the Magic of Lights display at Jones Beach.

RELATED: See the Iconic Christmas Window Displays in Manhattan

Gaze in awe at the many decorated holiday windows around Manhattan. Photo by Jody Mercier

7. New York City

Is there a place more magical at Christmas than Manhattan? Take a quiet but festive holiday walk, or a visit to one of these NYC hot spots that remain open on the holiday, including theaters and museums. You can even check something off our holiday bucket list for Christmas in NYC! While Macy's may be closed, you can still see the window displays. 

8. United Skates – Seaford

United Skates is holding a special Christmas Day hip-hop skate, running from 7-10pm. Tickets are just $13 online ($15 at the door), and it's best to purchase in advance. Admission includes skate rental. Spectators can attend for just $6.

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

CVS Pharmacy 

CVS is open on Christmas Day with revised hours. It's a great option if, say, your kid got a gift and someone forgot to buy the batteries to go with it.

Walgreens 

On your way to the in-laws and forgot something? Walgreens is open on Christmas Day for last-minute needs. Check with your local store for hours.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven is open on Christmas Day, just in case you need an essential like milk.

Bolla Market

Bolla Markets attached to gas stations are open on Christmas Day, but you will want to check with your local Bolla Market for exact hours.

Are Any Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 on Long Island?

No major grocery stores are open on Christmas Day.

Closed Grocery Stores on Christmas Day 2025

• Stop and Shop
• Whole Foods
• Trader Joe's
• ShopRite
• King Kullen
• Lidl
• Aldi
• Uncle Guiseppe's
• Guinta's Meat Farms
• Iavarone Bros.

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

Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
No, Walmart is not open Christmas Day, but it reopens at 6am on December 26.

Is Target open on Christmas Day?
No, Target is not open Christmas Day, but it reopens at 7am on December 26.

Is Costco open on Christmas Day?
No, Costco is not open on Christmas Day, but it reopens at 9am on December 26 for executive members and 10am for other members.

Is BJs open on Christmas Day?
No, BJs is not open on Christmas Day, but it reopens at 8am on December 26. 

FAQ: What is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Are gas stations open on Christmas?
Yes, most gas stations are open on Christmas Day. Attached convenience stores, like 7/11 and Bolla Market, are also open.

Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Yes, some national chains like IHOP are open, as well as local restaurants. You can find our complete guide to restaurants open on Christmas Day here. 

What can you do on Christmas Day with kids if you don't celebrate or want to Go Out?
If the weather is nice, you can go to a local playground, take a walk in the park, or catch light displays. Arcade Round 1 is open, as well as AMC movie theaters. 

Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
Yes, many Starbucks are open for your caffeine fix. Check with your local store to verify hours.

A version of this post was first published in 2016.