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12/15/24 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

Wondering what is open on Christmas Day in DC? Look no further!

Maybe your family celebrates Christmas and you need an activity to burn off your kids' energy. Perhaps it's just another Thursday and you're looking for family activities open on Christmas. Or maybe you need some last-minute supplies for your holiday gathering or—eek—even an extra gift.

Here is our ultimate list of things to do with kids on Christmas Day, plus shops and grocery stores open on Christmas. Most outdoor ice skating rinks and local movie theaters are open as well. And if you're looking to take a break from cooking as a Christmas present to yourself, check out our list of restaurants open on Christmas near DC.

Whatever you decide to do, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas Day 2025 with your family!

What Is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

While most businesses close on Christmas Day, some grocery stores and other essential stores open with limited hours. There are also a surprising number of family activities open on Christmas.

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

CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens are all open on Christmas Day—perfect if you need batteries for Christmas toys, wrapping paper, toiletries for visiting relatives, or even last-minute gifts like toys, beauty sets, and gift cards. 

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

Major Chains That May Open in DC

Giant, Safeway, and 7-Eleven will open for limited morning hours. Call your local store to confirm.

Grocery Stores Typically Closed on Christmas Day

Harris Teeter, Sam's Club, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Whole Foods are all closed on Christmas Day.

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

Is Walmart open on Christmas?

A: No, Walmart is closed on December 25, 2025 and will reopen early on December 26.

Is Target open on Christmas?

No, Target is closed on Christmas Day and will reopen the next morning. Some locations will reopen at their regular hour, while others may open earlier. 

Is Costco open on Christmas?

No, Costco is closed on Christmas Day 2025 and will reopen on December 26. 

FAQ – What is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas?
A: Yes, most gas stations and attached convenience stores stay open. These include Shell, 7-Eleven, Speedway, Circle K, and others.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
A: Many chain diners like Denny’s, IHOP, and Waffle House are open, as are most Chinese restaurants. Other local restaurants are open as well. Check out our list of restaurants open on Christmas in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for some great options.

Q: What can you do with kids on Christmas Day if you don’t celebrate or want to get out?
A: Some of the best things to do with kids on Christmas Day in the DC area include going to a movie, enjoying a holiday light display, going ice skating, and seeing the monuments on the National Mall (see our National Mall visitors guide).

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
A: Many Starbucks locations are open on Christmas, but with limited morning hours. Check the app for the hours of your nearest location.

Q: Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas?
A: Nearly all are closed, but some food courts or movie theaters may operate independently and be open.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

What is Open on Christmas Day in DC

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace

Free
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse is lit every evening and open to the public. Surrounding it are more than 50 smaller trees representing the US states and territories, each featuring unique ornaments created by students. READ MORE

Light Yards

Capitol Riverfront
Free
Light Yards is back with another family-friendly art installation at Yards Park. This year’s holiday light installation, Swinging Bells, invites guests to become part of the artwork by prompting animated light displays and amplifying the cheerful sound of holiday bells through swinging. READ MORE

Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience (at Rhode Island Center)

Northeast
At Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience, journey through 10 interactive rooms including a huge bubble-bath ball pit, an undersea LED room, a virtual-reality room, an endless infinity experience, and a vast ocean of pink balloons. Dazzling colors, lasers, moving lights, and bubbles integrate with 360-degree projection technology and virtual reality to create a magical experience. READ MORE

Great Big Game Show | DC

Georgetown
Great Big Game Show, brought to you by The Escape Game, is a live-hosted game show experience. Two teams come on stage to face off in a battle for points and glory! READ MORE

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience (at Friendship Center)

Friendship Heights
Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience combining media, technology, and play in one place. Visitors travel through an interactive museum boasting multiple rooms and activities that provide something new and exciting at every corner. READ MORE
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice is a dazzling—and FREE—light show. Photo courtesy of the Downtown Frederick Partnership
Sailing Through the Winter Solstice is a dazzling—and FREE—light show. Photo courtesy of the Downtown Frederick Partnership

Things To Do with Kids on Christmas Day in Maryland

Merriweather Symphony of Lights

Columbia
The Symphony of Lights drive-thru light show is back for the holidays with one mile of beautiful light displays and holiday music. READ MORE

Mistletoe Mile Scavenger Hunt (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
Santa’s missing some toy blueprints! Search for festive clues hidden around the resort, complete your interactive guidebook, and help rebuild the magic. Finish the quest and receive a special souvenir. READ MORE

Cirque: Spirit of Christmas (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
This 35-minute, Broadway-style Christmas show featuring dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts centers around Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, she is visited by spirits who bring back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters. READ MORE

ICE! featuring The Polar Express (at Gaylord National Resort)

National Harbor
Visitors can experience the beloved holiday ICE! featuring The Polar Express, a dazzling, immersive, story-driven holiday showplace complete with larger-than-life ice sculptures, thrilling frozen slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels. READ MORE

Mrs. Claus' Christmas Traditions (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
Join Mrs. Claus for a retelling of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, sing along to favorite holiday songs, and enjoy a chocolate chip cookie and milk.  READ MORE

Here We Glow A-Caroling Laser Light Show (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
Free
Experience the magic of caroling without leaving your seat! A dazzling light show and custom soundtrack take you through decades of holiday music, from ‘20s jazz to ‘70s disco. End with a high-energy sing-along finale and memories that shine bright! READ MORE

Wildlife Rescue - An AR Experience (at Gaylord National)

National Harbor
Free
Take a virtual safari through Gaylord National! Search for 12 endangered animals using tracking markers and bring them to life with augmented reality (AR). Learn fun facts, snap photos, and enjoy this tech-savvy adventure. A smartphone and free app download are necessary. READ MORE

Snow Flow Mountain Ice Tubing (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
Hop on a tube and slide down real frozen ice lanes on Snow Flow Mountain. Race family and friends to reach the finish. READ MORE

Gingerbread Decorating Corner (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
Purchase a gingerbread kit and let your creativity run wild, then have a sweet meet-and-greet with Nutmeg the gingerbread man. READ MORE

Snowball Build and Blast (at Gaylord National Harbor)

National Harbor
Build and toss real snowballs to boost the power of the snowmaking machines and earn points in this experience at Snow Factory, a mechanized, snowy play space. READ MORE

Sailing Through the Winter Solstice

Frederick
Free
Carroll Creek Park once again comes alive with individually designed lighted sailboats. Visitors can view the boats anytime day or night, with the lights turning on at sunset. READ MORE

Washington, DC Temple Festival of Lights

Kensington
Free
The Festival of Lights at the Washington, DC Temple features over 400,000 lights and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The Visitors’ Center exhibits beautiful créche displays featuring nativities from around the world and hosts many free holiday performances. The lights are on from 4:45-9pm.  READ MORE

Winter City Lights (in Olney, MD)

Olney
The largest light show in the DC and Baltimore areas, Winter City Lights is one of the most technologically advanced Christmas light experiences in the US. It includes a 1.5-mile-long trail of Christmas lights and displays through the woods, a 52-foot-high programmable Christmas lights tree and light show, an eight-lane snow tubing ride, 14 bonfires, and more. READ MORE

Kensington’s Annual Menorah Lighting

Kensington
Free
The annual Kensington menorah lighting takes place at Town Hall, featuring music, treats, and the lighting of the menorah. All are welcome! READ MORE

Watkins Regional Park Festival of Lights

Upper Marlboro
Watkins Regional Park brings a little twinkle to the holidays with a drive-thru event featuring dazzling displays of more than 2.5 million lights throughout the park, culminating in a giant, 54-foot LED musical tree. READ MORE

National Harbor Holiday Tree Light Show

National Harbor
Each night, families can enjoy a beautiful light show as a 60-foot Christmas tree at National Harbor lights up. On Saturdays at 5:30pm, the show is followed by fireworks. READ MORE
See more than 1,000 Chinese lanterns at the Winter Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of the event
See more than 1,000 Chinese lanterns at the Winter Lantern Festival. Photo courtesy of the event

Family Activities Open on Christmas Day in Northern Virginia

Bull Run Festival of Lights

Centreville
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Bull Run Festival of Lights, Northern Virginia’s largest drive-through holiday light experience with 2.5 miles of lighted holiday and fairytale vignettes. At the end of the drive, enjoy a Holiday Village and carnival that includes a market and a petting zoo.   READ MORE

Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights

Vienna
Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights is an elegant garden trail decorated with thousands of sparkling lights. The half-mile walk through the enchanting Meadowlark Botanical Gardens features lighted nature themes and animated displays along a paved wheelchair- and stroller-accessible trail. Stay warm by sipping on a hot beverage (with or without spirits) while walking, and enjoy s’mores to finish out the evening. READ MORE

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Alexandria
Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique holiday lights, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. The Village opens on November 15, and ice skating begins on November 29. READ MORE

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, just a short drive from Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virgnia. READ MORE

Winter Lantern Festival (at Tysons Corner)

Tysons
The Winter Lantern Festival is back this holiday season, with a display of electrifying lights made from more than 1,000 handmade Chinese lanterns. Guests will enter and wander through a wonderland of light and color inspired by Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. Attractions will include a bounce house, sugar paintings, dino ride, interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels, and many majestic creatures. READ MORE

The Great Benjamins Circus at Dulles Town Center

Sterling
Step into a world of dazzling holiday wonder and thrilling spectacle! Benjamin’s Winter Circus Adventure is transforming Dulles into a true winter wonderland of daring feats and unforgettable fun.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Lerner Town Square at Tysons II

About the Author

Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
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