Christmas Day 2024 falls on Monday, Dec. 25, this year.
The holiday, which is rooted in many Christian religious traditions, revolves around the birth of Jesus.
It has also taken on cultural significance regardless of religion.
Popular traditions include the tale of Santa Claus, exchanging gifts, Christmas tree decorating and attending church.
The vast majority of stores and services are closed. Here is everything you need to know about what’s open and what’s closed on Christmas Day 2024.
Related: Is Dollar Tree open on Christmas? Dollar store hours for Dec. 25 & everything to know before you go
Christmas is a federal and state holiday. Christmas has been a federal holiday in the U.S. since 1870.
It is the last federal holiday of the year.
There will be no regular mail delivered on Christmas, nor will there be UPS or FedEx delivery (except FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express Critical).
Amazon delivery services will run as scheduled, and there are no expected delays related to the Thanksgiving holiday.
However, the United States Postal Service website notes that Priority Mail Express mail will be delivered on Christmas Day.
United States Postal Service offices will be closed, though self-service kiosks are still available at some locations for drop-offs.
No, the following banks are scheduled to be closed on Christmas Day:
No, stock markets will be closed on Christmas Day. Nasdaq trading and bond markets will also be closed.
What stores are open on Christmas Day 2024?
Most major retail stores will be closed, including big-box retailers, such as Walmart, Target, Kohl’s and Costco.
There are some convenience stores and pharmacies that will be open, including:
To see a full list of store hours on Christmas Day, click here.
Most supermarkets will be closed, but some are open with reduced hours, if you need to grab some holiday dinner ingredients. Shoppers should ultimately check with their local supermarket for specific information.
The following major supermarkets will be open on Christmas Day:
- ACME (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
- Foodtown (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
The following major supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day:
It varies by establishment. Some restaurants may be closed, while some may be selling prepared, holiday meals to-go. Patrons should check with specific restaurants for information.
The vast majority of local and chain restaurants are closed on Christmas Day to allow workers to spend time with family. But there are some limited options.
Some McDonald’s locations will be open on Christmas Day. The fast-food chain only describes this as a “handful” of its restaurants and recommends checking its store locator for local hours.
Some Dunkin’ spots may have limited hours, as well, and Dunkin’ recommends checking its store locator for hours. Some Starbucks shops will also be open.
You can also try diner-style chains, like Denny’s and IHOP, and local New Jersey diners.
You can find a list of 20 restaurants that will be open on Wednesday, Dec. 25 here.
Are malls open on Christmas Day 2024?
Most, if not all, malls and major shopping centers in New Jersey will be closed on Christmas Day.
All Motor Vehicle Commission offices will be closed. Additionally, all New Jersey state offices and courts are closed for the holiday.
Online processing of some documents are available on Motor Vehicle Commission’s website.
Most NJ Transit bus and light rail lines will operate on a Sunday, modified Sunday or a holiday schedule. Meanwhile, the rail service will operate on a weekend or holiday schedule. For NJ Transit, riders should use NJ Transit’s online trip planner to double-check arrival and departure times.
SEPTA’s Metro and bus routes will run on a Sunday schedule while its Regional Rail lines will operate on special Christmas schedules.
PATH will operate on a modified Saturday schedule.
The next federal holiday is New Year’s Day on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2025.
For more information about the history of Christmas Day, check out the video below:
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
