The Holiday Collection
The short answer: Almost everything is open on Christmas Eve, but many places close early. Christmas Eve 2026 is Thursday, December 24, and it is not a federal holiday, so banks, post offices, grocery stores and most shops keep regular morning hours. The safest plan is to finish errands before noon and check each location's hours the day before.
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Quick answer: what's open on Christmas Eve
Here is a simple guide to what's open on Christmas Eve in the United States. Hours vary by city and by location, so treat this as a starting point.
| Place | Open on Christmas Eve 2026? | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Banks and credit unions | Usually yes | Many branches close early. ATMs and apps keep working. |
| Post office | Yes | Mail is delivered. Some counters close early. |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Yes, half day | Early close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. |
| Grocery stores | Usually yes | Most close early in the evening. |
| Big-box and department stores | Usually yes | Early closing times are common. |
| Pharmacies | Usually yes | Some 24-hour stores keep normal hours. |
| Restaurants | Many | Book ahead. Some serve a set menu. |
| Government offices | Varies | Federal offices are open unless the president grants the day off. |
What is closed on Christmas Eve?
Very little is fully closed on Christmas Eve, because December 24 is not a federal holiday. What changes is the closing time. Here is what is closed, or closes early, on Christmas Eve 2026:
- Closes early: many bank branches (often around noon), post office counters, grocery stores, malls and big-box stores. Plan errands for the morning.
- Stock market: the NYSE and Nasdaq close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 24.
- Some restaurants: many stay open and fill up, but others close for the night. Book ahead.
- Some state and local offices and schools: federal offices are open unless the president grants the day off, but a few states give state workers December 24 off, and most schools are already on winter break. Check your state and school district calendar.
- Closed the next day: banks, post offices, the stock market and most stores are closed on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, so anything you need for Christmas morning has to happen on the 24th.
Are banks open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, most banks are open on Christmas Eve. The Federal Reserve holiday schedule lists Christmas Day as a holiday but not December 24. That means the payment system runs and branches can open.
Many branches still close early, often at noon or a little after. If you need a cashier's check, cash for gifts or a notary, go in the morning. Mobile deposits made late in the day may post on Monday, December 28, because Friday is Christmas Day.
Is the post office open on Christmas Eve?
Yes. USPS delivers mail on Christmas Eve, and post office counters open, though some close early. The post office is closed on Christmas Day. If you still have cards or gifts to send, check the USPS holiday shipping dates well before the 24th, because most December deadlines pass about a week earlier. Our guide to holiday shipping deadlines lists the key dates in one place.
Is the stock market open on Christmas Eve 2026?
Yes, for a half day. The New York Stock Exchange plans an early close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 24, 2026. Nasdaq keeps the same hours. The bond market usually closes early too, based on industry recommendations. Both markets are closed on Friday, December 25.
Are stores and restaurants open on Christmas Eve?
Most grocery stores, big-box stores and malls are open on Christmas Eve, but they tend to close early so workers can get home. Some chains close at 6 p.m. or earlier. Each company sets its own hours, and franchise locations can differ, so check the store locator before you drive across town.
Restaurants are a mixed picture. Many sit-down restaurants are open and fully booked, especially for Italian, steakhouse and seafood dinners. Others close for the night. If you want to eat out, make a reservation now and confirm it a few days ahead. If you'd rather stay home, our Christmas Eve dinner ideas make a cozy night easy.
Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?
No. The OPM federal holidays list includes Christmas Day on December 25 but not Christmas Eve. In some past years the president gave federal workers the day off by executive order. Private employers decide for themselves, and many offer a half day. If you are paid hourly, our guide to holiday pay explains how premium pay usually works.
A simple Christmas Eve errand plan
- Make one list of every errand on December 22. Group them by location.
- Call or check hours for the bank, post office and any special shop.
- Do pickup orders and returns first thing in the morning.
- Buy groceries before lunch, when lines are shorter.
- Fill the gas tank and pick up prescriptions early.
- Be home by mid-afternoon so the evening is free for Christmas Eve traditions.
What's open the rest of Christmas week
Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, is a full federal holiday. Banks, post offices and most stores close. Saturday, December 26, is Boxing Day in many countries, and US stores reopen with after-Christmas sales. For every date this season in one view, see our holiday calendar.
Not sure which day of the week the holiday lands on? See when is Christmas for this year's and future dates.
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Frequently asked questions
What is open on Christmas Eve 2026? Most things are open on Christmas Eve 2026, which falls on Thursday, December 24. Grocery stores, big-box retailers, pharmacies, gas stations, banks, post offices and many restaurants open as usual, but a lot of them close early in the afternoon or evening. Always check the store or branch locator for your exact location before you head out.
What is closed on Christmas Eve? Very little is fully closed on Christmas Eve, because December 24 is not a federal holiday; the bigger change is early closing. Banks, stores, post office counters and many restaurants shut early in the afternoon or evening, the stock market closes at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time, some restaurants close for the night, and some state and local government offices and schools are closed where the state gives the day off. Everything listed here is closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
Are banks open on Christmas Eve? Yes, banks are generally open on Christmas Eve because December 24 is not a Federal Reserve holiday. Many branches close early, often around noon or mid-afternoon, so plan any in-person visits for the morning. Online banking, mobile deposits and ATMs keep working, but transfers may not settle until the next business day after Christmas.
Is the post office open on Christmas Eve? Yes, the post office is open on Christmas Eve, and USPS delivers mail that day. Some retail counters may close earlier than usual, so call your local branch or check its hours online. The post office is closed on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25, 2026, and regular mail does not move that day.
Is the stock market open on Christmas Eve 2026? Yes, the stock market is open on Christmas Eve 2026, but only for part of the day. The New York Stock Exchange has announced an early close at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, December 24, 2026, and Nasdaq follows the same schedule. Bond markets usually close early as well, and both stock and bond markets are fully closed on Christmas Day.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Eve? Many restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, and it is one of the busiest nights of the year for sit-down dinners. Plenty of places close early or offer a set holiday menu, so book a table well ahead. Fast-food and chain hours vary by franchise, so confirm with the location's app or website before you go.
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Sources
- Federal Reserve: Holidays observed federalreserve.gov
- USPS: Holiday shipping dates usps.com
- OPM: Federal holidays opm.gov