San Francisco, December 24, 2025: With Christmas Day just around the corner, residents and visitors in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area are planning last-minute errands, holiday meals and travel — and many are wondering what will be open or closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025. As with past years, the holiday brings widespread closures across retail, grocery and government services, though a limited number of stores, restaurants and essential services will remain accessible for those in need.
The holiday season is one of the busiest of the year, and knowing the store hours and availability of services can make the difference between a smooth festive day and an unexpected inconvenience. Here’s a detailed guide to what Bay Area residents can expect for Christmas Day 2025.
Retail Stores: Largely Closed
Most major retailers and grocery chains in San Francisco and the Bay Area will remain closed on Christmas Day as employees take the holiday off and shoppers focus on family gatherings and celebrations. This year, chains that normally draw crowds will pause operations entirely on December 25, meaning consumers need to plan their shopping ahead.
Among the national and regional outlets confirmed closed for the holiday are:
- Costco
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Macy’s
- Old Navy
- Gap
- Banana Republic
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods
- Many department and apparel stores
These closures apply to most locations in the Bay Area and reflect a broader trend in the United States, where Christmas Day remains one of the few days of the year when nearly all major retail outlets shut their doors.
While retailers like Walmart, Aldi, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, and many others nationwide follow similar closure patterns on Christmas Day, exceptions do occur in specific areas — particularly in urban centres where certain franchises choose to operate independently.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies: Limited Options
Given how many families prepare special meals for Christmas, grocery store availability is a concern for many. In the Bay Area, most major supermarkets will observe the holiday by closing entirely or limiting service hours significantly.
While many supermarkets — including Trader Joe’s and Costco — remain closed, some smaller grocery locations and convenience store counters in pharmacies may be open depending on location and staffing.
Similarly, pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid may have select outlets open, but hours often vary greatly by location. For example, 24-hour pharmacy and convenience locations in larger cities may remain open to serve holiday needs like over-the-counter medicine or basic essentials, while others might close early.
Because of these variations, shoppers in San Francisco and the Bay Area are strongly advised to check specific store locators or call ahead to confirm exact hours before leaving home on Christmas Day.
Malls and Shopping Centres: Partial Openings
Some shopping malls and retail complexes will technically remain open on Christmas Day, but with important caveats: individual stores inside these venues may keep shorter hours or remain closed entirely, even while the mall itself lists open hours.
This means that while malls can be hubs of activity around the holidays, they will not offer the full shopping experience many might expect on a typical weekend. Restaurants and food halls inside these centres might remain accessible in some cases, even if clothing and home goods stores do not open.
In previous years, Bay Area shopping malls have taken similar approaches, choosing to operate on a holiday schedule rather than fully closing — a trend that reflects both community interest in holiday activities as well as business decisions to accommodate visitors during peak travel days.
Dining and Restaurants: A Mixed Landscape
For residents and visitors looking to eat out on Christmas Day 2025, the situation in San Francisco is somewhat more lively than the retail scene. Across the city, a handful of restaurants and eateries will choose to open their doors for holiday meals and gatherings.
Some popular choices include:
- Lillie Coit’s in North Beach, known for festive cocktails and extended hours on Christmas Day.
- Hon’s Wun-Tun House, a Chinatown favourite where long lines and busy tables are common on holidays.
- Mandalay Restaurant, celebrated for its Burmese cuisine and accessible holiday reservations.
These and other local restaurants often see heavy bookings on Christmas Day, so making reservations well in advance is recommended. Many establishments either prepare special set menus for the holiday or offer a festive twist on their regular offerings.
Additionally, holiday dining options are also regularly published by local media and food guides, giving patrons a wide range of restaurants from casual to upscale that open specifically for Christmas dinner or brunch.
Coffee Shops and Quick Stops
Coffee culture is strong in San Francisco, and many locals seek out a seasonal beverage or quick snack even on holidays. While many national chains — such as Starbucks — maintain select locations open on Christmas Day, hours vary significantly by location, and not all outlets will operate.
Smaller independent coffee shops might also choose to open, often based on owner preferences and staffing availability. As with larger stores, calling ahead or checking online is advised.
Transportation, Mail and Government Services
Christmas Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which affects public services across the board:
- Banks and federal offices will be closed entirely on December 25.
- U.S. Postal Service, as well as major carriers such as UPS and FedEx, will not operate deliveries on Christmas Day.
- Courts and government regulatory offices will also observe holiday closures, leaving many administrative functions paused until the next business day after the holiday.
Public transit systems typically continue to run on a holiday schedule, which may include reduced services or limited routes, particularly on Christmas Day. Residents planning travel or commuting around the city should inspect transit authority announcements ahead of time.
Tips for Last-Minute Errands
Because most stores close on Christmas Day, Bay Area residents are encouraged to complete essential errands on December 23 or 24, known as Christmas Eve, when many stores operate on reduced but still functional hours.
These errands might include:
- Purchasing groceries and holiday meals
- Picking up medications or healthcare essentials
- Shopping for gifts or forgotten items
- Filling up on fuel at stations or convenience outlets that remain open
Major grocery and retail chains typically extend hours on Christmas Eve, giving shoppers a last chance before the full holiday closures take effect.
Cultural and Leisure Attractions
In addition to commerce, several San Francisco museums and cultural attractions plan to open on Christmas Day, though often with early closing times to accommodate staff and holiday schedules.
These locations can offer an alternative to traditional holiday activities, particularly for families looking to spend the day exploring educational exhibits or enjoying city landmarks. Exact hours and ticketing details vary by venue, so visitors should confirm times before heading out.
Weather and Travel Considerations
The Bay Area often experiences winter weather influences around Christmas. This year, forecasts have indicated that rain and wind could affect travel and outdoor plans through Christmas Eve and potentially into Christmas Day, making planning ahead especially wise.
Whether driving within the region or travelling to surrounding areas, residents should check weather conditions, transit schedules and holiday operating hours to avoid surprises.
Final Word: Plan Ahead for a Smoother Holiday
Christmas Day 2025 in San Francisco will be characterised by widespread closures among retail stores, grocery chains and government services, balanced by limited but important services from select restaurants, convenience stores, certain pharmacies and cultural attractions.
With the holiday emphasizing family time and festivities, planning ahead is crucial — whether that means shopping early, booking restaurant reservations, or confirming service hours before stepping out. A bit of preparation can help residents enjoy the holiday without the frustration of unexpected closures.
