Your Arizona Christmas 2025 Guide: Store Hours, Dining & More

As the holiday season twinkles closer, knowing which businesses are open or closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day is essential for a stress-free celebration. Whether you're preparing for some well-deserved time off, planning those last-minute errands, or simply seeking a festive meal, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate Christmas in Arizona like a pro.

Remember, holiday hours can vary, so it's always a great idea to double-check with your local store or restaurant before heading out.

Grocery Store Hours: Stocking Up for the Holidays

Need to grab some forgotten ingredients or a last-minute item for your Christmas feast? Here’s a handy breakdown of grocery store hours across Arizona:

Open Christmas Eve:

• AJ's Fine Foods: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Albertsons: Open until 11 p.m.
• Aldi: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Bashas': 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Costco: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• El Super: Open until 10 p.m.
• Food City: Open until 9 p.m.
• Fry's: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (pharmacies close at 4 p.m.).
• H Mart: Open until 10 p.m.
• Safeway: Open until 11 p.m.
• Sam's Club: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sprouts: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Target: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Trader Joe's: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Walmart: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Whole Foods Market: Open until 7 p.m.
• WinCo: 12 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Open Christmas Day:

• El Super: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• H Mart (Mesa): 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Walgreens: Select locations; check local hours.

Retail Therapy: Last-Minute Gifts and Supplies

Need to pick up a last-minute gift or some essential supplies? Here are the retail store hours to keep in mind:

Open Christmas Eve:

• Barnes and Noble: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Best Buy: Closes at 7 p.m.
• Dollar General: Closes at 10 p.m.
• Home Depot: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Lowe's: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Michael's: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed Christmas Day:

• Most major retailers, including those listed above.

Dining Out: Restaurants Open During the Holidays

Skip the cooking and enjoy a festive meal at one of these Arizona restaurants:

• BRIO Italian Grille (Gilbert): Open for dine-in meals.
• Casino Arizona (Scottsdale): Several restaurants offering Christmas Day meals.
• Mastro's Steakhouse and Mastro's Ocean Club: Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• The Italiano: Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Hooters: Open Christmas Day from 4 p.m. to midnight.
• Red Lobster: Open Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fogo de Chão: Open Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• IHOP: Hours may vary by location.
• Denny's: Remains open 24/7.
• Applebee's: Select locations open; check local hours.
• Starbucks: Many locations open; hours vary.
• McDonald's: Hours vary by location, but most are open.
• Dunkin': Hours vary by location.
• The Coronet (Tucson): Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

Important: It's always best to call ahead to confirm hours and make reservations where possible.

Pharmacies: Healthcare Needs During the Holidays

• CVS: Some locations open; check local hours.
• Walgreens: Most stores open, adjusted hours 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 24-hour locations remain open.

Other Essential Services:

• Gas Stations (Circle K, Quick Trip, Shell, Chevron, Arco): Most locations operate on regular 24-hour schedules.
• Mail Services: Post offices closed; no mail delivery on Christmas Day. UPS and FedEx also closed.
• Banks: Branches closed on Christmas Day.

Festive Events and Activities in Arizona

Beyond shopping and dining, Arizona offers a plethora of festive events to make your Christmas memorable:

• Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale): Experience dazzling light displays, ice skating, and visits with Santa at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Runs from November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025.
• Glendale Glitters: Over 1.5 million lights transform downtown Glendale into a winter wonderland. Runs from November 29, 2024 – January 1, 2025.
• ZooLights (Phoenix Zoo): A beloved tradition featuring millions of lights and dazzling displays.
• Polar Express (Williams): Take a magical train ride to the North Pole. Departing times are 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm.
• Snowland Snow Globe Holiday Light Experience (Scottsdale and Salt River): Enjoy dynamic lights and storytelling at Great Wolf Lodge. Runs from November 25 2024 – January 6 2025.

Tips for a Smooth Holiday Season in Arizona

• Plan Ahead: Check the opening hours of stores, restaurants, and pharmacies in advance.
• Make Reservations: If you plan to dine out, make reservations to avoid disappointment.
• Explore Local Events: Take advantage of the many festive events happening across Arizona.
• Shop Early: Avoid the last-minute rush by doing your Christmas shopping early.
• Embrace the Holiday Spirit: Enjoy the lights, decorations, and festive atmosphere.