Is Costco Open on Christmas Day?

Is Costco open on Christmas? No, Costco warehouses are closed on Christmas Day every year. This includes all U.S., Canadian, and most international locations. As part of its long-standing holiday policy, Costco observes a full closure on December 25th, making "is Costco open on Christmas" one of the most frequently searched retail queries each winter. While many stores adjust hours during the holiday season, Christmas Day remains a consistent exception — no in-person shopping is available at any warehouse on this day. However, online orders may still be processed depending on delivery schedules, and pharmacy services at select locations might offer limited availability through affiliated health clinics.

Short Answer Overview: Is Costco Open on Christmas?

No, Costco is not open on Christmas Day. All physical warehouse locations across the United States and Canada close for the entire day. This applies regardless of whether the store is company-owned or operated within a larger retail plaza. The closure is part of Costco’s national holiday schedule, which designates Christmas as one of the few days each year when every warehouse shuts down completely. While some retailers remain open with reduced hours, Costco chooses to give employees time off to celebrate with family and friends, reinforcing its reputation for strong worker benefits and work-life balance.

Exceptions and Clarifications

It's important to note that while warehouse clubs are closed, certain ancillary services may have different rules. For example, Costco Optical departments often operate under third-party management and may follow separate scheduling. Similarly, hearing aid centers located inside warehouses might also set their own hours. However, even if these services were open (which they typically are not), customers cannot access them without entering the main warehouse — which remains locked on Christmas.

Costco’s Typical Holiday Operating Policy

Costco follows a predictable annual holiday calendar that affects warehouse operations. Each year, the company releases an official list of holiday closures and adjusted hours. There are seven key holidays recognized by Costco:

New Year’s Day – Open with reduced hours
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Open
Presidents’ Day – Open
Memorial Day – Open with possible early closure
Independence Day (July 4th) – Open with reduced hours
Labor Day – Open with possible early closure
Thanksgiving Day – Closed
Christmas Day – Closed
New Year’s Eve – Often shortened hours

Of these, only Thanksgiving and Christmas result in full-day closures for all warehouses. On other holidays, members can expect modified operating times, usually opening later or closing earlier than standard business hours.

Why Christmas Closure Is Standardized

The decision to close on Christmas reflects both corporate values and logistical consistency. Unlike franchises where individual owners might choose different policies, Costco operates nearly all warehouses directly, allowing centralized control over holiday scheduling. This eliminates variability due to franchisee preferences. Additionally, federal law does not mandate retail closures on holidays, so the choice is entirely voluntary. By closing on Christmas, Costco aligns with major competitors like Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale, while distinguishing itself from grocery chains and convenience stores that stay open.

Factors That Influence Store Hours During Holidays

While Christmas closure is universal, understanding why some holidays see variable hours helps explain broader patterns in retail operations.

Local Laws and Regulations

In some states and municipalities, "blue laws" restrict retail activity on Sundays or certain holidays. Although these rarely affect Christmas (since it’s already closed), they can impact weekend operations near holidays. For instance, a Costco in Texas might close earlier on Sunday evenings due to local regulations, which could influence post-Christmas shopping plans.

Shopping Center vs. Standalone Locations

Some Costcos operate within larger retail complexes. In theory, shared parking lots or mall entrances could create pressure to coordinate hours. However, because Costco closes entirely on Christmas, this has no practical effect. On other holidays like July 4th or Thanksgiving Eve, though, standalone locations may extend hours slightly compared to those in enclosed plazas with strict curfews.

Urban vs. Rural Differences

Big-city warehouses sometimes experience longer lines and higher demand before major holidays. As a result, some urban locations may add extra staffing or open earlier on Black Friday or the day before Christmas. But again, none remain open on Christmas itself. Rural stores tend to follow the same pattern but may close earlier on Christmas Eve due to lower foot traffic.

Pharmacy and Gas Station Exceptions

While the warehouse floor closes on Christmas, gas stations adjacent to some Costco locations may be independently operated. These are often run by third parties and may remain open, although fuel discounts require a valid membership card — which cannot be issued on a closed day. Pharmacies inside Costco are generally closed, but prescription refills ordered in advance may be available for pickup the following day.

Holiday	Open?	Typical Hours
New Year’s Day	Yes	9 AM – 6 PM (varies)
Memorial Day	Yes	May close early
July 4th	Yes	8 AM – 5 PM approx.
Labor Day	Yes	Standard or shortened
Thanksgiving Day	No	Closed all day
Christmas Day	No	Closed all day
Day After Christmas	Yes	Extended hours common

Holiday-Specific Factors Affecting Costco Operations

Understanding how specific holidays impact operations provides context beyond just Christmas.

Christmas Eve (December 24th)

This is one of the busiest shopping days of the year at Costco. Most warehouses operate on a shortened schedule, typically closing around 5:00 or 6:00 PM. Members rush to buy last-minute food items, beverages, turkeys, hams, desserts, and gift cards. Crowds peak between noon and 4 PM. Some locations implement crowd control measures, including timed entry or temporary limits on high-demand products like rotisserie chickens or alcohol (where permitted).

Boxing Day (December 26th)

In Canada, Boxing Day (December 26th) sees heavy traffic at Costco warehouses, especially for returns, exchanges, and post-holiday sales. Stores open at regular hours and often stay open late. In the U.S., while not officially called Boxing Day, December 26th also experiences increased return activity and special promotions. Many members use this day to shop with gift cards received over Christmas.

Thanksgiving Day vs. Christmas Day

Both Thanksgiving and Christmas are full closure days, but the nature of shopping differs significantly. Pre-Thanksgiving shopping focuses on bulk food supplies for large gatherings, whereas pre-Christmas shopping includes both food and gifts. Despite the difference in product mix, both holidays generate similar levels of demand in the days leading up to them.

Other Major Holidays

On Independence Day and New Year’s Day, Costco remains open but adjusts hours — usually opening later and closing earlier. This accommodates employee needs while still serving members who need last-minute party supplies or recovery groceries. Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends are treated more like regular weekends, with minor adjustments only.

Practical Planning Tips for Holiday Shopping at Costco

Knowing when Costco is closed allows you to plan effectively and avoid disappointment.

When Should You Shop Before Christmas?

The optimal time to shop at Costco before Christmas is between December 18th and December 23rd. Avoid December 24th unless absolutely necessary — expect long lines, limited parking, and potential stockouts on popular items. If possible, visit early in the morning on December 22nd or 23rd for the best selection and shortest wait times.

What to Do If Costco Is Closed

If you need supplies on Christmas Day, consider these alternatives:

Order online in advance: Use Costco.com or the Costco app to schedule deliveries before the holiday.
Use Instacart or Shipt: These services partner with Costco to deliver eligible items, though availability ends before Christmas.
Visit alternative retailers: Grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores generally remain open on Christmas.
Prepare ahead: Stock up on essentials like water, snacks, medications, and cleaning supplies in the week prior.

How to Confirm Your Local Costco’s Holiday Hours

Even though Christmas closure is universal, verifying your store’s schedule ensures accuracy for nearby holidays. Follow these steps:

Open the Costco website or mobile app.
Navigate to the “Warehouse Locator” tool.
Enter your zip code or city.
Select your preferred warehouse location.
Check the detailed hours section, which lists holiday adjustments.
Call the warehouse directly using the listed phone number for real-time confirmation.

Note: Holiday hours are usually posted by mid-November each year. Always double-check in early December, as changes can occur due to staffing or weather conditions.

Can You Return Gifts After Christmas?

Yes. Costco has a generous return policy, typically allowing returns up to 90 days after purchase (with exceptions for electronics and major appliances). Starting December 26th, expect longer lines at customer service counters. Bring your receipt or credit card used at checkout. Membership is required for returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costco open on Christmas 2025?

No, Costco will be closed on Christmas Day 2025, as it is every year. This includes all U.S. and Canadian warehouses.

Are Costco gas stations open on Christmas?

Most Costco gas stations are closed on Christmas because they are accessible only through the warehouse entrance. Even if independently operated, access requires entry through the main building.

Does Costco deliver on Christmas?

No, Costco Delivery services do not operate on Christmas Day. Orders placed before the holiday will be paused, and delivery resumes on December 26th or later depending on your region.

Is the Costco pharmacy open on Christmas?

No, the pharmacy counter inside Costco warehouses is closed on Christmas Day. However, if you have prescriptions scheduled for refill, you may be able to transfer them to a nearby retail pharmacy in advance.

What days is Costco closed every year?

Costco is closed on two days annually: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. On all other holidays, warehouses remain open with either regular or modified hours.