Is Papa Murphy's Open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, most Papa Murphy's locations are open on Christmas Eve, typically operating during regular business hours or with slightly reduced schedules. However, availability varies significantly by location due to franchise ownership, regional laws, and staffing decisions. If you're asking 'is Papa Murphy's open on Christmas Eve,' the best answer is: many stores are open, but not all—always verify with your local Papa Murphy's directly before planning your visit. This variation makes it essential for customers to check their neighborhood store’s specific holiday hours, especially since Papa Murphy's operates primarily as a take-and-bake pizza chain with independently managed franchises across the U.S.

Quick Answer Overview: Is Papa Murphy’s Open on Christmas Eve?

In general, Papa Murphy’s is open on Christmas Eve at the majority of its locations. Most stores operate on either normal or modified hours, often closing earlier than usual—typically around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM. However, this is not guaranteed across the board. Unlike large corporate chains that enforce uniform holiday operations, Papa Murphy’s consists largely of franchised outlets, meaning individual owners make final decisions about holiday openings based on local demand, staff availability, and personal preference.

While there is no nationwide mandate from corporate headquarters requiring closures or openings on Christmas Eve, historical patterns show that urban and suburban locations tend to remain open for part of the day, while rural stores may close entirely. The key takeaway: do not assume your local Papa Murphy’s will be open. Always confirm in advance.

Typical Holiday Operating Policy at Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s does not follow a standardized national holiday schedule. Instead, each franchise sets its own operating hours during major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Easter Sunday. Corporate provides guidelines and recommendations, but ultimate control lies with the store owner.

For example:

Christmas Day: Nearly all Papa Murphy’s locations are closed.
Thanksgiving Day: Most stores are closed or open only for limited morning hours.
New Year’s Eve: Many locations stay open, sometimes with extended hours.
Easter Sunday: Mixed results—some open, many closed.
July 4th: Most stores remain open, often with full hours.

Christmas Eve falls into a unique category—it’s not a federal holiday, but it carries cultural significance that affects both customer demand and employee availability. Because families often gather on December 24th, many consumers look for convenient meal solutions like take-and-bake pizzas. This creates an incentive for franchisees to stay open—at least partially.

Why Store Hours Vary Across Locations

The primary reason for inconsistent holiday hours at Papa Murphy’s is the franchise model. Over 90% of Papa Murphy’s stores are owned and operated by independent businesspeople who have autonomy over staffing, scheduling, and holiday operations. These owners consider several factors when deciding whether to open on Christmas Eve:

Local Demand: Stores in busy shopping plazas or densely populated areas may see higher demand for last-minute meals.
Staff Availability: Employees may request time off to spend with family, making staffing difficult.
Rent Agreements & Mall Rules: Some Papa Murphy’s are located inside grocery stores or shopping centers that dictate operating hours on holidays.
Owner’s Personal Preference: Some owners choose to close so employees can celebrate with loved ones.
Regional Laws: A few states restrict retail operations on certain holidays, though these rarely apply to food service businesses on Christmas Eve.

Additionally, metropolitan areas (like Los Angeles, Dallas, or Atlanta) are more likely to have open locations compared to small towns where alternative dining options are limited and residents may already have holiday plans set.

Holiday	Typical Papa Murphy’s Status	Notes
Christmas Eve	Mostly open (reduced hours)	Closing time often between 5–7 PM
Christmas Day	Almost all closed	Rare exceptions in high-demand zones
New Year’s Eve	Mostly open	Sometimes extended hours until 9 PM
Thanksgiving Day	Limited or closed	Morning pickup only at some stores
Easter Sunday	Mixed	Depends heavily on region
July 4th	Mostly open	Regular or near-regular hours

Holiday-Specific Factors Affecting Christmas Eve Operations

Christmas Eve presents a unique challenge for retailers and restaurants alike. It’s a high-demand day for last-minute shopping, gift wrapping, and meal preparation—but also a deeply family-oriented evening. For Papa Murphy’s, which specializes in fresh, customizable take-home pizzas, the timing aligns well with dinner needs. Many families prefer cooking together on Christmas Eve, making a pre-made pizza kit an appealing option.

However, this demand must be balanced against operational constraints:

Evening Closures: Even if a store opens, it usually closes earlier than normal. Expect cutoffs for orders between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Reduced Menu Options: Some locations limit specialty items or promotions due to staffing shortages.
No Delivery Service: Papa Murphy’s does not offer delivery; all purchases are in-store pickups. This means customers must physically visit the location before closing.
Higher Volume Than Usual: Last-minute shoppers can create lines and delays, especially between noon and 4:00 PM.

Another factor is the proximity to Christmas Day. Since most stores close completely on December 25th, some owners opt to give staff extra time off by closing early on the 24th or reducing shifts. Conversely, others keep doors open later to capture additional sales from travelers or last-minute hosts.

Practical Planning Tips for Customers

If you’re relying on Papa Murphy’s for a Christmas Eve dinner, don’t leave it to chance. Follow these actionable steps to ensure you get your meal without stress:

1. Check Online Early (December 1st–20th)

Visit the official PapaMurphys.com website and use the store locator tool. Enter your ZIP code or city to find your nearest location. Click on the store details to view holiday hours, which are often posted by mid-December.

2. Call Your Local Store Directly

Websites aren’t always updated promptly. The most reliable method is calling the actual store. Ask: “Will you be open on Christmas Eve, and what time do you close?” Doing this one week before ensures accuracy.

3. Use the Papa Murphy’s App

Download the free app (available on iOS and Android). It shows real-time store status, including special holiday hours, and allows you to place orders ahead of time for faster pickup.

4. Plan Ahead: Order Early in the Day

If your store is open, avoid peak times. Try to pick up your pizza before 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve. After 4:00 PM, lines grow longer, and popular toppings may run out.

5. Have a Backup Plan

If your local Papa Murphy’s is closed, consider alternatives:

Order a few days in advance and freeze the unbaked pizza (wrap tightly in plastic).
Check nearby grocery stores that sell similar take-and-bake pizzas (e.g., Kroger, Safeway, Publix).
Look into other carryout pizza chains—many Domino’s, Pizza Hut, or local pizzerias remain open on Christmas Eve.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm Papa Murphy’s Christmas Eve Hours

Step 1: Go to PapaMurphys.com
Step 2: Use the 'Store Locator' feature
Step 3: Search by address or ZIP code
Step 4: Select your preferred location
Step 5: Look for a banner or note about holiday hours
Step 6: Call the store phone number listed to confirm
Step 7: Place your order via app or in person early on the 24th

Remember: policies change annually. Just because your local Papa Murphy’s was open last year doesn’t guarantee it will be open this year. Owner turnover, staffing changes, and shifting community needs influence decisions every season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Papa Murphy’s open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Most likely yes, but not guaranteed. While many locations open with reduced hours (usually closing by 6–7 PM), individual store owners decide independently. Always call ahead or check online to confirm.

What time does Papa Murphy’s close on Christmas Eve?

Closing times vary, but most open locations shut down between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve. Some close as early as 4:00 PM depending on volume and staffing. Confirm directly with your store.

Is Papa Murphy’s open on Christmas Day?

No, nearly all Papa Murphy’s locations are closed on Christmas Day. Very few, if any, remain open. Plan meals accordingly and avoid relying on last-minute purchases on December 25th.

Can I order Papa Murphy’s online for pickup on Christmas Eve?

Yes, through the Papa Murphy’s mobile app or website. You can build and pay for your pizza in advance, then pick it up during store hours. This saves time and guarantees availability, especially during busy periods.

Do Papa Murphy’s employees work on Christmas Eve?

Some do, but staffing is typically reduced. Owners may offer holiday pay incentives to attract workers. However, many team members take time off, which is why hours are often shortened and menu options limited.