Christmas 2026: Date, Countdown, What’s Open and What to Watch

Planning early is the easiest way to lock in travel, grab restaurant reservations before they vanish, and skip the last-minute gift panic. This guide covers the date, a live countdown, which places stay open on December 25, holiday movies, and a simple plan to keep your season stress-free.

When Is Christmas 2026?

Date and day of the week

Christmas Day is Friday, December 25, 2026. A Friday holiday means a long weekend for many workers, which is perfect for family gatherings or a quick getaway.

Christmas Eve 2026

Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24. It is not a federal holiday in the U.S., but many employers close early and plenty of churches hold evening or midnight services. If you want a special dinner, book your table well ahead, since restaurants fill quickly.

How Long Until Christmas?

The timer above shows the exact time left, counting down to midnight at the start of December 25 in your local time zone. As a rule of thumb, — days remain, which is about — weeks. Use that runway for milestones:

• Now to mid-November: set a gift budget and finish your list.
• Mid-November: book flights, trains, and hotels before prices climb.
• Early December: order gifts by shipping cut-offs and send cards.
• Final week: confirm reservations, groceries, and pickup times.

What’s Open on Christmas Day 2026?

Hours vary by location and franchise. Always check with your nearest store before heading out.

Restaurants

• Denny’s: many locations run 24 hours.
• IHOP: often open for most of the day, with hours set locally.
• Waffle House: famously open around the clock.
• Boston Market: commonly open for holiday meals and takeout.
• Independent restaurants: call ahead; many offer set holiday menus.

McDonald’s

Most restaurants open with shortened hours, but franchise owners decide locally, so confirm in the app or by phone.

Starbucks

Some stores open with reduced hours, and drive-thru locations are the likeliest to be serving. Mall and grocery-store cafés often close.

Stores

• CVS and Walgreens: many pharmacies stay open, though pharmacy counters may close early.
• 7-Eleven: convenience stores are usually open.
• Target: typically closed on Christmas Day, so finish shopping by Christmas Eve.
• Gas stations: reliable for last-minute essentials.

Walmart

Walmart has traditionally closed on Christmas Day. Use the store locator on its website the week before to confirm your local store’s schedule.

Christmas Movies for 2026

The Grinch, old and new

The 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is short, charming, and perfect for little ones. The 2000 live-action The Grinch Who Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey is a louder, funnier take. Both usually appear on TV during the season and on major streaming or rental services, so check availability and plan a family movie night.

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

The 1988 action classic is set at a Christmas Eve office party and uses holiday music throughout. Fans love to argue the point. Count it as a Christmas movie and it makes a great late-night pick; if not, it is still a great movie.

Easy Christmas Drawing: How to Draw a Tree

1. Draw a tall triangle for the outline of the tree.
2. Add scalloped, layered branch lines inside the triangle.
3. Top it with a star or angel.
4. Add circle ornaments and zig-zag garland.
5. Draw a small rectangle trunk and color it in with greens, reds, and gold.

Try it on scrap paper first, then copy it onto cards or gift tags.

Holiday Planning Tips

Christmas Eve is not a federal holiday, so government offices stay open, but plan any post office or DMV errands for earlier in the week. Share a digital calendar with family and add reminders for:

• Shipping cut-off dates for gifts.
• Restaurant reservation windows.
• Light-display tours and seasonal events near you.

Want more seasonal ideas? Read about our team and how we pick our holiday topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is Christmas 2026?

Friday, December 25, 2026.

How many days and weeks until Christmas?

See the live timer at the top of this page. It updates every second, and the week count is shown beneath it.

When is Christmas Eve 2026?

Thursday, December 24, 2026.

Is Christmas Eve a federal holiday?

No. Federal offices are open, though many private employers close early.

What restaurants are open on Christmas Day?

Denny’s, IHOP, Waffle House, and some local spots, with hours varying by location.

Are McDonald’s and Starbucks open?

Many McDonald’s locations open with reduced hours, and select Starbucks stores open, especially drive-thrus. Verify locally.

Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?

Generally no. Check the store locator for exceptions.

What stores are open on Christmas Day?

Many pharmacies, convenience stores, and gas stations. Most big-box stores are closed.

Where can I watch the Grinch movies?

The 1966 special and the 2000 film both air on TV during the holidays and are often available on streaming or rental services.

How do I draw a Christmas tree?

Follow the five simple steps in the drawing section above.

Conclusion

With the date confirmed, the countdown running, and a clear idea of what is open and what to watch, you are ready for a memorable Christmas 2026. Start booking travel, finalize gift lists, and schedule your movie nights. For more inspiration, tune in to our holiday podcast series or contact us with questions.