While most shops and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, some places are open, including those in the following list.
Every year when I post this list I hear from readers who are upset that not every branch is closed on this holiday. I encourage you to remember that there are reasons many of these businesses are open, including:
* let our vital employees accelerate on their way to and from work;
* give people a place to have a bite to eat after a long shift in, for example, the hospital or fire station;
* offering a place to buy over-the-counter medicines for a sick family member or friend; and
* Providing much needed income for key workers who have struggled to make ends meet, especially during this incredibly challenging year (I hear from multiple people each year who say they volunteer to work at Christmas because of the premium).
Stores Open Christmas Day 2020
Circle K: Most locations are open based on the hours listed on their website.
CVS: Most CVS stores are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. CVS locations in Target stores are not open on Christmas Day because Target stores are closed on 12/25. Shop and pharmacy opening hours vary by location. Most CVS pharmacies are closed on 12/25/20. See the CVS website for specific hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Family store convenience stores: Family Fare locations are open on Christmas Day.
Sheetz: Most Sheetz locations are open. See their website for locations.
Speedway: Many Speedway locations are open on Christmas Day. See their website for locations.
Walgreens: According to an Walgreens press release, shops are open on Christmas Day. The pharmacy’s opening hours vary by location on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. See their website for the specific hours for your location.
Restaurants Open Christmas Day 2020
Amber Flavors and Flavors in Morrisville: Open Christmas Day. See their website for information on booking or pick up.
Asian cuisine in Durham: Open on Christmas Day.
Boston Market: Select locations in Boston Market are open on Christmas Day. See their website to check if yours will be open.
C&T Wok in Morrisville: They are normally open on Christmas Day.
Cleveland Draft House: The Clayton location is open on Christmas Day from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There is no alcohol sale after 9 pm. They also offer take out. See menu on their website.
Denny’s: Certain Denny locations are open on Christmas Day, although many locations close early. The Raleigh location on Wake Forest Rd is open 12/25/20 to 3:00 PM. The website opening times were not updated at the time of posting. I suggest you call your location to check if they will be open.
Gourmet Kingdom in Carrboro: Open on Christmas Day. See details about it their website.
TOGETHER: Most IHOP locations are open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, but many close early on both days. See their website for the hours for your specific location.
Kababish in Cary: Open 12 noon – 6 pm on Christmas Day.
McDonald’s: Many McDonald’s locations are open on Christmas Day, although some have less opening hours. To check their website for the specific hours for your location.
Neo-Asia Restaurant (Neo-China) in Raleigh: Open 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm on Christmas Day.
Neo-China in Durham: Open from 3:30 PM – 8:30 PM on Christmas Day, for takeout only.
New Chinese Chinese Restaurant in Cary: Open on Christmas Day.
Orient Garden in Cary: Open on Christmas Day.
Panda Express: Certain locations are open with limited hours. See their website for details.
Peony Asian Bistro in Durham: Open on Christmas Day.
Plate’s Kitchen in Raleigh: Open Christmas Day. See website for menu and details.
Royal India Restaurant in Raleigh: Open for dinner and takeout on Christmas Day.
Chris van Ruth: Select Ruth’s Chris locations will be open on Christmas Day. See their website for details.
Shanghai Restaurant in Durham: Christmas Day open from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Starbucks: Select Starbucks locations are open on Christmas Day. Most locations that are open have limited hours. See their website for information on your nearest Starbucks.
Waffle house: According to a response we received from the company around Christmas, “Waffle House restaurants are traditionally open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (366 this year), including all holidays. However, a few of our locations are currently operating on a less than 24 hour basis due to the impact of the pandemic on our business. We strongly encourage customers to check with their local Waffle House for differences in hours. ” their website for locations.
If you know of any other local restaurants open on Christmas Day, please send details to [email protected] and we’ll update this list.
