Which places to go, last-minute grocery spots, and pharmacies will be open on Christmas Day 2021? We’ve got the scoop, whether you’re looking for an alternative activity for that day, need a last-minute gift, want a meal to cover a dinner, or are searching for a forgotten ingredient you need for that special meal. This list of attractions, restaurants and grocery stores open on December 25 makes things simpler. We got your back during this holiday season!
Local Attractions Open on Christmas 2021
Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days a year! Holiday Magic isn’t going on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but the rest of the zoo is open from 10 am to 5pm.
Morton Arboretum is open for free on Christmas Day. Although buildings, the Children’s Garden, and Illumination are closed, the grounds are open for a nice Christmas Day stroll or hike.
Skating in the Park at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park will be on Christmas from 4pm to 10 pm. Visitors can skate under beautiful lights to enjoy a beautiful festive experience. It’s free if you bring your own skates; skate rental is also available for $8.
Garfield Park Conservatory has plenty of openings from 10am to 3:30pm. Admission is free (a donation is suggested), and reservations are required.
Movie theaters and select bowling alleys are usually open on Christmas Day. Most were closed for 2020 due to Covid, but our research is showing that some are reopening for 2021. Please check your local spots for more details, which vary by location.
Grocery, Convenience, and Retail Store Christmas Hours
- Jewel-Osco, ALDI, Mariano’s, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods Market are all closed on Christmas Day. While grocery-store chains likely have company policies to close on Christmas Day, some smaller, independent grocery stores may be open. Call ahead to confirm hours.
- CVS: Select stores will remain open on Christmas Day, but are likely to reduce their hours of operation. Those located within Target stores will be closed. Call ahead before you go.
- Walgreens: All stores will be open on Christmas Day.
- Nearly all 7-Eleven stores remain open on Christmas Day.
- All Target, Walmart, and Costco stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
P.S: Aldi, Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods will be open Christmas Eve. Get a head start on that cooking to make sure you have all your ingredients the day before.
Local Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Open Table is a great way to find restaurants that are open on Christmas Day. With covid restrictions easing up, the options for dinning out are plenty this Christmas.
- Colonial Room at The Drake, Oak Brook
- Carmine’s Rosemont
- Fogo de Chao in Naperville, Rosemont and Oakbrook
- Kona Grill in Oakbrook
- McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood in Oak Brook and Rosemont
- Benihana in Lombard, Wheeling and Rosemont
- RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Lombard
- Avanzare in Lombard
- Lucille at Drury Lane in Oak Brook
- Morton’s the Steakhouse in Naperville and Northbrook
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse in Naperville
- Rosebud in Naperville, Deerfield and Lemont
- Gyu-Kaku in Naperville
- Jameson’s Charhouse in Bloomingdale, Arlington Heights and Vernon Hill
- Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse in Lombard and Rosemont
- Texas de Brazil in Schaumburg
- Chicago Prime Italian in Schaumburg
- Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House in Des Plaines
- Mantra Restaurant in Schiller Park
- Thorn Restaurant and Lounge in Schaumburg
- Palm Court Restaurant in Arlington Heights
- Woodfire Tavern in Long Grove
- Moretti’s Ristorante in Mount Prospect and Morton Grove
- Fox & Hound in Schaumburg
- Oaken Bistro & Bar
- Emmett’s Brewing Company in West Dundee
- Cafe Dacha in Highland Park
- Zuka Sushi and Hibachi in Naperville
- Allgauer’s on Riverfront in Northbrook
- Ron of Japan Steakhouse in Northbrook
- The Summer Inn in Highland Park
- KiKu Japanese Steakhouse in Naperville
- Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in South Barrington
- Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Deerfield
Looking for more winter holiday fun? Click here for our huge guide of upcoming events
