Is Kroger Open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve 2026?
- November 27, 2025
- 7:37 am
Short answer: Kroger stores are closed on Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026) and are typically open with shortened hours on Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026).
Kroger closes its stores on Christmas Day so employees can spend the holiday with family, and it did so in 2025. Christmas Eve is a normal shopping day with an early close. Go in the morning if you need last-minute groceries, since most stores close in the late afternoon.
Kroger has not published its 2026 holiday hours yet, so times below follow what was reported for 2025 and can change. Confirm with the store locator on kroger.com or your local store.
Kroger Christmas and Christmas Eve hours
| Day | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve, Thu Dec 24, 2026 | Open with reduced hours. In 2025, most stores closed around 6 PM. |
| Christmas Day, Fri Dec 25, 2026 | Closed. In 2025 this included pharmacies, fuel centers, pickup and delivery. |
| Pharmacy | Usually closes earlier than the store on Christmas Eve (around 5 PM in 2025) and is closed on Christmas Day. |
| Day after Christmas, Sat Dec 26 | Stores normally reopen; check your store for hours. |
Hours vary by store and division, and Fred Meyer, Ralphs, King Soopers, Smith’s and other Kroger banners can differ.
How to check your local Kroger’s Christmas hours
- Use the Kroger store locator on kroger.com: search your city or ZIP code to see your store’s hours and phone number.
- Call the store to confirm the closing time and pharmacy hours.
Compare other holidays in the full Kroger holiday schedule 2026.
Do Kroger employees work on Christmas Eve?
Because stores are open on Christmas Eve, many store employees work shortened shifts that day, and stores close so staff can get home for the holiday. Holiday pay, scheduling and time-off rules depend on your division, your union agreement if you have one, and your employment status. Ask your store manager or HR for the specifics. See also Kroger holiday pay and PTO.
What to buy at Kroger on Christmas Eve
Popular last-minute items include hams, turkeys and roasts, sides and sauces, baking ingredients and desserts, snacks and beverages, and flowers or holiday decor. Many stores also carry prepared holiday meals and heat-and-serve sides.
Christmas deals and digital coupons
Holiday weeks usually bring specials on hams, poultry, bakery desserts and party trays. Check the current Kroger weekly ad and clip digital coupons in your Kroger account. Purchases also earn fuel points where the offer applies.
Summary
Kroger is closed on Christmas Day and open with shortened hours on Christmas Eve. Shop early, stock up before the holiday, and confirm your local store’s hours before you go.