Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve & Day: When to Shop in 2025

The holiday season is always one of the busiest times of the year for shoppers. Between buying gifts, preparing meals, and stocking up on party supplies, many families rely on Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve as their go-to store for affordable and convenient last-minute shopping.

With over 19,000 stores spread across small towns and big cities in the U.S., Dollar General is often the closest option when you’re in a bind. But as December 24 and 25 approach, an important question arises: Will Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2025?

This article breaks down Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve holiday hours, what you can expect, how to plan your shopping trips, and what alternatives are available if you need essentials when the store is closed.

🎄 Why Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve for Holiday Shopping

Dollar General isn’t just a discount store—it’s a holiday helper for families across America. Here’s why it becomes so important during December:

• 🎁 Stocking Stuffers – Small toys, puzzles, books, and candy at affordable prices.

• 🎅 Holiday Decorations – Lights, ornaments, table settings, and Christmas candles.

• ✨ Gift Wrapping Must-Haves – Paper, tape, gift tags, and bows.

• 🍪 Groceries & Snacks – Baking essentials, drinks, chips, and holiday treats.

• 🧼 Household Supplies – Cleaning items, paper towels, and kitchen products for holiday hosting.

Because of its convenience and accessibility—even in rural communities—Dollar General is the place many families visit right up until Christmas Eve.

🕒 Is Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve 2025?

Yes — Dollar General will be open on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

However, stores will not be open late into the night. Instead, they will have shortened holiday hours:

• Opening Hours: Most stores open at their regular time (around 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m.).

• Closing Hours: Stores typically close earlier than usual, around 8:00 p.m.

Because schedules vary slightly by location, it’s always smart to confirm your store’s specific hours in advance using the Dollar General store locator.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need wrapping supplies, batteries, or stocking stuffers, shop early on December 24 since shelves empty quickly as the evening rush sets in.

📅 Is Dollar General Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Unfortunately, Dollar General will NOT be open on Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25, 2025).

This is in line with industry-wide practices. Like Walmart, Target, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, and Costco, Dollar General observes a nationwide closure on Christmas Day to give employees time off with their families.

This means that Christmas Eve (December 24) is your last opportunity to shop at Dollar General until December 26, 2025.

🌟 Why Dollar General Follows This Holiday Schedule

Closing on Christmas Day may feel inconvenient for some, but here’s why Dollar General and similar chains consistently follow this schedule:

1. Employee Wellbeing – Holiday retail jobs are demanding, and staff deserve a day off with loved ones.

2. Low Shopping Traffic – On Christmas Day, demand is far lower than on Christmas Eve.

3. Industry Standards – Competitors like Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Target follow the same closure policy.

This makes Christmas Eve the most important shopping day before the holiday.

🛒 What to Buy Before Dollar General Closes

Since December 24 is your last chance to shop before Christmas, here are some items you should secure at Dollar General:

• Wrapping Supplies – Wrapping paper, bags, bows, tags, and tape.

• Batteries – A must-have for powering toys and electronics.

• Stocking Stuffers – Candy, dollar gifts, art supplies, and games.

• Snacks & Drinks – Chips, holiday cookies, and soda for guests.

• Party Supply Basics – Disposable cutlery, napkins, cups, and aluminum trays.

• Household Essentials – Paper towels, garbage bags, and cleaning sprays.

🏪 What to Do If You Need Something on Christmas Day

If you forget something and Dollar General is closed on December 25, you still have options:

• Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Circle K, Wawa, Speedway): Many remain open 24 hours.

• Pharmacies: Some CVS and Walgreens locations are open with reduced holiday hours.

• Gas Stations & Mini-Marts: Handy for snacks, drinks, and small household items.

• Restaurants: Chains like Denny’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’, and some McDonald’s will keep holiday hours.

For an updated nationwide guide, reliable news outlets like USA Today’s Holiday Store Hours Guide release annual lists of store schedules for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

✅ Holiday Shopping Tips for Dollar General

To avoid stress, here are some practical tips for shopping at Dollar General during the holiday rush:

1. Shop Early in the Week – Tackling your shopping by December 23 avoids long lines and low inventory.

2. Go Early on Christmas Eve – Stores are better stocked in the morning.

3. Keep a Checklist – Batteries, wrapping tape, and gift bags are among the most forgotten essentials.

4. Use the DG App – Dollar General offers digital coupons for holiday items.

5. Plan for Closures – Make backup notes of nearby 24/7 convenience stores or pharmacies in case of emergencies.

🎅 Dollar General vs. Competitors on Christmas Hours

To put things into perspective, here’s how Dollar General’s hours compare with other big chains:

• Dollar General – Open Christmas Eve until ~8 p.m., closed Christmas Day.

• Family Dollar – Open Christmas Eve with shortened hours, closed on Christmas Day.

• Dollar Tree – Same schedule: open Christmas Eve, closed December 25.

• Walmart & Target – Typically open until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day.

• Costco & Sam’s Club – Close by 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, fully closed December 25.

Clearly, virtually all major U.S. discount and retail stores will be closed nationwide on Christmas Day 2025.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve will be open on Christmas Eve 2025, but with shortened hours (closing around 8 p.m.).

• Dollar General will be CLOSED on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025.

• Shoppers should complete last-minute shopping on December 23 or early December 24.

• Popular items include gift wrap, batteries, stocking stuffers, party supplies, and snacks.

• For Christmas Day needs, alternatives include CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven, and gas stations.

Read More: Is Dollar General Open on Christmas? A Complete Holiday Guide for 2025

Final Thoughts

So, when should you shop at Dollar General during the holidays? In 2025, the answer is straightforward: Dollar General Stores on Christmas Eve with early closing hours but closed nationwide on Christmas Day.

If you rely on Dollar General for affordable, convenient holiday essentials, plan your shopping early on December 24—or better yet, by December 23—to ensure you don’t get caught in the holiday rush or face empty shelves.

By planning ahead, you’ll avoid stress, enjoy holiday savings, and spend Christmas Day the way it should be—relaxing with family, friends, and festive cheer.