What's Open on Christmas Day in Orange County

Believe it or not there are many places and events open on Christmas Day. Whether you're looking for things to do on Christmas, open stores, fun events or places to eat, there is something for everybody.

Here is our big list of Restaurants open on Christmas Day.

See below for stores, attractions, and things to do on Christmas Day.

Christmas Day will be celebrated on Friday, December 25, 2026.

Check before you go: Holiday hours are often shorter than usual and can change late in December, and outdoor rinks and events may close for rain. Places that opened last Christmas aren't guaranteed to open this year, so confirm hours with each business or attraction before you head out.

Entertainment & Attractions Open on Christmas Day

Beaches: Beaches are open every day of the year including the bonfire pits.
Catalina Island: The Catalina Express winter schedule (Oct 20, 2026 – Mar 31, 2027) shows daily boats from Long Beach and Dana Point with no Christmas Day exception. Book ahead, since holiday schedules can change.
Casinos: Almost all casinos are open Christmas Day.
Dave & Buster's: Open Christmas Eve and Day for dinner and games.
Disneyland/CA Adventure: The parks are open and it's also one of the busiest days of the year.
- Disneyland Park
- Disney California Adventure Park
- Downtown Disney
Christmas Lights: Go for a drive and check out all the amazing Christmas lights.
Great Park Holidayz At The Park: The Palm Court light display at Great Park (begins Saturday, Dec. 5) is open daily from dusk to 9 p.m.
Hiking: Take advantage of the many open hiking trails throughout Orange County.
Ice Skating Rinks:
- Surf City Winter Wonderland: 2026 TBA
- Winter Fest OC: open Christmas Day, 5–10 PM
- LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival (L.A. LIVE): open Christmas Day, with skating from 3 PM (times subject to change)
- Queen Mary Ice Skating: 2026 TBA
- Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square: open daily Nov 12, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; Christmas Day hours TBA
- Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado: open daily, 10 AM–10 PM, Dec 18 – Jan 3
- Ice at Santa Monica
Movie Theatres: Most movie theaters are open on Christmas Day.
Mountain Resorts & Ski Lifts: Mammoth, Big Bear, Snow Summit and more are usually open by Christmas when snow conditions allow; check each resort.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: The first tram up is at 8:00 a.m., the last tram up is at 8:00 p.m. and the last tram down is at 9:30 p.m., per the tramway's Christmas Week hours. Peaks serves lunch (11 AM–4 PM) and dinner (last seating 7:45 PM) daily; reservations recommended.
Pirates Dinner Adventure: Pirates Take Christmas: 2026 dates TBA.
The Grove: The Grove is one of the few shopping centers open on Christmas. It has nightly snowfall during the holiday season (check times), plus the movie theater and some restaurants are open.
Universal Studios Hollywood

Closed Christmas Day: Discovery Cube, Knott's Berry Farm, Roger's Gardens, The Ice Rink at Irvine Spectrum, Pretend City, Sky Zone

Transit Services

All OCTA Buses will run on Sunday/Holiday schedules Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Amtrak Trains are operating but may have special Christmas Day schedules.
Metrolink runs its weekend schedule on holidays (no Riverside Line service).

Stores Open on Christmas Day

Most chain grocery stores and pharmacies are open with limited hours. Most shopping centers and discount outlets are closed Christmas Day.

7-Eleven: Open all day and all night long.
Albertsons: Most locations will be open on Christmas Day.
CVS: Most locations will be open on Christmas Day.
Family Dollar/Dollar Tree: Select stores will be open with limited hours so check with your local store.
Pavilions: Limited hours on Christmas Day.
Safeway: Some Safeway locations will be open on Christmas Day.
Starbucks: Most Starbucks will be open on Christmas Day.
Vons: Most Vons stores will be open Christmas Day with limited hours.