What to Expect in Massachusetts on Christmas Day 2025: Open and Closed
Christmas Day, falling on December 25, 2025, is set to see most businesses and public services in Massachusetts closed as families and friends come together to celebrate the holiday. The day typically involves sharing meals and gifts, providing a break from routine activities. Residents should prepare for limited options when it comes to shopping, dining, and public transportation.
Public Services and Courts
On Christmas Day, all levels of the judiciary will be inactive. Both federal and state courts will be closed, along with all federal offices, state offices, and municipal offices. The Registry of Motor Vehicles will also not operate, which means services like license renewals and vehicle registrations will not be available.
Public libraries will be closed, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) will not conduct mail deliveries. Major delivery services including FedEx and UPS will also be unavailable throughout the day.
Retail and Transportation Options
The retail landscape will largely be closed for the holiday. Significant chains such as Costco, Target, and Walmart will not open their doors, and local retailers are expected to follow suit. Notably, some pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, will operate with reduced hours, but customers should verify in advance.
While most retail stores will be closed, the Massachusetts State Lottery remains partially operational. Retailers that are open will still be able to sell lottery tickets for games like Mass Cash and Powerball. However, claim centers for large prizes will not accept claims until after the holiday.
Public transportation will see a mix of closures and limited services. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate on a Sunday schedule for subways and buses, while the Commuter Rail will run on a weekend timetable. Other regional transit authorities, including the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority and the Lowell Regional Transit Authority, will have no service on Christmas Day.
Given the extensive closures, Massachusetts residents are advised to plan in advance for their holiday activities, ensuring that they have everything they need before the holiday arrives.
