How Walgreens is Stepping Up to Save Christmas in Overtime
Chicago, Dec 25 – The stadium lights have dimmed, the major players have packed up their lockers, and the main event is ostensibly over. But for the unprepared spectator realizing they’ve forgotten the most critical element of the game plan—batteries, milk, or that last-minute gift—the clock hasn’t hit zero just yet.
In a retail landscape that largely goes dark on Christmas Day, Walgreens is suiting up to play the role of the ultimate clutch performer.
Call it the “unsung hero” of the holiday season. While big-box competitors and local boutiques have long since hung up their stockings and closed their doors, this drugstore veteran remains in the rotation. The strategy is clear: be the reliable option when the pressure mounts.
On Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, most Walgreens locations are keeping the lights on. It is a tactical decision designed to prevent a festive fiasco for families across the country. Whether it’s a crucial bottle of soda to keep the party alive or a sudden need for aspirin after a little too much cheer, the chain is positioning itself as the go-to utility player for those game-breaking moments.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all game plan. While the 24/7 flagship locations will maintain their ironman streak, the neighborhood stores are operating on a tighter snap count, typically running a 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift. It’s a limited window, but often enough to secure the win.
The real nuance in this year’s holiday strategy lies in the pharmacy operations. This is where the scouting report becomes vital. Unlike the front-of-store retail operations, the pharmacy bench is shorter on the holiday.
Most non-24-hour pharmacies will be benched for the day, meaning access to prescriptions is restricted to the 24-hour locations. It’s a critical distinction that requires fans—or rather, shoppers—to check the roster before heading out. The “Eleventh Hour” availability on Christmas Eve showed similar discipline, with many pharmacies wrapping up by 5 p.m., prioritizing efficiency over endurance.
For the consumer, this underscores the importance of the pre-game check. Relying on a standard location for a medical emergency on Christmas Day could result in a turnover if you haven’t verified the specific store’s status via their locator app.
“It’s the unsung hero for those last-minute needs—milk for Santa’s cookies, a crucial bottle of soda, or that one snack you forgot you couldn’t live without.”
This sentiment captures the essence of the store’s role today. It isn’t about the glamorous, high-ticket items; it’s about the fundamentals. Walgreens isn’t trying to be the star quarterback; they are the reliable kicker coming in to secure the extra point when it matters most.
Walgreens continues to prove its value as a legacy player in the holiday retail game. By staying open when others fold, they offer a safety net that has become indispensable for the procrastinator in all of us.
If you find yourself scrambling for a stocking stuffer or a greeting card for that forgotten relative today, the door is likely open. Just remember to check the clock—because even the most reliable players eventually head to the locker room.
