AutoZone stores are closed on Christmas Day. If you find yourself stranded with a dead battery or a broken serpentine belt on December 25th, your local AutoZone won't be open to help you fix it.
While the competitor page above uses garbled AI-generated text to claim stores are open with reduced hours or early morning shifts, the corporate reality is clear. AutoZone closes all of its retail locations across the United States on Christmas Day so employees can spend the holiday with their families. They reopen for normal business hours on December 26th.
Understanding holiday schedules for major automotive retailers prevents wasted trips and helps you prepare for unexpected vehicle emergencies when standard repair shops are closed.
AutoZone Regular vs. Holiday Schedule
AutoZone maintains some of the longest operating hours in the aftermarket auto parts industry. Most locations open early, typically around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM, and stay open until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM from Monday through Saturday, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays (usually 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). To get more background on this topic, in-depth analysis can also be found on The New York Times.
Major national holidays disrupt these routines. AutoZone observes specific closures and modified hours depending on the calendar:
- New Year's Day: Normal or slightly reduced hours.
- Easter Sunday: Many locations are closed or operate on limited hours depending on state regulations and local management.
- Independence Day (July 4th): Normal hours or early closure.
- Thanksgiving Day: Closed.
- Christmas Eve: Reduced hours (typically closing early in the afternoon around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM).
- Christmas Day: Completely closed.
- New Year's Eve: Normal hours.
Checking ahead matters because local franchise rules or specific regional laws can shift holiday hours slightly on secondary holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day. However, Christmas Day remains a strict company-wide closure.
What to Do If You Have a Car Emergency on Christmas Day
Car trouble doesn't take a holiday. If your car breaks down or refuses to start on December 25th, missing out on AutoZone's inventory creates an immediate headache.
Several alternative steps keep you moving if you face an emergency:
- Check roadside assistance plans: If you have coverage through AAA, your auto insurance provider, or your credit card, call them immediately. Towing services operate 365 days a year.
- Look for 24-hour gas stations or convenience stores: While they won't carry alternators or brake pads, major travel centers stock basic supplies like windshield washer fluid, duct tape, oil quarts, fuses, and jumper cables.
- Rely on portable jump starters: If your battery dies in the driveway, a lithium-ion portable jump starter gets your engine running without needing another vehicle or a trip to the store. Keeping one charged in your trunk prevents holiday garage disasters.
- Wait for December 26th: If the repair isn't urgent and the vehicle is safely parked, wait until AutoZone reopens the next morning. Most stores open right on time at 7:30 AM on Boxing Day/the day after Christmas.
Preparing Your Vehicle Before the Holidays
Preventative maintenance remains your best defense against holiday breakdowns. Extreme winter temperatures strain older batteries and brittle belts, making Christmas week a peak time for roadside failures.
Before long holiday road trips or freezing weather sets in, run through a quick maintenance check:
- Test your car battery: Batteries older than three years struggle in cold weather. Most AutoZone locations test batteries for free before the holiday rush.
- Inspect wiper blades and fluid: Winter slush and holiday road salt demand clear visibility. Replace torn blades early in December.
- Check tire pressure: Temperature drops deflate tires rapidly. Ensure your tires match the manufacturer's recommended psi printed on the driver-side door jamb.
- Top off essential fluids: Check your oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels before hitting the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AutoZone open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, AutoZone stores are typically open on Christmas Eve, but they usually close early—often around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM local time. Call your specific store ahead of time to confirm their exact closing time.
Are other auto parts stores open on Christmas Day?
Major national chains like Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts, and NAPA Auto Parts also close completely on Christmas Day. Finding an open auto parts store on December 25th is virtually impossible in most regions.
Does AutoZone offer delivery on holidays?
No. AutoZone delivery services, including commercial delivery for professional repair shops and hub-to-store transfers, pause entirely on Christmas Day alongside retail store operations.
Can I return parts to AutoZone on December 25th?
No, because physical storefronts are closed. Returns and exchanges resume normal processing on December 26th, adhering to their standard 90-day return policy window.
