When the holidays roll around, keeping up with a workout routine often means second-guessing whether your local gym’s doors will be open or locked. Planet Fitness holiday hours change depending on the specific holiday, shifting from regular 24-hour schedules to early closures or full-day shutdowns. Most locations stay open on major holidays like New Year's Day and Memorial Day, but they shorten hours for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and typically close completely on Christmas Day.
Because franchise owners operate most locations independently, exact hours can vary by region. Knowing what to expect ahead of time prevents wasted trips and helps you plan your training sessions around family gatherings, holiday meals, and travel plans.
Major Holidays at a Glance
Navigating gym access during festive seasons shouldn't feel like a guessing game. While standard hours keep many facilities accessible around the clock, holiday schedules introduce specific exceptions.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday
Thanksgiving brings minor disruptions to your training schedule. Many clubs operate on modified morning hours, closing by early afternoon (typically around noon or 1:00 PM) to let staff celebrate with their families. If you want to get a workout in before carving the turkey, you'll need to go early. The day after Thanksgiving—commonly known as Black Friday—usually marks a return to normal hours or standard 24-hour operations, giving you plenty of space to clear out the post-meal sluggishness.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve brings reduced operating hours, with most locations shutting their doors earlier than usual in the evening. Christmas Day is the primary exception to regular gym access, as nearly all clubs close nationwide for the full day. Staff get the holiday off, meaning you'll need to plan a home workout or a rest day for December 25th. Operations typically resume regular hours or early morning openings on Boxing Day or December 26th.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
As the year wraps up, New Year's Eve usually features shortened hours, with facilities closing early in the evening (often around 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) so members and employees can ring in the new year. Conversely, New Year's Day is treated as a high-traffic fitness day. Most locations reopen early or resume standard hours right away, accommodating the influx of people eager to kick off their annual fitness resolutions.
Minor Holidays and Long Weekends
For federal holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, and Presidents' Day, Planet Fitness locations usually maintain their regular hours or 24-hour schedules.
- Memorial Day and Labor Day: These summer and autumn long weekends rarely affect gym access. You can expect standard hours.
- Independence Day: The Fourth of July occasionally brings minor adjustments depending on local franchise policies, but most clubs remain open for at least part of the day.
- Easter Sunday: Policies vary widely here. While some regions keep clubs open with regular hours, others implement reduced hours or occasional closures. Checking ahead is essential.
How to Verify Your Local Club Schedule
Relying on general internet schedules can lead to missed workouts if your local franchise has unique regional rules. Take a few proactive steps to confirm your club's hours before heading out.
- Use the Mobile App: Download the Planet Fitness App and select your home club. The app updates local schedules directly.
- Check the Official Website: Visit the Planet Fitness Club Finder to look up your specific location's holiday banner or announcements.
- Call Ahead: If a holiday falls on a strange day of the week, a quick phone call to the front desk clears up any ambiguity immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple oversights tend to disrupt holiday fitness routines. Avoid these missteps to keep your progress on track:
- Assuming 24/7 availability: Just because your club is normally open all night doesn't mean it stays that way on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.
- Forgetting guest pass restrictions: If you plan to bring a friend during the holidays, ensure the staff is actually on duty, as unstaffed hours or strict holiday rules can sometimes limit guest check-ins.
- Ignoring peak resolution rushes: Early January brings massive crowds. Going during off-peak hours (mid-morning or late evening) helps you avoid the rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Planet Fitness locations closed on Christmas Day?
Yes, the vast corporate and franchise network generally closes all locations on Christmas Day, though rare exceptions can occur based on local laws or specific facility setups.
Do holiday hours affect Black Card spa amenities?
When the gym is open on modified hours, amenities like hydro-massage beds, tanning booths, and red light therapy may shut down earlier than the main gym floor to allow staff time for closing duties. Call ahead if you specifically want to use the spa area.
Will my membership card work at other locations during holidays?
If you hold a PF Black Card membership, you can visit any participating location. However, if your traveling destination is closed for a specific holiday, your card won't grant you access to an empty building.
How early should I check the app for holiday updates?
Clubs usually post holiday schedule adjustments at least one week in advance on their front doors and digital platforms. Check the app the weekend before a major holiday week to plan your training days effectively.
