What’s Open and Closed in Santa Barbara on Christmas Day 2025

Christmas Day is a holiday for many businesses, but not all businesses shut down on the holiday. While government offices, banks, and other offices are usually closed to observe the holiday, several emergency services, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants stay open to serve the community, often with limited hours. 

To help our readers plan last-minute travel, dining, shopping, or a quick grocery run, here’s a look at which establishments, offices, and restaurants will remain open this Christmas and which ones will be closed in Santa Barbara.

What’s Open and Closed on Christmas Day in Santa Barbara?

Grocery Stores

Closed: Whole Foods Market

European Deli & Market

Gelson’s Santa Barbara

Sprouts Farmers Market

Lazy Acres Natural Market

Ralph’s Fresh Fare

Pennywise Market

Likely open: Presidio Market Liquor & Grill. 

Ensure to call ahead and confirm for limited hours availability on Christmas Day.

Convenience Stores and Pharmacies

Likely closed: All CVS Pharmacy locations

Federal Drug Co

Smaller independent or clinic-affiliated drug stores

Likely open: 7-Eleven

Rocket

AMPM

Speedy Mart and Speedway Express

Sinclair

ExtraMile

Walgreens

Vons Pharmacy

Most convenience stores are usually open 24×7, particularly the ones around gas stations, because they serve essential items. It is advisable to call and confirm their hours in case of any last-minute changes. 

Restaurants

Likely closed: The Palace Grill

Santa Barbara Shellfish Company

Ca’ Dario Santa Barbara

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

Three Pickles Deli & The Pickle Room

Most restaurants that are part of national chains, such as Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and Carl’s Jr., are usually closed on Christmas Day. 

Open: Restaurants attached to hotels and waterfront restaurants are typically open on Christmas and serve special menus on Christmas Day.

Stearns Wharf dining

Casual, independent restaurants, such as Toma Restaurant & Bar, The Black Sheep Restaurant + Bar, Corazón Comedor, 

Holiday hours are subject to change and many places require reservations on Christmas Day. For more information, refer to The Restaurant Guy’s guide on which restaurants will stay open on Christmas. 

Government Offices

Closed: The Airport Badging Office

Safety Building and Safety Division 

Human Resources

All libraries

Office of Emergency Services

Parks and Recreation

Permit Applications

Police Department Lobby

Utility Billing/City Hall Cashier

Public Works Permit

Open: Emergency services, such as police, fire, and harbor patrol emergency services

Airport

Fire Prevention

Parks, playgrounds, beaches, community gardens, lawn bowling clubs, tennis and pickleball courts, and the municipal golf course.

Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo will be open on Christmas Day for limited hours, with general admission until 2:30 p.m. and member admission until 3:00 p.m. The zoo will close at 3:30 p.m.

As with any holiday, hours and availability can differ, and many businesses or offices may announce closure at the last minute. It is advisable to check the website or call ahead of making any plans or make reservations to avoid any last-minute cancellations and make the holidays stress-free.