Last-Minute Beer Run: Christmas Eve Shopping

Whether you can buy beer on Christmas Eve depends on where you live. In the United States, most liquor laws are determined by individual states rather than at the federal level, so there are differing regulations regarding when shops can sell alcohol. Blue laws, which restrict certain activities and business operations on Sundays and/or religious days, are still enforced in many regions across the United States. For example, in Texas, liquor stores are always closed on Sundays, including Christmas Eve, but beer, wine, and seltzer can be bought at grocery or corner stores and gas stations. In Massachusetts, Christmas Eve 2023 falls on a Sunday, and there are limitations on the sale of alcohol on Sundays that buyers will need to consider.

Beer and wine are available at grocery and convenience stores in some states

For example, in Texas, liquor stores are closed on Sundays due to blue laws, but beer, wine, and seltzer can be purchased at grocery stores, corner stores, and gas stations. In Massachusetts, there are limitations on the sale of alcohol on Sundays, with liquor sales allowed from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. On Christmas Eve 2023, which fell on a Sunday, buyers in Massachusetts had to consider these Sunday restrictions.

Some states, like Arkansas, ban all alcohol sales on Christmas Day, while others, like Connecticut, ban takeaway alcohol sales on Christmas Day. In states like Georgia, individual municipalities can decide whether to ban or allow alcohol sales on Christmas Day.

The laws regarding alcohol sales vary widely across the United States, so it is always a good idea to check the regulations in your specific state and locality before planning to purchase alcohol on or before a holiday.

Some states have restrictions on Christmas Eve sales if it falls on a Sunday

In the United States, the sale of alcohol is regulated at the state level, with some states having more restrictions than others. While there are few restrictions on buying alcohol on Christmas Eve in most years, Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday—as it did in 2023—triggers Sunday trading laws, also known as "blue laws", in some states.

Blue laws, which are still enforced in parts of the US, ban or restrict certain activities on Sundays for religious reasons. These laws were originally adopted to promote the observance of the Christian day of worship, but they now also serve secular purposes. While blue laws commonly ban business and recreational activities on Sundays, they also often impose restrictions on the sale of alcohol.

In Massachusetts, for example, there are limitations on the sale of alcohol on Sundays, with liquor sales allowed as early as 11 a.m. and as late as 12:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve 2023. Connecticut also bans takeaway alcohol sales on Sundays, in addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. In Texas, the sale and serving of hard liquor (over 17% ABV) are prohibited on Sundays, and if Christmas falls on a Sunday, alcohol sales are also barred on the following Monday.

While some states have stricter blue laws, other states have more relaxed regulations or none at all. Some counties within states that ban Sunday alcohol sales may be exempt from these restrictions. For example, while Mississippi bans alcohol sales at "package stores" (wine and liquor stores) on Sundays, beer and light wine (both under 5% ABW) can still be sold in grocery stores.

Some states have no restrictions on Christmas Eve sales

While many states in the U.S. have restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Christmas Eve, some states have no such limitations.

In Alaska, there are no restrictions on the sale of alcohol during the winter holidays. Beer and wine can be sold in grocery stores, and spirits in liquor stores. While some towns may bar Sunday sales, there are no state-wide restrictions.

Arizona also has no holiday-specific restrictions on the sale of alcohol, and it is permitted to sell all types of alcohol in grocery and convenience stores on Sundays.

California has no holiday-specific restrictions, and Sunday sales are allowed.

Florida has no holiday-specific restrictions, and beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores. Sunday sales are allowed, but only liquor stores may sell distilled spirits.

Hawaii has no holiday-specific restrictions, no Sunday sales ban, and beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased in grocery stores.

Illinois has no holiday-specific restrictions on sales, and all types of alcohol are available in grocery stores. Sunday sales are allowed.

Nebraska has no holiday-specific restrictions on alcohol sales, and all types of alcohol are available in grocery and convenience stores. Sunday sales are allowed after 6 a.m.

Nevada has very few restrictions on alcohol sales or consumption. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores, and Sunday sales are allowed. There are no restrictions on holiday sales.

Washington allows the sale of all alcoholic beverages at grocery and convenience stores, and there are no prohibitions on holiday sales. Sunday sales are allowed.

Wisconsin is taking an increasingly liberal approach to alcohol sales. The state allows the sale of all alcohol at grocery and convenience stores, and there are no prohibitions on holiday sales. Sunday sales are allowed.

While some states have no restrictions on Christmas Eve sales, it is important to note that individual counties or municipalities within these states may have their own regulations. It is always a good idea to call ahead and check the hours of the nearest liquor store before heading out.

Some states have restrictions on Christmas Day sales

In the United States, most liquor laws are determined by individual states, resulting in a variety of regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. While some states have no restrictions on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day sales, others have partial or total bans.

Arkansas

Arkansas bans all alcohol sales on Christmas Day. This includes wine, beer, and liquor, and the ban extends to bars.

Colorado

Colorado prohibits the sale of alcohol in sealed containers on Christmas Day. However, alcohol can be purchased at bars and restaurants.

Connecticut

Connecticut bans takeaway alcohol sales on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Beer can typically be purchased at grocery stores, but not on these holidays.

Georgia

In Georgia, the regulation of alcohol sales is left to individual counties. While sales are generally prohibited on Christmas Day, municipalities with 400,000 or more residents can choose to allow sales after 12:30 pm.

Idaho

Idaho bans retail liquor sales on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Beer and wine can be purchased at grocery stores, and hard liquor is available at bars.

Kansas

Kansas prohibits retail alcohol sales on Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. Only designated liquor stores are permitted to sell most package alcohol.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts bans all retail liquor sales on Christmas and Thanksgiving. The state also prohibits bars from offering happy hour deals or promotions.

Minnesota

Minnesota bans the sale of "intoxicating liquor" from 8 pm on Christmas Eve through Christmas Day. "Intoxicating liquor" is defined as any beverage with an alcohol content greater than 3.2%.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, the sale of alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content greater than 5% is restricted to "package stores," which are required to be closed on Christmas.

New Hampshire

While New Hampshire does not have a statewide ban on liquor sales, the state-run liquor and wine retailers are closed on Christmas.

North Carolina

North Carolina's state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays and most holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day. However, wine and beer can be purchased at grocery stores.

North Dakota

North Dakota bans all retail alcohol sales from 6 pm on Christmas Eve through Christmas Day.

Ohio

Ohio's state-run liquor stores are typically closed on Christmas Day.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma bans all retail alcohol sales over 3.2% on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Counties have the option to enact additional bans on holidays and Sundays.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's state-run liquor stores are closed on Christmas Day.

South Dakota

South Dakota bans retail liquor sales on Christmas Day and Memorial Day.

Tennessee

Tennessee prohibits takeaway alcohol sales on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

Texas

Texas bans the sale and serving of hard liquor on Sundays and Christmas Day. All alcohol sales and service are prohibited on Christmas.

Utah

Utah's state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays and holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day. However, some breweries, wineries, and distilleries can sell alcohol directly to consumers every day.

Virginia

Virginia's state-run liquor stores are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

West Virginia

West Virginia bans retail liquor sales on Christmas Day.

Some states have no restrictions on Christmas Day sales

While many states have restrictions on Christmas Day sales, some have no such limitations.

Alaska, for instance, has no state-wide restrictions on Christmas Day sales. While liquor sales are limited to liquor stores, beer and wine can be purchased at grocery stores, and there are no restrictions on sales during the Christmas holidays. While some towns in Alaska may bar Sunday sales, there is no state-wide ban.

Arizona also has no holiday-specific restrictions on alcohol sales, and alcohol can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores.

California has no holiday-specific restrictions and allows Sunday sales.

Florida has no holiday-specific restrictions, and beer and wine can be purchased in grocery stores, with liquor stores selling distilled spirits. Sunday sales are allowed.

Hawaii has no holiday-specific restrictions, no Sunday sales ban, and you can purchase beer, wine, and spirits in grocery stores.

Illinois has no holiday-specific restrictions on sales for the state, and all types of alcohol are available at grocery stores. Sunday sales are allowed.

Nebraska has no holiday-specific restrictions on alcohol sales, and all types of alcohol are available at grocery and convenience stores. Sunday sales are allowed after 6 a.m.

Nevada has very few restrictions on alcohol sales or consumption. Beer, wine, and spirits are sold in grocery and convenience stores, Sunday sales are legal, and there are no restrictions on holiday sales.

Washington allows the sale of all alcoholic beverages at grocery and convenience stores, there are no prohibitions on holiday sales, and Sunday sales are allowed.

Wisconsin is taking an increasingly liberal approach to alcohol sales. The state allows the sale of all alcohol at grocery and convenience stores, and there are no prohibitions on holiday sales. Sunday sales are also allowed.

Frequently asked questions