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Texas Christmas alcohol sales: See what's open, closed
Liquor stores are closed, but beer and wine start at 7 a.m.; bars and restaurants face noon limits—see Texas Christmas alcohol rules and hours.
Published December 23, 2025 at 11:00am by Dante Motley
Texas Longhorns flags are displayed above bottles of alcohol at Clive Bar in Downtown Austin on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Austin.
Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry. But if you want to drink something stronger than sparkling cider, here’s what to know about the liquor laws in Texas.
Are liquor stores open on Christmas?
State law shuts down liquor stores every Sunday and on three major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Combined with the standard 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours the rest of the week, that means one thing: If you want bourbon for the roast or tequila for emotional support, the last day to buy liquor is Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, before 9 p.m.
What about drinks at restaurants and bars?
Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol on Christmas Day, as long as they are open.
Unlike Thanksgiving, Christmas is treated like a Sunday under Texas law, meaning bars and restaurants cannot serve alcohol before noon unless food is ordered.
Beer and wine are a different story
A new brewery run by Grit & Gyle Brewing Co. LLC is coming to Kyle, Texas in October 2026, despite the recent decline in breweries across the nation.
Beer and wine can still be sold on Christmas Day, as long as the store selling them is open. Grocery and convenience stores may sell beer and wine starting at 7 a.m.
What’s actually open on Christmas Day
Beer and wine availability depends on where you shop — and many major retailers close for the holiday.
Open (hours vary by location):
- H-E-B: 6 a.m.–noon (curbside 7–11 a.m., delivery until 10 a.m.)
- Sprouts: 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Some CVS locations: Hours vary, but many run 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Most convenience stores and gas stations, including Buc-ee’s
Closed:
- Target
- Costco
- Walmart
- Trader Joe’s
- Most Walgreens stores
Thanksgiving 2025 cheat sheet:
- Beer & wine: Allowed starting at 7 a.m.
- Liquor sales: Not allowed
- Liquor stores: Closed statewide
- Grocery stores: Limited hours
- Gas stations & convenience stores: Mostly open