Whether making a batch of eggnog or searching for a last-minute bottle of wine for a holiday host, it’s not uncommon to find yourself in need of booze on Dec. 25.
In the United States, most liquor laws are written by individual states rather than at the federal level, meaning that there are different regulations on when shops can sell booze. Blue laws, which restrict certain activities and business operations on Sundays or religious days, are still alive and well in many regions across the United States.
It’s worth noting that this year’s holiday falls on a Sunday, which might affect the opening of liquor stores. Several states, such as Florida and Georgia, have varied standards depending on the county or municipality, too. It’s worth a call to your local retailer before venturing out for a bottle to avoid a wasted trip.
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| State | Alcohol? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Some | Depends on the locality. State-owned liquor stores are closed. |
| Alaska | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | |
| Arkansas | No | |
| California | Yes | |
| Colorado | No | |
| Connecticut | No | |
| Delaware | No | |
| Florida | Some | Sunday alcohol sales vary by county. |
| Georgia | Some | Varies by county |
| Hawaii | Yes | |
| Idaho | Some | State-owned liquor stores are closed. |
| Illinois | Yes | |
| Indiana | Yes | |
| Iowa | Yes | State-owned liquor stores are closed. |
| Kansas | No | |
| Kentucky | Some | Varies by county. |
| Louisiana | Some | Varies by parish. |
| Maine | Yes | |
| Maryland | Yes | Varies by county. |
| Massachusetts | No | |
| Michigan | Yes | |
| Minnesota | No | Liquor sales prohibited. |
| Mississippi | Some | Depends on the locality, but typically no sales on Sunday/Christmas sales. Cannot sell alcohol over five percent ABV. |
| Missouri | Yes | |
| Montana | Some | State-owned liquor stores will be closed. No liquor sales; beer and wine available. |
| Nebraska | Yes | |
| Nevada | Yes | |
| New Hampshire | Some | No liquor sales, beer and wine available. |
| New Jersey | Yes | |
| New Mexico | Yes | |
| New York | Yes | |
| North Carolina | Some | No liquor; beer and wine available. |
| North Dakota | No | Also can’t buy any alcohol after 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve. |
| Ohio | No | |
| Oklahoma | No | |
| Oregon | Yes | |
| Pennsylvania | Some | State-run stores are closed. No liquor; wine and beer available. |
| Rhode Island | No | |
| South Carolina | No | |
| South Dakota | Some | No liquor; wine and beer available. |
| Tennessee | No | |
| Texas | Some | No liquor; wine and beer available. |
| Utah | No | |
| Vermont | Yes | |
| Virginia | Some | No liquor; wine and beer available |
| Washington | Yes | |
| West Virginia | Some | No liquor; wine and beer available |
| Wisconsin | Yes | |
| Wyoming | Yes |
