are car rentals open on christmas day

3 min read 17-02-2025

Meta Description: Planning a Christmas Day road trip? Find out if major car rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget are open on December 25th. We've compiled information on their holiday hours and offer tips for securing a rental car during the busy Christmas season. Don't get stranded – read on!

Christmas Day is a time for family, friends, and festive cheer. But what if your holiday plans involve hitting the road? A crucial question arises: are car rental companies open on Christmas Day? The simple answer is: it depends. While many businesses close for the holiday, some car rental agencies may offer limited services. Let's explore your options.

Major Car Rental Companies' Christmas Day Hours

The major players in the car rental industry often have varying policies regarding Christmas Day operations. It's crucial to check directly with your chosen rental company. Their policies may also differ based on location.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise's Christmas Day hours are highly location-dependent. Some branches might be completely closed, while others may offer limited services. Always contact your specific rental location directly to confirm their operating hours.

Hertz

Similar to Enterprise, Hertz's Christmas Day operations vary drastically by location. Their website usually doesn't list specific holiday hours; you'll need to call the branch you are interested in. Their customer service line may also be impacted, so planning ahead is crucial.

Avis

Avis's Christmas Day hours follow a similar pattern to other major rental companies. Expect significant variations depending on location and franchise agreements. Directly contacting your chosen Avis location is essential.

Budget

Budget Rent-A-Car operates much the same way as other major players. While some locations may stay open with limited hours, others will likely be closed. Check directly with your selected location for accurate information.

Finding a Car Rental on Christmas Day: Tips and Strategies

Even if your preferred rental agency is closed, there are strategies for securing a vehicle.

Book in Advance: Christmas is a peak travel season. Booking your rental well ahead of time, even weeks or months in advance, significantly increases your chances of securing a vehicle, regardless of the day.
Consider Alternative Locations: If your local rental agency is closed, look into nearby towns or cities. A slightly longer drive to pick up your rental might be worth it to avoid disappointment.
Explore Smaller Rental Agencies: Local, independent car rental companies might have different operating hours than larger chains. These smaller businesses could be open on Christmas Day or have more flexible hours.
Check Airport Locations: While not guaranteed, airport rental locations sometimes maintain limited hours even on holidays due to flight schedules.
Use Online Booking Tools: Online travel agencies often show real-time availability and allow you to filter by specific dates and locations. This can help you find open locations quickly.
Confirm Your Reservation: Regardless of where you book, always confirm your reservation directly with the rental company close to your pick-up date. This ensures there are no last-minute changes or unexpected closures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are all car rental locations closed on Christmas Day?

A: No, while many are, some locations, particularly airport locations or smaller agencies, might have limited hours.

Q: What if my rental car is due back on Christmas Day?

A: Contact your rental company well in advance to discuss drop-off procedures and potential late fees. They may have adjusted hours or drop-off boxes available.

Q: Can I pick up a car rental on Christmas Eve and return it after Christmas?

A: This is often the most reliable option. Booking a rental for the period spanning Christmas Eve through the day after Christmas provides flexibility.

Conclusion

Securing a car rental on Christmas Day requires planning and flexibility. By contacting your chosen rental agency directly, booking ahead, and exploring alternative locations, you can greatly improve your chances of having a smooth holiday trip. Remember, checking directly with the car rental location is always the best way to confirm their Christmas Day hours. Don't let unexpected closures ruin your festive travels!