These Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day (Enjoy a Stress-Free Feast!)
Eat, drink, and be merry at these restaurants that are open on Christmas Day!
Wondering which restaurants are open on Christmas Day?
If you’d like to celebrate Christmas by taking a day off from the kitchen, or just have a craving for your favorite restaurant – there are several options available for you to eat at on Christmas Day!
You may remember a time when virtually everything was closed on Christmas, but these days you can almost always find somewhere nearby to eat on December 25th. Even if you’re planning to prepare a Christmas feast at home, you may want to keep this list handy, just in case.
If Christmas movies have taught us anything, it’s that holiday dinners don’t always go as planned. The Grinch might stop by and empty your fridge, Cousin Eddie’s wife may overcook the turkey, or the Bumpus hounds could run through your kitchen at any moment and steal Christmas dinner right off the table. You never know when you might need a backup plan! 😉
Whether you’re looking for a place to go for a nice sit-down meal or you’re just hoping to grab a cup of coffee and some donuts on your way to Grandma’s house, here are the restaurants that were open on Christmas in 2023.
We expect to see a similar list in 2024, but check back as the holiday season approaches for all the latest details!
Note that you may want to call ahead to the location nearest you, as hours may vary across some chains.
Many Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas.
Most Applebee’s restaurants are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Contact your local restaurant for their hours and participation.
Some Arby’s restaurants will be open on Christmas Day too.
Can’t go without those curly fries any longer? You may be able to head to your local Arby’s on Christmas Day for their roast beef sandwiches, variety of sides and more! Since these are franchise-owned, hours may vary by location, so be sure to call ahead.
Benihana serves up freshly grilled food from the hibachi on Christmas.
If you want to enjoy something other than traditional turkey or ham on Christmas, Benihana is always open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for sushi and freshly grilled hibachi meals.
Ben’s Kosher Deli is open for dine-in and catering on Christmas.
Ben’s Kosher Deli maintains regular hours over Christmas and throughout the holidays. They will also cater holiday gatherings in your home.
Select Boston Market locations serve Christmas dinner.
On Christmas Day, select Boston Market locations will be open and serving traditional holiday meals. They also have Heat & Serve meals, hot sides, and whole pies for both pick-up and delivery.
Bucca di Beppo is open for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery on Christmas.
Bucca di Beppo is open on Christmas, and reservations are strongly reonlinemended if you’re planning to dine in. You can also order a homestyle Italian feast for Christmas pick-up or delivery!
Select Buffalo Wild Wings locations will be open on Christmas.
Spice up your holidays with a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings on Christmas Eve, or in some locations, on Christmas Day! Participation varies and some restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day, so be sure to contact your local BWW before making plans.
Perk up at Caribou Coffee on Christmas.
While holiday hours do vary by location, some Caribou Coffee cafes will be open on Christmas Day. Cafes may be operating with holiday hours, so be sure to call ahead before heading out.
Some Burger King locations may be open on Christmas.
If you find yourself craving a flame-broiled Whopper on Christmas Day, you may be in luck! Many Burger King locations will be open with reduced hours on December 25th. Check in with your location before heading out!
Chart House is always open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Chart House will offer holiday meals on Christmas, or you can also pick up one of the restaurant’s hot and ready-to-serve Christmas To Go family packs instead.
You can wine, dine, and shine at Del Frisco’s on Christmas.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is open on Christmas with its usual menu of steak, lobster, prime rib, and more. The restaurant also serves up a special prime rib holiday dinner on December 24th and 25th.
You can fill up on delicious Del Taco on Christmas Day.
Most Del Taco locations will be open on Christmas Day (check with your local Del Taco for their hours) so you can get your fill of quesadillas and street tacos! Don’t forget to grab a new Cookie Butter shake while you are there too!
Denny’s is open every day of the year, including Christmas.
Once upon a time, COVID forced some Denny’s locations to cut back on their normal 24-hour-a-day operating hours. Now, they’re back to their regular hours of operation, which include both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Some Domino’s locations will be open on Christmas Day.
You may be able to order Domino’s pizza on Christmas, depending on where you live! Many of the chain’s restaurants are expected to be open this Christmas, but holiday hours vary by location.
Many Dunkin’ locations are open on Christmas Day.
Select Dunkin’ locations were open for business on Christmas in 2023, and we expect that practice to continue in 2024. Since Dunkin’ store hours do vary by location, you should contact your local Dunkin’ to verify their Christmas hours or check the Dunkin’ Mobile App before visiting on Christmas Day.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse will be open on Christmas, too.
All Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse locations in the US will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a special holiday menu.
Select Golden Corral Restaurants will be open on Christmas Day.
While holiday hours do vary from one location to the next, some Golden Corral Restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Head on over here and enter your Zip Code to find a participating location near you.
Hooters is open on Christmas Day.
Many Hooters restaurants are open from 4 p.m. until their regular closing time on Christmas Day. They are also open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours, with many locations closing at 6 p.m.
Select Hard Rock locations will be open on Christmas Day.
If you’d rather rock out on Christmas day instead of rock around the Christmas tree, head to Hard Rock for delicious burgers, fries, and more! Be sure to check with your local Hard Rock to see if they are open or what their hours are before heading out.
Many Hardee’s will be open on Christmas Day.
Most Hardees Restaurants will be open on Christmas day, though hours may vary, so check with your local restaurant first.
Check with your local IHOP for their Christmas hours.
IHOP will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although hours will vary by location.
Grab some sandwiches at Jimmy John’s on Christmas Day.
Select Jimmy John’s locations will be open on Christmas day but availability and hours will vary by location. Subs for Christmas sounds pretty good!
Kona Grill will be open on Christmas 2023, but you’ll need a reservation.
Kona Grill will be open on Christmas Day, with reservations strongly reonlinemended. Check their online reservation system for available times at participating locations.
Krystal restaurants will be open and have extra specials for Christmas Day
If you’re craving those yummy Krystal burgers or a Cherry Icee, then Krystal will be open for you. Even better, on Christmas day 2023, you could get 2 Chili Pups for only $3! Note that hours will vary by location, so call your local restaurant first.
Some Marie Callender’s will offer dine-in and carry-out options on Christmas.
Select Marie Callender’s restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, but some will be offering take-out options only. Contact your local restaurant for their holiday hours and special menu offerings, and to find out whether their dining room will be open on Christmas.
Many McDonald’s restaurants will be open on Christmas Day.
If you have a picky eater who’s not a fan of fussy Christmas dinners, you can often swing through the McDonald’s drive-thru for a Happy Meal on the way home from grandma’s house.
Not all McDonald’s restaurants were open on Christmas 2023, so be sure to check with your local franchise before heading out in 2024.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks will be serving a special Christmas dinner.
In addition to its regular menu, McCormick & Schmicks will offer a special Holiday Prix-Fixe menu on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, too. Watch their website for a special holiday menu and a link to book a reservation online.
Morton’s The Steakhouse will be open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining.
Last year, Morton’s hosted a special 3-course Chateaubriand Holiday Dinner, which was only available December 24 – 31, 2023.
Some Panda Express locations may be open on Christmas.
Some Panda Express locations were open on Christmas Day 2023, but this is a decision made locally by each restaurant. If you’re craving Chinese food on Christmas, be sure to call ahead to see if your local Panda Express will be open!
Perkins serves three meals a day on Christmas.
Not only is Perkins normally open on December 25, but they also offered a special menu in 2023 that included a turkey dinner with pie and the option for seconds. They often close early on Christmas Eve, so be sure to call ahead for your location’s holiday hours.
All Red Lobster locations are open on Christmas Day.
On December 25, Red Lobster will be open for dine-in and to-go orders. You can see your location’s holiday hours here. Additionally, the restaurant takes reservations for parties of six or less online. For larger parties, guests can call their restaurant to book a reservation.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill will be open on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill is expected to be open again this year on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The restaurant will be serving its full menu for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery!
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse will be open for dine-in and takeout on Christmas Day.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse locations take reservations for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. The restaurant also offers seasonal takeout options for online ordering and pickup.
Shoney’s will serve up a Christmas Day feast on December 25.
Shoney’s is expected to open on Christmas beginning at 11 AM, so you can enjoy all your holiday favorites from the restaurant’s All You Care to Eat Freshly Prepared Food Bar. Shoney’s Christmas Dinner is available for Dine-In or To-Go.
Many Sizzler locations are open on Christmas.
Select Sizzer locations are open on Christmas Day, and some will offer online ordering and curbside pickup, too! Find a participating restaurant near you.
Select Sonic Drive-Ins may be open on Christmas Day.
Most Sonic locations are owned by independent franchisees with many remaining open on Christmas. Be sure to contact your local Sonic before heading out to the Drive-In on Christmas Day!
Some Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Select Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although hours do vary by location and may be reduced at some cafés. Contact your local café before heading out for that Peppermint Mocha!
Select Taco Bells will be open on Christmas Day.
Some Taco Bell locations will be open on Christmas Day with limited hours. Check with your local Taco Bell before heading out to grab those $5 Craving Boxes!
Many Village Inn locations will operate on Christmas will modified hours.
Most Village Inn locations are open for your Christmas Day celebration, but many will be operating under reduced hours. Be sure to call your favorite location before heading out on Christmas!
Waffle House is always open!
Waffle House is open 24/7, and Christmas Day is no exception. Where else would Santa go to satisfy his late-night waffle cravings?!
Many Wendy’s locations are open on Christmas Day.
Some Wendy’s restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check the chain’s location finder to see the hours of Wendy’s restaurants in your area!
Keep the kids busy over break with a fun Christmas activity!
