Last update: 11/15/2021
Fidning the perfect gift, organizing family get-togethers, fighting with colleagues over who gets Christmas Eve off, Home Alone – Christmas is stressful.
However, there is one part of everyone’s Christmas that can cause more stress than everything else I’ve already mentioned combined – Christmas Dinner.
And let’s face it, there’s never just the one feast on the 25th, different families have different traditions, many involving numerous gatherings around the dinner table. So, why not relieve some of that stress and take a look at what restaurants are open on Christmas Day and the Christmas period.
We’ve collected over 35 restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day and Eve – You’re welcome! But please be sure to check with your local branch to confirm times and reserve your table – Don’t add “disappointment” to your Christmas list.
1. Starbucks
Not exactly a Christmas dinner, but most Starbucks are open on Christmas day so you and your family can warm up on Christmas morning over a cinnamon latte. Opening times vary though so check with your local store.
Starbucks Christmas Hours: depends on locations
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is usually open on Christmas eve, but not all locations will be open on Christmas day. However, the majority likely will be this year – even if the hours are limited. But, again, it’s best if you call to just confirm what’s going on.
McDonald’s Christmas Hours: depends on location
3. Boston Market
Boston Market’s holiday hours vary widely by location. Some are only open on Christmas Eve, while others are open during special hours on Christmas Day. Call ahead. But if they’re closed on Christmas Day, order your holiday meal on Christmas Eve and re-heat it on Christmas Day.
Boston Market Christmas Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4. Applebee’s
Most Applebee’s locations will remain open on Christmas. Of course, this decision is up to the managers at your local location. We definitely recommend calling ahead on this one to get their store hours.
Applebee’s Christmas hours: depends on location
5. Sonic
Sonic isn’t open on Christmas day, but they’ll have normal hours at most of their locations on Christmas Eve. Again, Sonic is one of those places where hours vary by location, so definitely check in with yours if you’re looking forward to a coney.
Sonic Drive-In Christmas hours: normal hours (Christmas Eve)
6. Buffalo Wild Wings
Find Buffalo Wild Wings near me
Technically, Buffalo Wings isn’t open on Christmas. But they kind of are since they’re open Christmas Eve until 2 a.m. So if you’re super into having wings on the 25th and willing to stay up until Santa arrives, you can grab your wings in the wee hours of Christmas morning.
Buffalo Wild Wings Christmas Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m
7. Waffle House
Waffle House – much like Denny’s – is open 24/7 all year regardless of the holiday (or lack thereof.) So if you’re close to one, no worries, it’ll be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. But also very likely to be packed to the brim as well.
Waffle House Christmas hours: 24/7
8. Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão will be delivering their juicy Brazilian steak on both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Last year they even offered to-go packages. Check with your local branch to check if they’re offering the same convenient deal. That way you can still enjoy a game of charades without making other diners uncomfortable. Just your family.
Fogo de Chão Christmas hours: Christmas Eve 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM. Christmas Day 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
9. Panda Express
Chinese takeout is a favorite holiday feast for many, and Panda Express could be your go-to for Christmas dinner. There’s no company policy in place regarding holiday hours, with the decision to remain open on Christmas left up to the general manager of each store.
Panda Express Christmas Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
10. Dominos
Don’t want to change out of your holiday onesie on Christmas Day? Ordering a Domino’s pizza for delivery is a solid option. Domino’s is one of the pizza places open on Christmas, but hours of operation vary by location so call ahead to be sure. And if your preferred location is closed, remember that pizzas re-heat nicely in the oven.
Dominos Christmas Hours: 10:30 to 12 p.m.
11. Dunkin’ Donuts
Coffee cravings don’t stop just because it’s Christmas. Fortunately, many Dunkin’ locations are open on December 25, but their hours may be limited during the day.
Dunkin’ Christmas Hours: depends on location
12. Del Taco
If it’s Mexican fare you’re hoping for this Christmas, you may be in luck. Select Del Taco locations are open all of Christmas day. From greasy tacos to burritos and nachos, there is nothing on the menu that looks remotely like a holiday ham and green beans – but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Del Taco Christmas Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m
13. Denny’s
While most of the world shuts down on December 25, Denny’s gears up for its busiest day of the year. All Denny’s locations are – or should be in theory – open on Christmas eve and Christmas day.
Denny’s Christmas Hours: 24/7
14. Buca Di Beppo
Although hours may vary, Buca Di Beppo will be open on Christmas eve and Christmas day. And if you forgot to make reservations or just don’t want to deal with day-of stuff, you can order Christmas meals-to-go and reheat on the day.
Buca Di Beppo Christmas Hours: depends on location
15. Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday is typically closed on Christmas Day and open on Christmas Eve, but they have surprised us in years past. It hasn’t been announced yet whether or not they plan to continue that tradition in other areas of the country, but it’s worth calling your local restaurant to ask.
Ruby Tuesday Christmas Hours: depends on location
16. IHOP
IHOP has a reputation for being open on Christmas Day. And while the diner loves to throw a curveball at us every now and then (queue the International House of Burgers fiasco), we don’t see this year’s holiday being any different. To make your day as cheery as possible, IHOP remains open 24 hours.
IHOP Christmas Hours: 24/7
17. Benihana
For a classy dining experience on Christmas Day, Benihana Sushi & Japenese Steakhouse is an excellent choice. Select Benihana restaurants are open on Christmas, but tables tend to fill up quickly at this hotspot, so call ahead or visit their website to make a reservation for lunch or dinner.
Benihana Christmas Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m
18. Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill Christmas opening hours will also vary from location to location, but most will remain open on the holiday. And don’t forget that Family bundles can feed up to 5 people and clock in under $50. So if you’re careful with your selection, reheating could be a pretty good option if you order one early.
Bonefish Grill Christmas hours: depends on location
19. Woodpecker By David Burke
Located in New York, NY
We can safely say that this one does not vary by location. Mostly because there’s only one location. Their Christmas day opening hours are from 11:30 a.m to 8 p.m, so if you’re in the NY area and you’re wanting something special this Christmas, check them out.
Woodpecker Christmas hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
20. Carrabba’s
Carrabbas isn’t open on Christmas – but they’re open on Christmas Eve. Though some locations may close early that day. Though, typically, they’re run their normal hours on the 24th.
Carrabba’s Christmas hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Christmas Eve)
21. Chili’s
Alas, Chili’s is closed on Christmas day. Which is great if you work there. Not great if you want to eat there on the 25th. But, hey, we’ll survive without it. Probably. Their hours on the 24th vary depending on location, so definitely call ahead. Though we’d expect they’d be open for at least a few hours starting at 11 a.m.
Chili’s Christmas hours: depends on location for Christmas Eve
22. Cracker Barrel
Okay, so they’re not technically open Christmas day – but they’re open Christmas Eve and you can order easily reheatable food from them then. All Cracker Barrel locations close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Cracker Barrel Christmas Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Christmas Eve)
23. Fleming’s Steakhouse
Again, not technically open on Christmas day – but they’re open Christmas Eve until 8:30 p.m. and they’re offering four-course holiday dinners and takeout. Which, of course, you can reheat. But you won’t have the same ambiance. And you’ll definitely want to plan ahead if this is the route you want to take!
Fleming’s Steakhouse Christmas hours: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
24. Olive Garden
Olive Garden says they’re closed on Christmas to let their employees spend time with family. This is fair and all, but may or may not start a breadstick riot in some future year. We’ll see. Their Christmas Eve hours are slightly reduced, with the majority of locations closing at 8 p.m. instead of their usual 10 p.m.
Olive Garden Christmas hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Christmas Eve)
25. Outback Steakhouse
Find Outback Steakhouse near me
Outback might celebrate Christmas (in the US, anyway,) but they’ll have normal business hours on Christmas Eve. However, your local Outback’s hours may differ from others, so you’ll still likely have to check-in with your local restaurant.
Outback Steakhouse Christmas hours: depends on the location (Christmas Eve)
26. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Most locations – ‘most’ being the operative word – are open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas day with normal business hours on Christmas Eve. So no need to wait a whole 24 hours for your pasta fix – thankfully.
Macaroni Grill Christmas hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m
27. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. They also allow you to order their Christmas meals to take home if you’d rather not brave a restaurant at all. However, in all three cases, you’ll definitely want to make a reservation if you want to eat anything from here around the holiday.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Christmas hours: normal hours
28. Shoney’s
Yes, of course, Shoney’s is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Their website states they’ll start opening at 11 a.m. on Christmas day, but their end time seems to be up to the discretion of the manager. So either get there early or call ahead to check with your local Shoney’s.
Shoney’s Christmas hours: 11 a.m. to ???
29. Morton’s Steakhouse
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If you’re into the whole forget that the world is crumbling and live in a delusion for a bit mode (feels) then Morton’s is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day for dine-in and pre-ordered Christmas takeout. Because a little part of Christmas has always – and likely will always be – regretting your credit card statements two months from now. But it’ll be worth it.
Morton’s Steakhouse Christmas hours: depends on location – but open both days
30. Perkin’s
All Perkins locations will be open Christmas Eve and the majority will be open on Christmas day. Though – to caveat – the hours that they’ll be open for, and on which day, depends on the location. So you’ll definitely want to call your local Perkin’s to figure out the details.
Perkin’s Christmas hours: depends on location
31. Ted’s Montana Grill
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Ted’s isn’t open on Christmas day, but they are open on Christmas Eve. Though, again, the hours vary from restaurant to restaurant, so you’ll want to call ahead to confirm when they’re open.
Ted’s Christmas hours: depends on location
32. Huddle House
There seems to be an unspoken rule about any place that serves mostly pancakes being open 24-hours on Christmas. And Huddle House is no exception to this rule. So walk in whenever on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Huddle House Christmas hours: 24/7
33. Legal Sea Foods
Although not open on Christmas day, Legal Seafood is open on the 24th. Though they do strongly suggest you make reservations if you plan on eating there on Christmas Eve.
Legal Seafood Christmas hours: normal hours
34. McCormick & Schmick’s
Find McCormick & Schmick’s near me
Historically, McCormick & Schmick’s has been open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. But their hours may vary depending on which one of their 50 locations is near you. In any case, they strongly suggest you make reservations if you’re planning on dining-in (or taking out) around the holidays.
McCormick & Schmick’s Christmas hours: depends on locations
35. Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s is also historically open on Christmas day and Christmas Eve – though usually with normal hours. Normal hours, however, depend on your specific location. So be sure to check with your local Del Frisco’s to find out when they close on each day. Additionally, like most places this year, they’re offering special holiday fare for takeout as well. In any case, be sure to call ahead to arrange something because they’ll likely be slammed the day-of.
Del Friso’s Christmas hours: normal hours
36. Edgar’s Steakhouse
Located in Geneva, NY
Edgar’s Steakhouse is located in Geneva, NY in the Belhurst Castle. They’ll be open Christmas Eve and Christmas day – but in either case – you’ll want to get on your reservations. Like now. But, hey, eating Christmas dinner in a castle feels like a whole other level of escapism that most of us can get behind. So all the power to you if you live close enough!
Edgar’s Steakhouse Christmas hours: 5 to 8 p.m (Christmas Eve) 4 – 8 p.m. (Christmas day)
37. Village Inn
Village Inn will be open on Christmas Eve and some stores will be open on Christmas Day – although this does vary so check with your local branch. If you’re lucky you can enjoy Village Inn’s usual comforting dishes, from sandwiches to their perfect pies.
Village Inn Christmas Day Opening Times: Please check with your local branch
Accuracy Disclaimer: Unfortunately we cannot be 100% accurate with our prices and opening time – although we do try. So, to avoid disappointment please do check with your local restaurant branch. And also, let us know in the comments if we’ve really messed something up – we’ll appreciate it!
DOMINO’S IS NOT OPEN XMAS DAY 2016………..AT LEAST NOT IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
ALL BRANCHES ARE CLOSED.