These Restaurants Are Expected to Be Open on Christmas Day
Eat, drink, and be merry at these restaurants that will be 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 if you just have a craving for your favorite restaurant – you’ll have several options available to you 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 are expected to be open on Christmas 2025.
Note that you may want to call ahead to the location nearest you, as hours may vary across some chains.
Some Applebee’s locations may be open on Christmas.
Most Applebee’s restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, but holiday hours vary at this franchised restaurant. In years past, select locations have remained open on Christmas Day. Contact your local restaurant for this year’s Christmas hours and participation.
Some Arby’s restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, too.
Since Arby’s restaurants are franchise-owned, holiday hours will vary by location. Most Arby’s locations will likely be closed on Christmas, but some have remained open with limited hours in years past. Be sure to check the hours at your local restaurant before heading out for those curly fries!
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 2025, Benihana will be 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. Note that delivery is not available on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
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 – even on Christmas at select locations!
Bucca di Beppo is open for dine-in, catering, or to-go on Christmas.
Bucca di Beppo is open on Christmas, and reservations are strongly recommended 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 select locations (especially airports or other very high-traffic areas), on Christmas Day! Participation varies, and many restaurants will be closed on Christmas Day, so be sure to contact your local BWW before making plans.
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! Some Burger King locations in high-traffic areas 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 pick up one of the restaurant’s hot and ready-to-serve Christmas To Go 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 Wagyu Chateaubriand meal through New Year’s Day.
Denny’s is open every day of the year, including Christmas.
Years ago, 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 may 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 closed this Christmas, but holiday hours vary by franchise. Check with your location to see if they’ll be open on Christmas!
Some Dunkin’ locations may be open on Christmas Day.
Select Dunkin’ locations in busy areas were open for business on Christmas in 2024, and we expect that practice to continue in 2025. 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.
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 may 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 Day. Head over here and enter your zip code to find a participating location near you.
Hooters may be open on Christmas Day.
Some Hooters restaurants were open from 4 p.m. until their regular closing time on Christmas Day 2024, but these hours were location-specific and not guaranteed. We’re expecting a similar situation in 2025, so check with your location to learn more about their holiday hours.
Select Hard Rock Café locations may be open on Christmas Day.
Select Hard Rock Cafés may be open for burgers, fries, and more on Christmas Day! Be sure to check with your local Hard Rock for their holiday hours before heading out.
Some Hardee’s locations may be open on Christmas Day.
Select Hardee’s Restaurants may be open on Christmas Day, although this decision is left up to each local franchisee. Many locations will be closed on Christmas, so be sure to check with your local Hardee’s restaurant to learn more!
Check with your local IHOP for their Christmas hours.
Many IHOP locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, although hours may vary by location.
You may be able to grab a sandwich at Jimmy John’s on Christmas Day.
Select Jimmy John’s locations in busy areas may be open on Christmas Day, but they will be the exception – not the rule! You’ll definitely want to check with your local JJ’s if you’re craving subs on Christmas.
Kona Grill will be open on Christmas 2025, but you’ll need a reservation.
Kona Grill will be open on Christmas Day, with reservations strongly recommended. Check their online reservation system for available times at participating locations.
Some Krystal restaurants may be open on Christmas Day
If you’re craving a yummy Krystal burger or a Cherry Icee, then a Krystal near you may be open on Christmas Day. Standard practice is for Krystal restaurants to close on Christmas Day, but holiday hours can vary by franchisee.
Some Marie Callender’s may offer carry-out options on Christmas.
Select Marie Callender’s restaurants may be open on Christmas Day for take-out options only. Contact your local restaurant for their holiday hours and special menu offerings.
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.
Many McDonald’s locations are closed on Christmas Day, especially in corporate or suburban locations, but some locations in high-traffic areas may remain open on Christmas Day, often with limited hours or drive-thru only.
The only reliable way to know is to check your local restaurant, because holiday hours are set individually by franchisees.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks will be serving a special Christmas dinner.
In addition to its regular menu, McCormick & Schmicks will offer a special Two-Course Christmas 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.
Morton’s is open on Christmas and hosting a special 3-course Chateaubriand Holiday Dinner from December 24th through December 31st.
Some Panda Express locations may be open on Christmas.
Some Panda Express locations may be open on Christmas Day 2025, 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!
Your local Perkins may be serving three meals a day on Christmas.
Not only is Perkins often open on December 25th, but it may also offer a special holiday menu at select locations. 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 check your location’s hours here.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill will be open on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill will 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 from 11 AM to 9 PM on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day from 12 PM to 8 PM!
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 will 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.
Select Sonic Drive-Ins may be open on Christmas Day.
Most Sonic locations are owned by independent franchisees, with a few remaining open on Christmas. Be sure to contact your local Sonic before heading out to the Drive-In on Christmas Day!
Some Starbucks locations may be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Select Starbucks locations may 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!
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?!
Some Wendy’s locations may be open on Christmas Day.
Some Wendy’s restaurants may be open on Christmas Day, but holiday hours vary by location and are not guaranteed. Check the chain’s location finder to see the hours of Wendy’s restaurants in your area!
Definitely check your local Applebee’s. While we don’t prefer their food, they were one of the only places open till 8pm Christmas Eve. We even called to confirm. Which works out great because the Christmas Eve service ends at 6 pm and church is 40 mins away from us. Eating out was a great option for us.
Thanks so much for sharing, Kevashell! ❤️ Glad to hear Applebee’s worked out perfectly for your Christmas Eve plans! 🤗🎄
No server wants to be stuck at work until 9pm on xmas eve waiting for you to wrap it up. Please don’t show up at closing time. Servers/restaurant staff have families they want to see too.