If you’re traveling and need a snack, or simply don’t feel like cooking a Christmas dinner, the holiday season still offers a variety of fast-food and sit-down options on Christmas Day.
Travelers and families alike will find that many familiar chains remain open, but the exact hours can vary from one location to another. Because holiday schedules are often subject to change, it is wise to verify the operating hours for your chosen restaurant online or through the chain’s mobile app.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
A wide range of popular chains will keep their doors open on Christmas Day. Customers can expect the following to be available, though they should still confirm the specific hours:
- Applebee’s
- Arby’s
- Burger King
- Denny’s
- Domino’s
- Dunkin’
- IHOP
- Jack-in-the-Box
- McDonald’s
- Qdoba
- Red Lobster
- Starbucks
- Waffle House
- Wendy’s
Noodles & Company, KFC, and Panera Bread also encourage patrons to check local holiday hours. These establishments typically stay open, but individual sites may adjust their schedules.
Chains Open on Christmas Eve with Limited Hours
Several other well-known restaurants will operate on Christmas Eve, often with shortened service times, but they will close for the entire day on Christmas. The chains that fit this pattern include:
- Chick-fil-A
- Culver’s
- In-N-Out
- Jersey Mike’s
- Olive Garden
- Raising Cane’s
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Taco Bell
Customers planning to dine on the eve of the holiday should be aware that these locations may open earlier in the day and close before the evening.
Special Cases: Dairy Queen, Chipotle, and Cracker Barrel
Some establishments have more specific holiday schedules. Dairy Queen has confirmed that a handful of its independently owned locations will run limited hours on Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Christmas Day.
Chipotle will shut its doors at 3 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, and all Cracker Barrel stores will close at 2 p.m. Both chains will be entirely closed on Christmas Day.
Retail and Convenience Options
Many retail stores, including department stores and supermarkets, will also be closed on Christmas Day. For those who need a quick bite or a last-minute snack, most gas stations and convenience stores remain open throughout the holiday.
Tips for Travelers and Holiday Diners
- Check Online: Visit the restaurant’s official website or use their mobile app to see the most up-to-date holiday hours.
- Plan Ahead: If you are traveling, consider calling the local outlet to confirm whether they will be open and what their service times will be.
- Consider Alternatives: If your preferred chain is closed, look for nearby diners or fast-food outlets that are known to remain open.
- Stay Flexible: Holiday schedules can change on short notice, so having a backup plan can help avoid disappointment.
Key Takeaways
- A large number of fast-food and sit-down restaurants stay open on Christmas Day, but hours vary by location.
- Many chains will operate on Christmas Eve with limited hours, yet close entirely for Christmas Day.
- Specific chains like Dairy Queen, Chipotle, and Cracker Barrel have unique holiday schedules that require advance confirmation.
Whether you’re on the road or staying home, knowing which restaurants will be open on Christmas Day can make holiday planning a little easier. By checking online or calling ahead, you can secure a satisfying meal or snack without the stress of last-minute surprises.
