What restaurants are open on Christmas Day? Here's a list of places you can go
🍔 Fast-Food & Quick Bite Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Many fast-food and quick-service restaurants remain open, especially via drive-thru, delivery, or limited dine-in:
🌭 Fast Food Chains
McDonald’s – Most locations open; hours vary by franchise. (mint)
Wendy’s – Several locations open; check local hours. (mint)
Burger King – Some restaurants will be open, but hours differ by location. (mint)
Dunkin’ – Many shops are open on Christmas Day where permitted. (mint)
Waffle House – Known for staying open 365 days a year, including Christmas. (mint)
Starbucks – Many stores open with reduced hours; airport/hotel locations especially likely to operate. ()
👉 Tip: Fast-food hours can vary widely depending on whether the restaurant is corporate-owned or franchised, so always check with your closest location before heading out. ()
🍽️ Sit-Down & Casual Dining Restaurants Likely Open
Some casual sit-down restaurants and chains typically choose to welcome guests on Christmas, offering regular or holiday menus:
🍝 Restaurant Chains
Denny’s – Many locations serve guests throughout the holiday. ()
Red Lobster – Many restaurants open, though hours can vary by location. ()
Brio Italian Grille – Often open on Christmas Day with regular service hours. ()
Buca di Beppo – Family-style Italian dining with many locations open. ()
Del Frisco’s Grille – Open at many locations (call ahead for exact hours). ()
Buffalo Wild Wings – A sports bar and grill with many outlets open for the holiday. (.)
Pei Wei – Casual Asian chain that’s often open on Christmas in some regions. (.)
🍗 Other Options to Consider
Besides major chains, you may also find other places open:
🍕 Pizza & Delivery
Domino’s – Many locations open for carryout and delivery. ()
Papa John’s – Often open with delivery hours; check locally. ()
🐔 Other Casual Spots
El Pollo Loco – Select locations open; check online for hours. ()
Krispy Krunchy Chicken – Some outlets open for a quick meal. ()
Legal Sea Foods – Many locations open with limited holiday hours. ()
🍔 Regional & Local Eateries
Many independent restaurants, hotel restaurants, and local diners choose to stay open on Christmas Day — especially in bigger cities or tourist areas. ()
❌ Restaurants Commonly Closed on Christmas Day
Despite many options, several big chains traditionally close on December 25 — giving staff the holiday off:
Chick-fil-A 🍗 — closed on Christmas Day. ()
Taco Bell 🌮 — many locations closed. ()
Chipotle 🌯 — generally closed. ()
Olive Garden 🍝 — closed on Christmas Day. ()
Outback Steakhouse 🥩 — typically closed. ()
Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s, Chili’s, Texas Roadhouse 🍽️ — many are closed or have holiday hours. ()
🍜 Local Restaurant Tips
If you’re still unsure where to go on Christmas Day:
Chinese and Asian restaurants are often open when many other places are closed — especially in larger towns and cities. ()
Hotel restaurants and resort dining frequently remain open for holiday diners and guests. ()
Use apps like OpenTable or Google Maps to search “restaurants open now” on December 25 near you — these can list open hours and allow reservations.
📌 Quick Summary: Restaurants Likely Open on Christmas Day 2025
🍟 Fast Food & Quick Eats
McDonald’s 🍔
Wendy’s 🍗
Burger King 🍟
Dunkin’ ☕
Waffle House 🍳
Starbucks ☕
🍽️ Casual & Sit-Down
Denny’s 🍳
Red Lobster 🦞
Brio Italian Grille 🍝
Buca di Beppo 🍕
Del Frisco’s Grille 🍷
Buffalo Wild Wings 🍗
Pei Wei 🍜
🍕 Delivery & Carryout
Domino’s 🍕
Papa John’s 🍕
🍜 Other Local or Independent Restaurants
Chinese, Indian, sushi, and hotel dining options often open.
