Restaurants Open on Christmas A Complete Dining Guide

Restaurants open on Christmas become especially important for families, travelers, workers, and anyone who prefers dining out on the holiday. On Christmas Day, many people look for places to eat when they do not want to cook at home or prefer to enjoy a relaxed holiday meal outside. From hotel buffets to comfortable sit-down meals at well-known family restaurants, diners still have dependable choices available across the United States.

Just as people search for restaurants open on Thanksgiving, many also want reliable food options on December 25 without last-minute stress. Christmas is a major holiday in the United States, yet several restaurants continue operating to serve customers who need convenience, comfort, or celebratory meals. Holiday hours can change yearly and vary by location, so it is always best to confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in the U.S

Restaurant Name	Christmas Day Status	Type of Restaurant	Important Information
Waffle House	Open (24 hours)	Diner	Operates 24/7 every day, including Christmas
Denny’s	Open at most locations	Diner	Many locations stay open; hours may vary
IHOP	Open at many locations	Breakfast & Diner	Some locations operate full day, others have reduced hours
McDonald’s	Open at many locations	Fast food	Franchise-based; hours depend on location
Burger King	Open at some locations	Fast food	Holiday hours vary by franchise
Wendy’s	Open at many locations	Fast food	Local restaurant hours may differ
Arby’s	Open at most locations	Fast food	Hours vary; checking ahead is advised
Dunkin’	Open at many locations	Coffee & Bakery	Some stores close early
Starbucks	Open at select locations	Coffee	Store hours vary based on demand and staffing
Subway	Open at some locations	Sandwiches	Independently owned; hours differ widely
Domino’s Pizza	Open at select locations	Pizza	Limited locations may operate with reduced hours
Panda Express	Open at many locations	Asian cuisine	Franchise stores set their own holiday schedule
Boston Market	Open at some locations	Comfort food	Often offers holiday meals
Buca di Beppo	Open at many locations	Italian dining	Reservations are recommended
Brio Italian Grille	Open at select locations	Italian dining	Hours vary by restaurant
Fogo de Chão	Open	Brazilian steakhouse	Operates with special holiday menus
Chart House	Open at select locations	Fine dining	Usually offers fixed-price holiday meals
Del Frisco’s Grille	Open at some locations	Steakhouse	Reservation recommended
Morton’s The Steakhouse	Open at select locations	Fine dining	Holiday dinner service only in many locations
Hard Rock Café	Open at some locations	Casual dining	Hours vary by city
Shoney’s	Open at many locations	Buffet-style dining	Popular for holiday meals

Note: Not every location of these restaurants will be open. Opening and closing times are set locally, and many restaurants operate shortened hours or limited menus on Christmas Day.

Sit-Down Restaurant Types Open on Christmas

Restaurant Style	Open Probability	Dining Experience
Italian family dining	High	Large portions and shared meals
Diners	Very high	Breakfast and comfort food
Hotel restaurants	High	Holiday menus and buffet options
Steak and grill	Moderate	Reservations often required
Casual chains	Mixed	Depends on location

Restaurants open on Christmas in this category often offer special menus. Prices may differ slightly due to holiday staffing and preparation costs.

International Restaurants Operating on Christmas

International restaurants often remain open because Christmas is not a traditional holiday for all cultures. Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Thai, and Mediterranean restaurants frequently operate on December 25. These restaurants attract diners who want variety or alternative holiday meals, and many communities rely on them for dependable Christmas dining.

Cuisine Type	Availability	Reason
Chinese	Very high	Cultural holiday difference
Indian	High	Regular business day
Middle Eastern	High	Non-Christian holiday
Thai	Moderate	Owner decision
Mediterranean	Moderate	Family-owned flexibility

Restaurants open on Christmas in this category often operate full hours. Menus usually remain unchanged, providing familiar and consistent food choices.

How to Find Restaurants Open on Christmas Near You

Finding open restaurants becomes easier with a little planning. Restaurant websites, Google Maps, and delivery apps often show holiday hours. Calling ahead provides the most accurate confirmation, especially for locally owned restaurants. Hotel concierge desks also offer dining recommendations, and local community forums sometimes share real-time holiday updates.

Reliable Ways to Confirm Christmas Restaurant Hours

Method	Accuracy Level	Best Use
Official website	High	Chain restaurants
Google listings	Medium	Quick checking
Phone call	Very high	Local restaurants
Delivery apps	Medium	Delivery options
Hotel concierge	High	Travelers

Planning improves the overall dining experience on Christmas Day.

Cost and Menu Differences on Christmas

Some restaurants adjust pricing due to holiday labor costs. Fixed-price menus become more common at sit-down restaurants, especially in fine dining and hotel settings. Portion sizes usually remain the same, but menu options may be reduced to simplify kitchen operations. Hotel restaurants sometimes offer premium holiday menus that focus on festive dishes and desserts.

Takeout and Delivery Options on Christmas Day

Takeout and delivery services provide a convenient dining solution on Christmas Day for people who prefer eating at home while avoiding cooking. Many restaurants that remain open on the holiday continue to offer pickup and delivery options, although availability may be more limited than on regular days. Popular food delivery apps and restaurant websites often display updated holiday hours, menu changes, and delivery windows. Ordering earlier in the day can help reduce wait times, as fewer drivers and higher demand may affect service speed. For families, travelers, or individuals seeking a low-effort meal, takeout and delivery remain a practical way to enjoy restaurant food on Christmas without dining in.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Day dining options remain available for those who plan wisely. From fast food to hotel dining, choices exist across cities and towns throughout the United States. Understanding restaurant types, holiday hours, and dining expectations helps avoid surprises and last-minute stress.