A List of 30 Popular Restaurants Open on Christmas in 2023

Dunkin’: Many locations will be open, but the hours of operation can vary by location. You should call your local restaurant or check the Dunkin’ mobile app for more information.

These Chain Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day 2022

Whether you need a last-minute pie or a fully involved Christmas dinner, these restaurants are still serving up meals on Christmas Day.

Bailey Fink is a devout home cook and assistant editor at Allrecipes. She has written over 200 stories covering everything from cooking methods and storage techniques to grocery shopping on a budget, how-to guides, product reviews, and important food-related news.

Have you ever watched a Christmas movie or series episode and wondered if the restaurants the characters are eating at are actually open on Christmas Day? You know, what if there’s a “Santa Clause”-level turkey disaster and you have to head to Denny’s? Or maybe you seriously just don’t want to cook this Christmas (we understand that feeling too). While some of your favorite chain restaurants may be closed this particular holiday, there are still plenty of options if you want to leave the cooking to somebody else.

Most fast-food restaurants will remain open if you want to swing through the drive-thru on your way to your relative’s house. Some restaurants are even offering special Christmas Day menus so you’ll still have the traditional feast. Or, you can take advantage of carry-out options so you will just have to reheat the meals and serve them — put them on a fancy plate, and no one will even know you didn’t make the ham.

Whether you’re craving some crispy French fries or want a fully loaded Christmas meal, these restaurants can help you out on Christmas Day.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2022

Applebee’s: Some locations will be open regular hours, while some will be closed or have reduced hours. Call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Arby’s: Hours of operation will vary per location, so some restaurants may be open while others are closed. You should contact your local Arby’s for full hours and information.

Buffalo Wild Wings: Many locations will be closed, but some restaurants may be open with varying hours. You should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Burger King: Most locations will be open, but hours will vary by location. You should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Denny’s: All locations will be open, but hours of operation may vary by location. You should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Domino’s: Many locations will be open, but hours of operation will vary by location. You should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Dunkin’: Many locations will be open, but the hours of operation can vary by location. You should call your local restaurant or check the Dunkin’ mobile app for more information.

Golden Corral: The buffet will be open and will offer a special Christmas Day buffet complete with all the holiday favorites. Some locations may have reduced holiday hours; you can call your local restaurant for full hours and information. Or, if you prefer to dine at home, Golden Corral is offering Holiday Meals To Go for a limited time.

IHOP: All restaurants will be open, but hours may vary by location; you should contact your local IHOP for hours and information.

McDonald’s: Most locations will remain open, but you should contact your local restaurant for hours and information.

Papa John’s: Select locations will be open, but you should contact your local restaurant for hours and information.

Popeyes: Many locations will remain open, but you should contact your local restaurant for hours and information.

Sonic: Some locations will be open, but franchise-owned locations may be closed or have reduced hours. You should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Starbucks: Most locations will be open (except those located within Target), but the hours of operation may vary per location, and stores may adjust hours based on customer needs. You should call your local store or check the Starbucks mobile app for full hours and information.

Subway: Hours of operation vary per franchise, so some Subway locations may be open while others may not, and some might have reduced hours. You should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

TGI Fridays: Some locations may be closed, but many locations are open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Hours may vary, so you should call your local restaurant for full hours and information.

Waffle House: All Waffle House locations are open 24/7, which includes Christmas Day. Because of course Waffle House is open.

Wendy’s: Most locations will be open, but you should call your local restaurant or use the location finder for full hours and information.

Restaurants Closed on Christmas Day 2022

• Bahama Breeze Island Grille
• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
• Bob Evans: Although, you can order their Farmhouse Feast for a ready-to-heat holiday meal and pick it up on December 23.
• Bonefish Grill
• Buca di Beppo
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill
• The Cheesecake Factory
• Chick-fil-A
• Chili’s
• Chipotle: Chipotle restaurants will also close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
• Cracker Barrel: Although, you can pre-order one of their holiday Heat N’ Serve meals now and pick it up between December 20 and December 27.
• Longhorn Steakhouse
• Olive Garden
• Outback Steakhouse
• P.F. Chang’s
• Pizza Hut
• Red Lobster
• Red Robin
• Ruby Tuesday
• Texas Roadhouse

A List of 30 Popular Restaurants Open on Christmas in 2023

Between Christmas parties, shopping for Christmas gifts, and other annual Christmas traditions—cooking on the holiday can sometimes seem like an unwanted chore. Hey, no judgement here—we get it! You might not even be fully recovered from all the prep that went into your Thanksgiving feast! So, why don’t you just plan to keep the apron aside, and instead read this list of restaurants open on Christmas in 2023?

Just think about it: You can still enjoy a holiday meal together but you get to skip all the stress of planning and cooking. It’s a win-win! Or, you can at least grab a quick bite before heading to grandma’s. The best part is that most of these restaurants offer heat-and-serve options or takeout, meaning you can pick up the food and enjoy it at home together. Swing by your favorite coffee shop and enjoy a little pick-me-up after all of the gift-wrapping and Christmas activities with family. And then, order a steakhouse dinner from Del Frisco’s or Morton’s to enjoy in the comfort of your Christmas PJs!

That said, if you’re in need of some last-minute snacks to round out the meal, there are plenty of grocery stores open on Christmas this year. And while you’re at it, why not take a look at stores open on Christmas, too? Just remember: you’ll want to call ahead to be sure your local store is actually operating under the hours we’ve listed.