What Restaurants Are Open on Christmas: Chains You Can Count on for the Holiday?

19 National Restaurant Chains You Can Count on for the Holiday

Christmas is celebrated by millions of families across the U.S every year. But this year celebrations across the country may look a little different, or you may be part of the roughly 10% of Americans who don’t celebrate Christmas at all according to Pew.

Finding Restaurants Across the Country

Across the country, Christmas celebrations vary. However finding what restaurants are open on Christmas Day can be a struggle. That’s why we created this list.

Make sure you look below for more details about each of these chains. Not every restaurant will be open and you should call ahead to be certain the restaurant in your area is open.

So, what restaurants are open on Christmas?

• Lou Malnati's
• Dunkin Donuts
• Domino’s Pizza
• Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse
• Sonic
• IHOP
• Waffle House
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery
• Denny’s
• Morton’s The Steakhouse
• Starbucks
• Buffalo Wild Wings
• Boston Market
• Panda Express
• Buca di Beppo
• Applebee’s
• Del Taco
• Macaroni Grill
• Village Inn
• Legal Sea Foods

What Will Be Different This Year

What will certainly change this year is the number of people who opt to order restaurant meals with food delivery. This may make finding a holiday meal available for food delivery a little harder since most restaurants, even in a normal year, are closed or work shorter hours on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Which is why planning ahead and knowing where to order from using this list is crucial.

Usually it is difficult to find open restaurants, especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Here is a list of larger national restaurant chains and their availability and hours during the holidays this year with more details about their specific policies.

List of Restaurants Open on Christmas or Christmas Eve

Lou Malnati's

• Lou Malnati's, the iconic Chicago-style pizza restaurant chain, will be open on Christmas Eve for those looking to enjoy a delicious pizza! Order delivery here.

Dunkin Donuts

Hours vary by location, but many will be open Christmas Day so you can order some breakfast snacks and coffee for all to enjoy. Also open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s.

• Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s will be open for business on Christmas Day as well as Christmas Eve and New Years.

• Ruth Chris’ Steakhouse

Hours vary by location, however most locations will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s.

• Sonic

Since almost all Sonic locations are franchises, there are no official corporate hours, however they are traditionally open on holidays. Just be sure to call your nearby location ahead to confirm for sure.

• IHOP

Never underestimate the importance of breakfast. IHOP will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

• Waffle House

If you’re a fan of Waffle House you probably already know this but they are open 24/7, 365 days a year so they’re available any day this holiday season for delivery.

• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

Hours vary by location but many will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, though they typically have a limited menu for the holidays.

• Denny’s

America’s Diner will have most locations open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas. Hours could vary based on restrictions.

• Morton’s The Steakhouse

They will be open on Christmas Day.

• Starbucks

Some select Starbucks locations will remain open on Christmas day so you can always get the pick-me-up you crave delivered right to your door.

• Buffalo Wild Wings

Typically many Buffalo Wild Wings locations are open on holidays, but call ahead at your local location to make sure. This year more may choose to close on Christmas.

• Boston Market

Select locations are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas, and they sell prepared holiday feasts that are perfect to enjoy with no hassle over cooking or cleaning.

• Panda Express

Locations are all franchises so hours vary depending on the location, but many will remain open on Christmas. Call ahead to make sure, but this is usually a safe bet around the holidays.

• Buca di Beppo

They will be open on Christmas in case you’re craving some Italian. Get delivered and enjoy at home.

• Applebee’s

Select Applebee’s locations will remain open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call ahead to check with your local restaurant.

• Del Taco

Many of their locations will remain open on Christmas Day this year. Call ahead for availability.

• Macaroni Grill

In past years, their locations have been open on Christmas from 12-8. So while the hours may be slightly limited, you can still plan ahead and get a meal from them delivered to your house using food delivery.

• Village Inn

They will be open on Christmas day.

• Legal Sea Foods

Most locations will remain open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve, but Closed on Christmas Day

• Bonefish Grill
• Olive Garden
• McDonald’s (some locations will be open on Christmas)
• Outback Steakhouse

Why This Is Important

Many Americans tired of cooking still need meals on Christmas Day, and with COVID-19 running rampant, finding restaurants that are open and open safely is critical. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas, there is no doubt that the holiday season will look different compared to previous years.

Fewer and smaller family gatherings will be the norm, and cooking will probably be on the back burner in most people’s minds.

A larger number of Americans will likely decide to order food delivery to their homes rather than dine out. You must plan during these times. Be sure to know what you are going to order and where you are going to order from.

Hopefully the list above gives you some ideas about where you might want to order from this holiday season!

Sources:

Pew: https://www.pewforum.org/2017/12/12/americans-say-religious-aspects-of-christmas-are-declining-in-public-life/pf_12-12-17-christmas-01/