It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, Christmas Day can be tricky when it comes to finding an open restaurant. With family gatherings, shopping sprees, and holiday celebrations filling up the calendar, the idea of preparing a meal may feel overwhelming, and not every restaurant is open to satisfy those cravings. Whether you’re out shopping, need a quick meal before family festivities, or are simply in the mood to treat yourself to something special, knowing where you can eat is crucial.
This year, Christmas falls on a Wednesday — so where will you be able to dine out? Let’s take a look at the restaurants that are open on Christmas Day 2024 and those that will be closed for the holiday. Don’t let the holiday hustle and bustle leave you hungry — we’ve got you covered!
Which Restaurants Will Be Open on Christmas Day 2024?
Christmas Day isn’t a typical day for dining out, and while some restaurants may offer limited hours, others will be open to serve customers. Whether you’re craving a quick fast food fix or a hearty sit-down meal, here are some chains that will be open on Christmas 2024:
- McDonald’s: Most McDonald’s locations will be open on Christmas Day, although hours may vary by location. You can always check the hours for your local McDonald’s through their app.
- Starbucks: Need your morning caffeine fix? Starbucks will be open, but store hours vary by location, so be sure to double-check using their store locator or app.
- IHOP: If you’re in the mood for breakfast — or breakfast-for-dinner — IHOP will be open, with varying hours depending on location. Call ahead to confirm.
- Red Lobster: For those who love seafood, Red Lobster will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas, making it a perfect option for a festive lunch or dinner.
- Fogo de Chão: The Brazilian steakhouse will also remain open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., perfect for those craving delicious meats and a holiday feast.
- Hooters: Whether you’re enjoying a game or just craving wings, Hooters will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight on Christmas Day, with some Kansas City locations opening earlier for a special game.
These restaurants provide plenty of options for those who find themselves in need of a meal or a quick bite on Christmas. From coffee to seafood, there’s something for every craving.
Which Restaurants Will Be Closed on Christmas?
Unfortunately, not all restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Here’s a list of chains that will be closed for the holiday:
- Chick-fil-A: All Chick-fil-A locations will be closed on Christmas Day, so you’ll have to wait until the next day for your chicken sandwich.
- Chipotle: Chipotle will also be closed, meaning no burritos or bowls this holiday season.
- Cracker Barrel: The beloved comfort food chain will be closed on Christmas, so plan to enjoy their homestyle meals another day.
- Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.: Both of these fast-food chains will remain closed on Christmas.
- Outback Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse: For those craving steak, unfortunately, both of these chains will be closed on Christmas.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Chili’s: These popular sit-down chains will not be open, so make sure to find another dining spot if you’re in the mood for Italian or seafood.
Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead for Christmas Dining?
With so many restaurants closed and others with limited hours, planning ahead is essential for a stress-free Christmas Day. Whether you’re out shopping for last-minute gifts, or you’re simply too tired from cooking to make dinner, knowing which restaurants are open can save you time and effort.
Remember that even the open restaurants may have special hours or limited menus, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local location ahead of time.
Now that you’re equipped with a list of open and closed restaurants, it’s time to plan your holiday meals! Are you dining in or out this Christmas? Let us know where you plan to eat, and if you have any questions or recommendations, leave a comment below — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
