Your options are limited if you want to dine out on Christmas Day.
The big picture: Many McDonald’s, Starbucks and Dunkin’ locations are open, while major chains including Chili’s, Taco Bell, Chipotle, Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse are closed for the holiday.
- Many local Chinese restaurants will be open on Christmas, which is considered one of their busiest days of the year.
Christmas is a popular day for food delivery
Zoom in: It’s still expected to be a big day for food delivery despite few restaurants being open.
- DoorDash said Christmas was the top busiest holiday for food delivery in 2024 based on the average number of deliveries with the platform per open restaurant.
- DoorDash, Uber Eats, Gopuff and Instacart will be delivering Christmas but what’s available to order depends on what stores and restaurants are open on the holiday.
Christmas Day restaurants open
Dig in: The following national restaurant chains have select locations open Thursday, though many will be closed or operate with limited menus:
- Applebee’s
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Dave & Buster’s
- Denny’s
- Domino’s
- Golden Corral
- Huddle House: Hours vary, but many open from 6am until 10pm.
- IHOP
- Papa John’s
- Paris Baguette
- Perkins: Participating locations open from 7am to 10pm.
- Red Lobster: Special holiday hours from noon to 9pm on Thursday, according to this list.
- Waffle House
Christmas dinner reservations
Between the lines: You can also find restaurants accepting Christmas reservations through OpenTable.
- Locally owned and regional chains will also be open on Christmas, as will some restaurants located in hotels and rest stops.
Fast food restaurants open Christmas 2025
Opening on Christmas is often a franchise decision, so expect many locations to be closed on Thursday. Hours for open locations will vary.
- Arby’s
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Hardee’s
- Jack in the Box
- Jimmy John’s
- McDonald’s
- Popeyes
- Sonic Drive-In
- Subway
- Wendy’s
Are Starbucks and Dunkin’ open Christmas?
Many Starbucks and Dunkin’ locations are open for Christmas, but some locations will be closed.
- Expect hours to be limited.
Restaurants closed Christmas: Olive Garden, Chipotle
Zoom out: All Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed Christmas.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill and all Darden restaurants — including Olive Garden — are also closed on Christmas along with Bob Evans and Cracker Barrel.
More from Axios:
- The Christmas gifts no one actually wants will be returned
- AI takes over the holiday shopping wars
- Penny shortage sparks a national math crisis
- Celebrity Xcel sets sail with a secret venue for maximum FOMO
Source: Christmas 2025: Restaurants open on holiday include Red Lobster, McDonald’s, Denny’s, IHOP
