Discover which restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, from fast-food chains to fine dining, with hours and whether they offer holiday catering.
Fast-Food and Quick Bites
Many quick-service restaurants will welcome holiday diners, though hours vary by location. Below is a snapshot of the most common chains:
- Burger King – Hours vary by location; call ahead or use the app to confirm.
- McDonald’s – Most locations open on holidays; use the store locator for schedule.
- Wendy’s – Many locations open; hours differ by site.
- Krispy Krunchy Chicken – Open on Dec. 25.
- Jollibee – Nationwide open; hours vary.
- Kona Grill – Open 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Legal Sea Foods – Most open 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
- El Pollo Loco – Select locations open; check the chain’s website for the full list.
- El Torito Mexican Restaurant – Open on Dec. 25.
- Huddle House – Participating locations open on Dec. 25; call ahead for schedules.
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Open for business on Christmas.
- Wiseguy Pizza – Open on Dec. 25.
- Scooter’s Coffee – All locations open on New Year’s Day (included for completeness).

Sit-Down Restaurants and Casual Dining
For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, several casual and mid-price restaurants will be open on Christmas:
- Applebee’s – Select locations open; hours vary.
- Bertucci’s – Open 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Bravo Italian Kitchen – Open on Christmas and offers holiday catering.
- Brio Italian Grille – Open on Dec. 25 and offers holiday catering.
- Chevys Fresh Mex – Open on Christmas.
- Church’s Texas Chicken – Select locations open; hours may vary.
- Dave & Buster’s – Open on Christmas; hours vary.
- Del Frisco’s – Open for business on the holiday.
- Denny’s – Many open on Christmas.
- Eddie Merlot’s – Open on the holiday.
- Fogo de Chão – Open 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- IHOP – Open on the holiday; hours may vary.
- Main Event – Open at 12 p.m. on Christmas.
- Matchbox – Open for business on the holiday.
- McCormick & Schmick’s – Open on Christmas.
- North Italia – Open on Christmas with normal hours.
- Palladino’s – Open 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Paris Baguette – Most cafés open on Christmas; hours may vary.
- Perkins American Food Company – Participating locations open on Christmas; hours vary.
- Red Lobster – Open on Christmas; hours vary.
- Ruby Tuesday – More than 100 locations open on Christmas; hours vary.
- Sizzler – Nearly all open at normal hours on the holiday.
- Smith & Wollensky – Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
- STK Steakhouse – Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Halal Guys – Open on Christmas; some locations adjust schedules.
- Waffle House – Open every day, including Christmas.
Specialty and Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, several high-end restaurants remain open on Christmas Day:
- Del Frisco’s – Open for business on the holiday.
- McCormick & Schmick’s – Open on Christmas.
- Smith & Wollensky – Open 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
- STK Steakhouse – Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Open for business on Christmas.
Coffee and Breakfast Chains
Breakfast-style and coffee shops are also operating on the holiday, making it easy to grab a quick bite or caffeine boost:
- IHOP – Open on the holiday; hours vary.
- Waffle House – Open every day, including Christmas.
- Scooter’s Coffee – All locations open on New Year’s Day.
Takeaways
- Many fast-food and casual restaurants will be open on Christmas, but hours differ by location.
- Several sit-down and fine-dining establishments offer holiday catering or special holiday hours.
- Breakfast and coffee chains remain open, providing convenient options for holiday mornings.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com.

