27 Restaurants Open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve
You hosted Thanksgiving dinner, baked sugar cookies, and even made cute hors d’oeuvres for your friend’s Christmas party. Yep, you’ve spent quite enough time in the kitchen this holiday season, and so you’ve decided it’s time to treat yourself to a day off...preferably on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve. Fear not: This well-deserved act of defiance doesn’t mean you have to go hungry. Whether you’re seeking basic takeout or a cozy spot for dining in with a group, our round up of restaurants open on Christmas will do you right—provided you call your local chain to confirm before hanging up your apron, that is.
1. Ruth’s Chris
If you’re craving a juicy piece of steak served on a platter of sizzling butter this Christmas, you’re in luck. Ruth’s Chris will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—just be sure to call before you go, as hours vary by location.
2. IHOP
Treat yourself to a short stack on Christmas morning at this popular breakfast chain, which is open both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, albeit with limited hours at certain locations.
3. McDonald’s
You can’t count on all the restaurants in this franchise organization to be open on Christmas, but a good number of them are. To be safe, check the holiday hours of your local Mickey D’s before you hit up the drive-thru for your fast food fix.
4. Applebee’s
Your local Applebee’s will most likely be happy to take Christmas Day cooking duties off your plate. Yep, most branches will be open and serving all their typical family-friendly fare on the holiday.
5. Buffalo Wild Wings
OK, it’s not the most festive choice, but if your fridge got cleaned out on Christmas Eve, Buffalo Wild Wings has got your back. Most locations will be open on Christmas Day, and a quick glance at the store locator will tell you the specific holiday hours of the restaurant near you.
6. Benihana
If you want to mix things up with some nontraditional holiday fare, you can always head to Benihana on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to gorge yourself on sushi.
7. Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille has locations all over the country, all of which are open for those in search of fancy fare (think: filet mignon and lobster) and an upscale atmosphere on Christmas Day.
8. Sonic Drive-in
Here, another fast food joint that typically stays open on Christmas. Still, you’ll want to check the holiday hours of the franchise near you before you head out for burgers and fries at Sonic.
9. Village Inn
Swing by any Village Inn location on Christmas Day for a casual dining experience, or perhaps just to scoop up one of their famous pies. (You know, in case you fell short of star baker status this year.)
10. Morton’s Steakhouse
The Christmas menu at Morton’s Steakhouse this year comes with a gourmet salad to start, a chateaubriand for the main course and a slice of decadent chocolate cake to round things off. Plus, you can even take the holiday feast to-go if you’re not in the mood for dining out.
11. Panda Express
Historically, Panda Express tends to be open on Christmas Day. It’s worth noting, though, that all of the franchise locations set their own holiday hours, and some may choose not to open at all, so definitely call before you go.
12. Waffle House
You were up until the wee hours wrapping presents and cooking Christmas Day brunch for your fam feels like a big ask. We get it. Fortunately, Waffle house is open 24/7 on Christmas day (and every day) so you can score some comfort food for your brood the easy way.
13. Denny’s
That’s right, you can count on Denny’s to serve up all your favorite diner food 24/7, even on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
14. Smith & Wolensky
Get in on the premium steaks, fresh seafood and killer wine list at any Smith & Wolensky location across the country on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (and pretty much every other major holiday, too).
15. Chart House
Enjoy breathtaking views and seriously delicious seafood at Chart House, an upscale restaurant chain with 27 waterfront locations across the country—all of which are open on Christmas Day.
16. Marie Callender's
If you live out west, head to Marie Callender’s on Christmas Day. All 29 locations will be open (hours vary) and serving a special Christmas menu. Bonus: If you order in advance, you can even score a ready-made feast or pie to take home for the holiday.
17. Boston Market
Why roast a bird when you can buy one? Boston Market will be open on Christmas Day to serve its signature rotisserie meals, both in the restaurant and as take home heat-and-eat feasts.
18. Legal Sea Foods
If you live in the Northeast and want a more casual atmosphere than what the Chart House has to offer, head to Legal Sea Foods on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day where you can order off the regular menu and sample holiday seafood specials, to boot.
19. Domino’s Pizza
You’ve worked hard this holiday season, which is why it’s perfectly acceptable to phone in a Domino’s delivery order for your Christmas Day dinner. Do check with your local branch before you go this route, though, as only some locations will be open for business on the 25th.
20. Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s is another excellent option if you want to keep it classy (but don’t feel like cooking) over the holiday. All locations of this acclaimed steakhouse chain will be open on Christmas Eve, and a couple will be open on Christmas Day, too.
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21. Buca di Beppo
So your extended family is visiting for the holidays and there are just too many mouths to feed. No biggie—just reserve a table at Buca di Beppo on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for a family-style Italian dinner that will leave everyone satiated.
22. Olive Garden
Alas, this family favorite will be closed on the 25th, so If you’re in the mood for large portions of pasta on Christmas Day, Buca di Beppo is your best bet. However, Olive Garden will be open and serving unlimited breadsticks on Christmas Eve, so you can conceivably bring home enough carbs to feed a whole family until the New Year.
23. Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel will be closed on Christmas Day, but don’t let that stop you from feasting on your favorite country-style comfort food—just pre-order one of their heat-and-serve holiday meals and you’re good to go. (Note: You can also dine in at any location before 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.)
24. Dunkin Donuts
Take a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts on Christmas morning and jolt yourself awake with a one-two punch of caffeine and sugar. Most, if not all, locations will be open, but store hours vary so pick up the phone before you head out for a fresh dozen.
25. Dave & Busters
Don’t just go to some snoozy restaurant on Christmas. Instead, make a day (or night) of it at Dave & Busters. Stop by this popular chain for drinks, games and good eats on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
26. Starbucks
The holidays can really sap your energy, so it’s only natural to crave an extra hit of caffeine to get by. Luckily, Starbucks will have their doors open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to provide this very service—just keep in mind that holiday hours vary by location.
27. Del Taco
Attention Tex-Mex fiends: Del Taco (not Taco Bell) will be answering your prayers with open doors this Christmas. Hit up this fast food joint on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day if you’re feeling famished, and you won’t even have to pick a team in the great tacos vs. burgers debate.
