Skip the Dirty Dishes: These Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day

The holidays can be a lot of things: heartwarming, romantic and refreshing — but if you've ever cooked a Christmas dinner for a crowd, you know "relaxing" isn't how you'd describe the experience. The Christmas season can be downright exhausting long before we're expected to host the family and pop a Christmas ham in the oven. So if you just want to relax after picking the perfect gifts, making Santa some delicious Christmas cookies and decorating your tree, try opting for a Christmas dinner out.

Whether you are traveling for the holiday or you just want relax and enjoy someone else's cooking, there's something on our list for everyone. Though most chain restaurants are closed for the holiday, here are some places you can find breakfast, lunch or dinner. You're still spending time with the ones you love, except someone else is doing the dishes.

Remember to call to confirm your local franchise's holiday schedule before heading out, because each location's hours can vary. Also, make sure you're practicing social distancing and dining out safely to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission. There is also a number of drugstores, grocery stores and department stores that will not be closing their doors on Christmas Day.

No need to make dessert — you can get pie (or breakfast, lunch or dinner) at a Village Inn near you.

Select locations of this Pizza chain are open on Christmas — plus, they have contactless delivery!

In the mood for fish this Christmas? Most Legal Sea Foods locations are open for Christmas and Christmas Eve.

This upscale steakhouse is already taking reservations for the holiday season, and you're going to want to make one yourself. Whether you're booking a private dining room or just a regular table for two, a Smith & Wollensky location should be open near you this Christmas.

See the original post on Instagram

You can always count on Denny's to serve up a delicious holiday meal. If you're on the nice list, try their chocolate-banana pancake breakfast. If you're feeling a little naughty, go for the decadent milkshakes. It's the holidays after all!

Perk up on Christmas morning with a hot cup of joe (or a cake pop for the kids). Last year, most Starbucks locations were open early and closed in the afternoon so you might need to find another way to get through the mid-afternoon slump.

Holidays are Boston Market's speciality and this year, they're making it even easier for you to get your grub on. While you can dine at select participating locations, Boston Market also has order pick-ups and meal deliveries available. Choose from a smorgasbord of à la carte options or go for the whole feast (with an option of prime rib, turkey, or ham). If you place your order early enough, they'll even deliver to your house — what a Christmas miracle!

Dive into a plate of your favorite breakfast food before you spend the day assembling every toy under the Christmas tree (been there, done that). Waffle House locations are famously open 24/7, all year long — check to make sure the location near you is following those hours during the pandemic.

Early morning pancakes will give you the energy you need to get you through the day. Before you make the trek to Grandma's house, stop by a local IHOP for pancakes, eggs, you name it. Even though most locations are normally open 24/7, hours might be reduced for the holiday.

For many people, the ultimate Christmas gift is a big, hearty meal with family and friends. Last year, Ruth's Chris was open on Christmas Day, stay tuned to see if they'll be open again this year!

Throw tradition out the window — unless your tradition is chowing down on some flavor-packed wings. You can also host your holiday party there.

You can most likely get your pasta fix this Christmas at Macaroni Grill, since most locations have been open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the past — perfect for both lunch and dinner. Help yourself to a glass of vino with their Honor Wine system, a way to fill up your glass whenever you please. Reservations are recommended.

Not only do Chart House restaurants have amazing views, but select locations are open on Christmas for Cherish the Cheer, a dinner with their signature menu for parties up to 20 people.

See the original post on Instagram

With their Surf 'n Turf menu, even the pickiest of eaters will find something they like at McCormick & Schmick. At certain locations, they'll be open for dinner this Christmas.

The golden arches usually stay open on Christmas. Since each franchise is independently owned, you'll have to check with your local Mickey D's to see if you can stop by for some burgers and fries on Christmas Day.