41 Restaurants Open on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve in 2025

You hosted Thanksgiving dinner, baked sugar cookies and even made cute hors d’oeuvres for your friend’s Christmas party. You’ve spent quite enough time in the kitchen this holiday season. If you ask me, 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 on a holiday. Whether you’re seeking basic takeout or a cozy spot for dining in with the family, our roundup of restaurants open on Christmas 2025 will do you right—provided you call your local chain to confirm days/hours before hanging up your apron, that is.

1. Village Inn

2025 details are till TBD, but last year, Village Inn locations were open during regular business hours on Christmas Eve for casual dining and their famous pie. In 2024, the restaurant chain was also open until 4 p.m. on Christmas Day, so hopefully families enjoy some good eats again this year once the gift-opening mayhem has passed.

2. IHOP

There’s nothing better than a short stack with a side of bacon after a whirlwind Christmas morning, especially when you don’t have to make it yourself, which is why I recommend you hop on over to the nearest International House of Pancakes. This popular breakfast chain will be open both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, albeit with limited hours at certain locations. Treat everyone to a stack of pancakes and some hot cocoa to reward their creativity and round out the festive fun.

3. McDonald’s

You can’t count on all the restaurants in this franchise to be open on Christmas (since they're independently owned), 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 Eve cooking duties off your plate. As for Christmas Day, some branches will be open and serving their typical family-friendly fare on the holiday, while some will have reduced hours or be closed completely. Make sure to call before you go.

5. Buffalo Wild Wings

OK, it’s not the most festive choice, but if your fridge is totally cleaned out the week leading up to Christmas, Buffalo Wild Wings has your back. All locations will be open on Christmas Eve (they're generally closed on Christmas), 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. Just note that hours vary by location, so you'd be smart to call ahead before loading up the car. (You can also make a reservation in advance.)

7. Del Frisco’s Grille

Del Frisco’s Grille has locations all over the country, most of which are typically open from 12 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, for those in search of fancy fare (think: filet mignon and lobster) and an upscale atmosphere for the holidays. It's a popular destination for folks who don't stay in, so I'd make a res ahead of time.

8. Sonic Drive-in

Here’s another fast-food joint that’s usually open on Christmas Eve. (More locations are typically closed on Christmas Day, but some may be open because they're independently owned.) Still, you’ll want to check the holiday hours of the franchise near you before heading out for burgers and fries at Sonic.

9. Ruth’s Chris

If you’re craving a juicy piece of steak served on a platter of sizzling butter this Christmas Eve, you’re in luck. Most Ruth’s Chris locations will be open for the holiday (you can reserve for the 24th now, but the website doesn't mention Christmas Day). Just be sure to call before you go, as hours vary by location.

10. Morton’s Steakhouse

This year, hang up the apron strings and head out to Morton’s Steakhouse on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, though specific holiday hours will be available on the website. From seasonal cocktails to signature steaks, you’re in for a very merry meal (and off the hook for the dishes).

11. Panda Express

Historically, Panda Express tends to be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, location permitting. It’s worth noting, though, that all 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, so cooking Christmas Day brunch for your fam feels like a big ask. I hear ya. Fortunately, Waffle House is open 24/7 on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and every other day of the year, 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 your favorite diner food all day, every day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day included. In fact, Christmas is allegedly one of their busiest days of the year.

Get in on the premium steaks, fresh seafood and killer wine list at any Smith & Wollensky location across the country on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day—and pretty much every other major holiday, too. Meal details are still TBD, but last year, options included the Prime Rib Experience, which invited guests to enjoy an 18-ounce slow roasted prime rib with au jus and horseradish cream, a house-made popover, roasted potatoes and grilled asparagus. Yum.

15. Chart House

Enjoy breathtaking views and seriously delicious seafood at Chart House, an upscale restaurant chain with 24 waterfront locations across the country. All of them are typically open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, and serve a special prix fixe meal (the menu hasn't been released yet, though).

16. Marie Callender's

If you live out West, Marie Callender’s could save you a load of cooking and clean up. Call up your local chain and confirm its hours, but many are open for takeout and preorders (not dine in) the week leading up to Christmas. Order in advance, so you can even score a ready-made feast or pie to take home for the holiday.

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 Eve or Day dinner. You can even gussy it up with an easy homemade side dish or two. Do check with your local branch before you go this route, though, as only some locations will be open for business on the 24th and 25th, and even those may have reduced hours.

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 holidays. All locations of this acclaimed steakhouse chain will be open on Christmas Eve, but closed on Christmas Day.

21. Buca di Beppo

So, your extended family is visiting for the holidays and the thought of cooking for them is overwhelming. 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. Keep in mind, though, that not all locations will be open on Christmas Day.

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 a better 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, typically before 2 p.m., on Christmas Eve.)

24. Dunkin'

Take a trip to Dunkin’ 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 over the holidays. Instead, make a day (or night) of it at Dave & Busters. Stop by this popular chain for holiday drinks, games and good eats on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day; hours are usually reduced and vary by location though, so be sure to call ahead before challenging your sibling to a game of air hockey.

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 remember 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 Eve, though hours vary by location. Skip the Feast of the Seven Fishes (because do you really want to prepare seven courses?) and hit up this fast food joint if you’re feeling famished—just don't go on the 25th, as most locations are usually closed or operating with very limited hours.

Though not open on Christmas Day, some Shake Shack locations are still flipping burgers on Christmas Eve (albeit with varying hours), so you might as well head out for a Sticky Toffee Pudding Shake before 'tis no longer the season. We’ll take three frozen custards to go, please.

29. Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Christmas Eve dinner is served at your local Carrabba’s Italian Grill (not Christmas Day), though hours vary by location. Still, what better refuge from the chilly winter wind than a towering plate of pasta? The Short Rib Marsala and Cannoli Cake aren’t too bad, either. 

30. Bonefish Grill

Start your Christmas Eve with an apple martini (and Bang Bang Shrimp!) and don’t look back. It will make all that last minute wrapping more fun—just be sure to check in with your nearest location before you go, since hours vary by restaurant.

31. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

Hours vary by location, but many are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It couldn’t hurt to give your local Perkins Restaurant and Bakery a call, especially when one of their decadent desserts is up for grabs.

32. Chevy’s Fresh Mex

No one said ham and stuffing were musts for Christmas Day, so why not spice things up with a generous plate of fajitas, nachos and enchiladas? This Tex-Mex chain is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (albeit with varying hours from location to location) for folks craving a nontraditional dinner that delivers plenty of flavor.

33. Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Romano's Macaroni Grill has you covered on Christmas Day (open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and Christmas Eve (11 a.m. to 9 p.m). The full menu will be available, so load up on all the pasta—but don’t forget dessert.

34. Joe’s Crab Shack

'Tis the season for peace, love…and crab. You may not live near the beach, but Joe’s Crab Shack can bring you decently close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Treat yourself to the turkey dinner special, served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin pie.

35. Black Bear Diner

Tuck into a three-course Christmas dinner at Black Bear Diner with a choice of roast turkey, smoked ham or prime rib. You can also order for carryout or delivery to have a Christmas meal at your own table instead of dining in.

36. Hardee’s

Fact: There is literally never a bad time for onion rings and French fries. Pop on in for your fix on Christmas Eve (not the 25th), and don’t forget a burger while you’re at it. Just call ahead to be sure your location hasn't modified its hours for the holidays.

37. Luby’s

It’s all gravy, baby—at least that’s what they say at Luby’s. The Texas cafeteria chain has locations throughout the state dishing up Christmas catering specials, and some restaurants (call ahead to be safe) will be open on Christmas Eve, too.