Christmas Day is just around the corner, and while most people are busy cooking holiday meals, many still look for a quick breakfast, a hot coffee, or even a festive dinner from their favorite restaurant. If you’re wondering which restaurants are open on Christmas 2025, this complete guide will help you plan your holiday food options with ease.
Whether it’s McDonald’s fries, Starbucks coffee, or a family meal from IHOP, here’s the latest on holiday hours for major U.S. restaurant chains.
📅 When Is Christmas 2025?
Christmas Day falls on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Most restaurants operate with reduced hours on Christmas Eve and limited or no hours on Christmas Day.
🍔 Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2025
Below are the major chains that will be open on Christmas. Hours may vary by store, so it’s best to double-check before visiting.
✔️ McDonald’s
Most McDonald’s restaurants will remain open on Christmas, though hours differ by location. Many franchise stores adjust hours based on local demand.
Tip: Use the McDonald’s app or website to check exact timings.
✔️ Starbucks
Starbucks will have selected stores open on Christmas Day. Locations in high-traffic areas (airports, busy cities, travel plazas) are more likely to remain open.
Recommendation: Order in advance using the Starbucks app to avoid Christmas rush.
✔️ Dunkin’
Many Dunkin’ stores will stay open on Christmas. Since franchises are independently owned, some may close early or operate with reduced hours.
✔️ Wendy’s
Most Wendy’s restaurants will be open across the U.S. on Christmas Day, but schedules vary. Expect shorter operating hours.
✔️ IHOP
Great news for breakfast lovers—IHOP stays open on Christmas. Their holiday menu usually includes seasonal pancakes and special offers.
✔️ Applebee’s (Select Locations Only)
Some Applebee’s locations stay open, especially in larger cities. Check with your nearest outlet for exact timings.
✔️ Red Lobster
Red Lobster locations will be open on Christmas Day 2025, though they may run reduced hours. Perfect for a festive seafood meal.
✔️ Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão will welcome guests on Christmas from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering their signature Brazilian steakhouse holiday dining.
❌ Restaurants Closed on Christmas Day 2025
Many popular chains give their employees the day off. Here are the restaurants confirmed closed on December 25:
❌ Chick-fil-A
As always, Chick-fil-A will remain closed on Christmas Day.
❌ Chipotle
All Chipotle restaurants will be closed on Christmas nationwide.
❌ Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel will be closed, though they usually offer holiday heat-n-serve meals for pickup on Christmas Eve.
❌ Taco Bell
Taco Bell locations will stay closed on December 25.
❌ Whataburger
All Whataburger stores will be closed on Christmas Day.
❌ Outback Steakhouse
Outback restaurants across the U.S. will be closed.
❌ Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s will not be open on Christmas.
❌ Bonefish Grill
All Bonefish Grill locations will remain closed.
❌ Chili’s
Chili’s restaurants will be closed for the holiday.
❌ First Watch
First Watch will not open on Christmas.
🟡 Restaurants With Varying Hours on Christmas
These chains may or may not open depending on the local owner, so checking directly is important:
- Burger King – Hours vary by location
- Subway – Independently operated stores may open
- Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr. – Hours differ by region
⭐ Additional Tips for Christmas Dining
1. Use restaurant apps for real-time hours
Apps like McDonald’s, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s update holiday hours automatically.
2. Expect long wait times
If a restaurant is open, it will likely be busier than usual.
3. Consider delivery
DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub operate limited services on Christmas with higher surge pricing.
4. Check gas station restaurants
Many 24/7 gas station chains like Wawa, Sheetz, 7-Eleven often have food counters open on Christmas.