Major Restaurant Chains Open on Christmas Day
Many national chains keep locations open on Christmas Day, with most starting lunch service around 11:00 a.m. and closing between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Local hours vary by franchise and city, so confirming with the specific store is essential. Applebee's, Denny's, IHOP, and Waffle House typically open select locations for a limited Christmas menu, while Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster often run special holiday menus with extended hours. For real-time availability and menu details, check each brand's official site or app before heading out Forbes. Forbes regularly updates lists of chain hours and holiday promotions to help diners plan ahead.
Reservation platforms such as OpenTable and Resy show real-time availability for participating restaurants on December 25. Many popular spots release Christmas Day reservations weeks in advance and fill quickly, especially in major metro areas. Some high-demand restaurants limit seatings to early lunch or early dinner windows to manage kitchen capacity. Checking multiple platforms and setting alerts can improve the chance of securing a table at sought-after venues.
Delivery and Takeout Options on Christmas Day
Major delivery apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub usually operate on Christmas Day with reduced driver availability and longer wait times. Restaurants that participate often list their Christmas Day menus and hours directly inside the app, with pickup and delivery windows updated in real time. Some chains offer special holiday combos or prix fixe menus that are only available through delivery platforms on December 25. Checking the app for your specific address provides the most accurate list of nearby open restaurants and estimated delivery times.
Grocery and meal-kit services such as Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target often sell pre-made holiday meals that can be ordered online for in-store pickup or delivery on Christmas Day. Many supermarkets extend hours on December 24 and keep some locations open on Christmas Day for prepared foods, baked goods, and last-minute ingredients. Third-party services such as Goldbelly and Harry & David ship nationwide holiday meal bundles and gift boxes with guaranteed delivery dates if ordered early. These options are useful for households that prefer cooking at home or want a backup plan if local restaurants are fully booked.
How to Find Open Restaurants Near You Right Now
Using Maps and Review Platforms
Google Maps, Yelp, and Apple Maps let you search for "open restaurants near me" and apply filters for holiday hours. Businesses that are currently open display a green "Open" label, and many include Christmas Day hours in their profile if the owner has updated them. Reading recent reviews from other diners on December 25 can reveal current wait times, menu changes, and whether a location actually honored its posted hours. Cross-referencing the restaurant's official website with map data helps confirm that the hours shown are current for 2024.
Calling and Checking Directly
Calling the restaurant directly remains the fastest way to confirm Christmas Day hours, seating availability, and any special requirements such as minimum party sizes. Some locations open only for takeout or limited service, while others stay fully open for dine-in guests. Chains with many locations may have different schedules for each store based on local demand and staffing, so asking for your specific address ensures accurate information. Keeping a short list of backup options nearby helps if your first choice is fully booked or closed for the holiday.
Quick Reference: Typical Christmas Day Hours
Chain restaurants that open on Christmas Day usually begin service between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m