Major Chain Restaurants Open on December 25
Many large restaurant chains maintain locations open on Christmas Day, with operating hours typically shorter than regular days. Applebee's, Denny's, and IHOP are among the most common chains offering all-day breakfast and standard menus on December 25. The Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano's Little Italy often open with limited hours, usually from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though availability varies by location. Denny's reported serving millions of customers on holidays, and its open-on-Christmas policy is a consistent part of its annual operations. For specific hours, use the restaurant locator on the official brand website or call the local branch directly. You can check Applebee's holiday schedule on their official site or through third-party platforms like Yelp and Google Maps.
Fast-food and quick-service brands such as McDonald's, Wendy's, and Taco Bell also keep select locations open, primarily in airports, travel centers, and high-traffic urban areas. Starbucks opens many of its licensed stores inside grocery and convenience retailers on Christmas Day, though standalone cafes may close. Pizza chains including Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's run delivery and carryout services, often with online ordering promotions for the holiday. The National Restaurant Association notes that holiday dining out has become a multi-billion-dollar segment of the U.S. restaurant industry, with chains adjusting staffing and supply chains months in advance. You can verify current Christmas Day hours for major chains on the official websites of each brand or through aggregated platforms like OpenTable and Resy.
Fine Dining and Special Christmas Menus
Fine dining establishments often offer special prix fixe Christmas menus on December 25, with reservations opening months ahead. High-end hotel restaurants such as those within Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt properties frequently serve multi-course holiday brunches and dinners. The Michelin Guide highlights that several starred restaurants in major cities remain open on Christmas, though many require reservations well in advance. The New York Times regularly publishes lists of restaurants offering special Christmas Day meals, including tasting menus and themed brunches. You can explore curated holiday dining options on the Michelin Guide website or through restaurant reservation platforms like OpenTable and Resy.
Celebrity chef-owned restaurants, including those by Gordon Ramsay, Wolfgang Puck, and José Andrés, often publish Christmas Day schedules on their official websites. Many offer pre-fixe holiday menus priced per person, with options for brunch, lunch, or dinner service. The James Beard Foundation notes that holiday dining at acclaimed restaurants has become a key revenue period, with some establishments selling out within hours of releasing reservations. You can check holiday availability for specific chef-driven restaurants on their official websites or through platforms like Resy and Tock.
Delivery, Takeout, and Alternative Dining Options
Third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates expand their restaurant networks for Christmas Day, listing open restaurants by zip code. Many local independent restaurants use these platforms to offer takeout and delivery on December 25, even if they do not open their dining rooms. The companies report surges in order volume on major holidays, with average order values increasing compared to regular days. You can browse open restaurants for delivery on the official apps and websites of DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
Grocery and specialty food retailers also serve as alternative dining options, with prepared meal sections offering full holiday menus. Whole Foods, Kroger, and Trader Joe's sell rotisserie chickens, sides, and desserts suitable for home celebrations. Some meal kit services, including HelloFresh and Blue Apron, offer holiday-themed boxes that can be ordered in advance for delivery on or before December 25. You can check holiday hours and prepared meal availability on the official websites of these retailers or through their mobile apps.