What Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day 2023: 33 Top Options

Between Christmas parties, gift-giving, and other annual Christmas customs, cooking on the holiday can feel like an unpleasant burden. We’re not passing judgment—we get it! You might not even be fully recovered from all of your Thanksgiving preparations! So, instead of putting on your apron, it will be less stressful to opt for restaurants open on Christmas.

In other words, you will still be able to enjoy a Christmas meal together while avoiding the stress of preparing and cooking. It’s a win-win situation! And the greatest part? Most of these eateries provide heat-and-serve or takeout, which means you can pick up the food and enjoy it together at home.

Having said that, if you need some last-minute snacks to finish your feast, many grocery outlets are open on Christmas this year.

Note: Just remember to phone ahead to ensure that your local store is open during the hours we've specified.

What Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Day

Applebee’s

Applebee’s, which needs no introduction, will be open for all of your half-priced appetizer needs! However, you should call ahead or order online—Christmas certainly makes things busier!

Benihana

This year, Benihana will be open for those who want to avoid the traditional Christmas fare.

Bonefish Grill

If you can’t get enough seafood, you’ll be glad to know that Bonefish Grill will be open on December 24 during their holiday hours! Christmas Eve has never looked so good.

Boston Market

Fans of Boston Market’s hearty meals can visit on the 24th and 25th for a Christmas special. They have a wide range of portion sizes, giving those who want just sides or a full-course meal the best of both worlds. Thank you very much, heat-and-serve!

Buffalo Wild Wings

With wings, you can never go wrong. Whether the wings are spicy or mild at Buffalo Wild Wings makes no difference! At certain locations, the sports bar will be open on Christmas. You can verify this for yourself by using the store locator.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

We can never get enough Italian food, especially at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. The restaurant is closed on December 25th, but serves a traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Hours vary, so make sure to check with your local branch!

Chart House

Those with a large family will enjoy Chart House’s prime rib feast. You can also include some appetizers and sides, as well as a sweet dessert.

Chili’s

Another Christmas Eve special from Chili’s! Add some savoury entrees and refreshing drinks to your holiday feast. You’ll thank us (and your neighbourhood Chili’s) later!

Cracker Barrel

The ever-reliable Cracker Barrel will be closed on Christmas, but you can bet they’ll be open on Christmas Eve. (At least until about 2 p.m.!) On Christmas Day, the restaurant also offers a heat-and-serve option, so you can always make that!

Del Frisco’s Grille

If lobster tails and prime ribs are calling your name, you should answer by going to Del Frisco’s Grille. Last year’s holiday special included a to-go version of a three-course meal, as well as a variety of sides and pie options.

Del Taco

Can you eat some delicious tacos on Christmas? You certainly can at Del Taco! Simply double-check your local branch’s holiday hours.

Denny’s

Your favorite diner chain will be open on Christmas Eve and Day, though hours may vary depending on location (find your nearest one here!). Denny’s also has family-sized Turkey Packs that you can order ahead of time and enjoy at home.

Domino’s Pizza

This year, skip the dishes and order a steaming, cheesy pizza pie from Doms! Many stores will be open on Christmas Eve and Day, but use the store locator to double-check.

Dunkin’ Donuts

This Christmas, pick up a box of coffee or a dozen doughnuts. Dunkin’ Donuts will be open on the 24th and 25th of December, but hours may vary. First, call your local store to find out what their holiday hours are.

Fleming’s Steakhouse

Take your family to Fleming’s Steakhouse for Christmas Eve dinner, which will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Alternatively, order delivery and eat at home! Plan accordingly, as the restaurant will be closed on Christmas Day.

Fogo de Cho

Your neighborhood Fogo de Cho will be open for lunch on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Even better, the Brazilian steakhouse is offering holiday take-out packages that include everything you need for a decadent at-home family dinner.

IHOP

You can dig into a big stack of pancakes this Christmas at the International House of Pancakes, according to their Christmas hours. IHOP’s holiday menu, which always includes fun festive treats, is also available.

The Kona Grill

Though we don’t yet have a confirmed schedule for the chain, Kona Grill was open last Christmas, so we’re hoping they’ll be available in 2023 as well. Sushi and cocktails on Christmas Eve? Please, yes!

Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods has your seven-fish feast covered! The oyster bar and restaurant will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

McDonald’s

You can’t beat a fast-food classic, can you? On Christmas Day, most McDonald’s locations will be open! However, hours vary by location, so call your nearest store ahead of time.

Burger King

If you want a Whopper this winter, Burger King has you covered with limited hours on Christmas Day—call ahead to confirm with your local BK location.

Hardee’s

Hardee’s gets a big yellow star for serving savoury and sweet treats on Christmas. We’re tempted to adorn our tree with a huge “H” in honour of our new favourite burger joint.

Morton’s Steakhouse

This Christmas, treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious steak dinner. Both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Morton’s Steakhouse will be open for holiday meals. Check out their three-course Christmas dinner, which includes a winter salad, tenderloin chateaubriand, and chocolate cake for dessert. If you’d rather eat at home, Morton’s offers a comprehensive to-go menu.

Macaroni Grill

You’ll most likely be able to get your pasta fix this Christmas at Macaroni Grill, as most locations have previously been open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., making it ideal for both lunch and dinner. With their Honor Wine system, you can help yourself to a glass of vino whenever you want. Reservations are strongly advised.

McCormick and Schmick’s

Even the pickiest of eaters will find something they like on McCormick & Schmick’s Surf ‘n Turf menu. This Christmas, certain restaurants will be open for dinner.

Panda Express

Stop by Panda Express if you’re in the mood for something quick. BeyondTM, the Original Orange ChickenTM, created in collaboration with Beyond Meat, is now available in stores for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy.

Olive Garden

If you want to fill your family up with affordable, shareable Italian cuisine, Olive Garden is a great option. They serve family-style meals that can feed up to 12 people. However, call ahead of time to confirm the hours of your nearest location.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

The ultimate Christmas gift for many people is a large, hearty meal with family and friends. Ruth’s Chris confirmed to several outlets that the restaurant will be open for business this holiday season—they are open 365 days a year.

Shake Shack

If you find yourself in JFK or Vegas airports this Christmas or returning from a holiday trip, stop by Shake Shack for a quick bite! (Or, you know, if you’re close to another Shake Shack, because those milkshakes are the best!—but call ahead to confirm hours.)

Shoney’s

Whether you’re hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Shoney’s has you covered at any time of day. Look into its Family Pack Meals To-Go. Choose between fried chicken, meatloaf, and a side and bread.

Sonic

On Christmas Eve, your neighbourhood drive-in will be open as usual. Come December 24, treat yourself to a slew of slushes, cheeseburgers, or hot dogs.

Starbucks

A hot cup of joe (or a cake pop for the kids) will perk you up on Christmas morning. Most Starbucks locations were open in the morning and closed in the afternoon last year, so you may need to find another way to get through the mid-afternoon slump.

The Palm Court

The Plaza isn’t just for Eloise. If you’re already staying at the famed hotel, why not dine at The Palm Court on Christmas Day? Non-overnight guests are not permitted to make reservations at the restaurant.

What kinds of meals are served on Christmas?

The traditional Christmas dinner typically includes Turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. There are also other kinds of poultry, roast beef, and ham that can be used. Dessert classics include pies made with pumpkin or apple, raisin or Christmas pudding, fruitcake, and Christmas pudding.

What do people do on Christmas?

People celebrate Christmas in a variety of ways, the most common of which are exchanging gifts, decorating their homes, participating in parades or parties, devoting time to prayer, and sharing food and drink with one another.

What do Americans eat on Christmas Day?

Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner in the United States are very similar in that they both feature turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. The majority of Chinese restaurants are open on the holiday, making it convenient for Jewish people living in the United States to follow the custom of eating Chinese cuisine.

What clothes do you wear on Christmas?

The holiday season sees an uptick in the popularity of metallic accessories and garments. Traditionally speaking, the fashion that is worn during the Christmas season has a tendency to lean toward “classic” items that can either make us feel cozy or glamorous, such as glittering accessories, silly holiday sweaters and flannel, and color-coordinating green and red.