Christmas Fast Food Options You Can Count On

For many families, Christmas is a time for home-cooked meals and festive spreads. But for travelers, essential workers, or anyone who simply prefers convenience over kitchen stress, fast-food restaurants can be a lifesaver during the holiday season. While Christmas Day closures are common, several national chains offer limited hours or remain open entirely, providing quick meals when you need them most.

Below is a guide to popular fast-food restaurants that are commonly open on Christmas Eve and in some cases, Christmas Day. As always, operating hours vary by location, so checking ahead is strongly recommended.

Fast-Food Chains Commonly Open on Christmas

McDonald’s
Many McDonald’s locations remain open on Christmas Eve and sometimes on Christmas Day. Because most branches are independently owned, hours vary, so calling ahead is essential.

Burger King
Certain Burger King restaurants operate on Christmas Eve and may open for limited hours on Christmas Day, depending on franchise decisions.

Wendy’s
Some Wendy’s locations open on Christmas Eve for regular or reduced hours. A smaller number may stay open on Christmas Day in high-traffic areas.

KFC
Known for its global Christmas popularity, especially in Japan, many U.S. KFC locations open on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day hours vary widely.

Popeyes
Select Popeyes restaurants operate on Christmas Eve, often with earlier closing times. A few may open on Christmas Day depending on region and ownership.

Chick-fil-A
Most Chick-fil-A restaurants close on Christmas Day, but many remain open for part of Christmas Eve.

Domino’s
Numerous Domino’s locations accept carryout and delivery orders on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day hours depend on each franchise.

Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut restaurants often open on Christmas Eve and may accommodate holiday takeout orders. Most locations close Christmas Day.

Papa John’s
Many Papa John’s stores offer delivery on Christmas Eve and operate reduced hours. Christmas Day availability is limited.

Taco Bell
A number of Taco Bell restaurants open on Christmas Eve. Some may open for limited service on Christmas Day based on franchise policies.

Chipotle
Chipotle is almost always closed on Christmas Day, but most locations open Christmas Eve with earlier closing times.

Subway
Because Subway restaurants are franchised, hours vary widely. Many remain open on Christmas Eve and a fraction open Christmas Day.

Dunkin’
Most Dunkin’ shops operate on Christmas Eve, and many open on Christmas Day, especially those inside gas stations or travel centers.

Starbucks
Starbucks typically keeps many stores open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though hours vary by location.

Sonic Drive-In
Some Sonic locations remain open on Christmas Eve for limited hours. Christmas Day service is rare but possible in high-traffic areas.

Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is known for extended hours, and many locations open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Carl’s Jr. / Hardee’s
Depending on region, several Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s locations stay open on Christmas Eve and occasionally on Christmas Day.

Arby’s
Select Arby’s restaurants operate on Christmas Eve with reduced hours. Christmas Day openings are uncommon but not unheard of.

Five Guys
Most Five Guys locations open on Christmas Eve but close on Christmas Day.

Raising Cane’s
Cane’s typically operates on Christmas Eve but closes completely on Christmas Day.

Why Fast Food Works During the Holidays

Fast food offers a quick, reliable, and affordable solution during one of the busiest seasons of the year. Whether you’re traveling, managing a tight schedule, or simply not in the mood to cook, these chains provide familiar comfort and convenience. With many locations operating extended or flexible hours, grabbing a warm meal is easy even when most restaurants are closed.

Just remember: holiday hours vary, so confirming availability at your nearest branch is the best way to ensure your Christmas meal plans go smoothly.