Celebrate with Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve

The holiday season often brings cozy family dinners and festive feasts, but what if you’d rather skip the cooking and cleaning? If you’re looking to dine out or grab takeout this Christmas Eve, you might be in luck. Below is a roundup of restaurants and chains in the U.S. that often stay open on December 24 (Christmas Eve), along with helpful tips to make sure your holiday meal goes smoothly. (As always, hours vary by location, calling ahead is key.)

Which Restaurants Usually Stay Open on Christmas Eve

If you’re hunting for a bite on Christmas Eve, here are some reliable names that, in many locations, stay open.

Restaurants That Are Commonly Open on Christmas Eve

Denny’s — Known for being open 24/7, many Denny’s restaurants stay open on Christmas Eve (and often Christmas Day), making it a dependable choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Waffle House — Famous for never closing, Waffle House typically operates around the clock year-round, including Christmas Eve.

IHOP — Many IHOP locations remain open through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though hours may differ by franchise.

McDonald’s — Numerous McDonald’s branches are open on Christmas Eve, but because most locations are independently owned, operating hours vary.

Applebee’s — Select Applebee’s restaurants stay open on Christmas Eve, sometimes with reduced or adjusted holiday hours.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House — An upscale option for holiday dining, many locations welcome guests on Christmas Eve and occasionally on Christmas Day.

Benihana — Popular for its hibachi-style dining, Benihana typically opens on Christmas Eve, though reservations are recommended.

Fogo de Chão — This Brazilian steakhouse chain often keeps its doors open on Christmas Eve, offering a festive all-you-can-enjoy meal.

Cracker Barrel — Many Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations are open on Christmas Eve, usually closing earlier than normal.

Buffalo Wild Wings — Several locations stay open for part of the day on Christmas Eve, perfect for sports fans or casual dining.

Starbucks — Most Starbucks stores operate on Christmas Eve, often with adjusted hours, making it easy to grab holiday beverages and snacks.

Chili’s — Some Chili’s restaurants open on Christmas Eve with limited hours, offering Tex-Mex favorites before closing for Christmas Day.

Domino’s — Many Domino’s Pizza locations accept orders on Christmas Eve, though hours vary widely depending on local management.

Panda Express — Certain Panda Express restaurants open on Christmas Eve, especially those in high-traffic areas or malls.

Sonic Drive-In — Depending on franchise decisions, many Sonic locations operate on Christmas Eve with earlier closing times.

Boston Market — Known for homestyle meals, Boston Market frequently opens on Christmas Eve and may offer holiday meal packages.

Red Lobster — Several Red Lobster locations open on Christmas Eve, giving seafood lovers a festive dining option before the holiday.

Outback Steakhouse — Many Outback locations open earlier in the day on Christmas Eve, though they often close early.

Golden Corral — Select buffet locations stay open on Christmas Eve and may offer holiday-themed menus depending on the region.

Popeyes — Many Popeyes restaurants operate on Christmas Eve, though hours differ by franchise and location.

What to Expect and What to Check Before You Go

🎄 Holiday hours vary: Because many of these restaurants are franchises, each location can decide whether to remain open or close.

🍽️ Reservations and calling ahead are smart: Even chains that usually stay open could change hours or close early on Christmas Eve, it’s best to call ahead to ensure they’re operating.

🍔 Know your crowd: Whether you want a quick breakfast (Waffle House or IHOP), a family-friendly sit-down meal (Applebee’s or Denny’s), or a special festive dinner (Ruth’s Chris or Fogo de Chão), there are different vibes depending on what you’re looking for.

📦 Takeout and delivery are good alternatives: If you’d rather enjoy your holiday meal at home (or don’t want to risk long lines), many of these chains offer takeout or delivery or have reduced dine-in capacity.

A Few Final Tips

• Always call your local branch to confirm holiday hours — they vary widely, even within the same chain.
• Try making a reservation if the restaurant accepts them (especially for dinner-style places like steakhouses).
• Consider takeout or delivery — often less crowded and just as festive (minus the cleanup!).
• If you prefer home-style cooking with convenience, you could combine restaurant takeout with a few simple homemade sides, it’s a nice middle ground.