Understandably, when Christmas Day rolls around, you’re going to find most restaurants are closed for the holiday. Most … but not all. There are a number of restaurants open on Christmas, ready to give you one more holiday gift to open.
It used to be next to impossible to find a restaurant open on Christmas, but now, there’s more than just Starbucks holiday hours. If you’re looking for a burger, Japanese food, some pancakes, seafood, or steak, you don’t have to make it yourself on Christmas anymore. Here’s who’s open on Christmas (and better yet, restaurants that offer carryout and delivery).
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Restaurants Open on Christmas
You’ll find a handful of sit-down restaurants open on Christmas. However, independently owned franchise restaurants on our list may require reservations, and their hours may vary from any noted, so it’s important you call ahead to find out the details for your local restaurant. If you and your family prefer fast-food fare, check out our list of fast food open on Christmas.
Applebee’s
You can celebrate the holiday at Applebee’s with one of their many meal deals or specials like the $5 Sleigh Bell Sip. Applebee’s also has a gift card promo; buy $50 in gift cards and get a $10 bonus gift card.
Benihana
Does your family enjoy sushi and hibachi? Head over to Benihana on Christmas for dinner around the teppanyaki table. Last year they had a gift card promotion: buy $50 in gift cards, get a $10 gift card; buy $200 in gift cards, get a $60 gift card.
Chart House
You can dine in and select one of three all-inclusive dinners (they don’t serve from their regular menu on Christmas) at Chart House on Christmas Day. However, you can also preorder their famous to-go Christmas Prime Rib family dinner with appetizers, sides, and dessert. During the holidays, Chart House has a buy $100 worth of gift cards and get a $20 reward card promotion.
Denny’s
Unlike most other restaurants on our list, Denny’s will be open 24 hours on Christmas. Select from a number of items from their menu, like a Grand Slam for breakfast followed by one of their family-size heat-and-serve turkey meals for dinner.
Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chao will be open Christmas serving their standard dinner menu all day. Past holiday offerings included a 3-bottle wine box for $89, to-go packages, and gift card deals: spend $125, get a $25 gift card, or spend $400, get a $100 gift card.
Hard Rock Cafe
Got a Hard Rock Cafe nearby? Have your Christmas dinner surrounded by guitars and all the other memorabilia. Locations are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Huddle House
Enjoy some comfort food on Christmas at Huddle House. They’re open all day Christmas Day.
IHOP
IHOP pancakes for Christmas morning? Yes, please. Some locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., while others will have shorter hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. IHOP usually has a gift card promo during the holidays; buy $25 in gift cards and a $5 bonus card.
Related: New to IHOP? Check out Flipd by IHOP and how it can get you pancakes faster.
Kona Grill
In addition to Kona Grill brunch specials last year, you could enjoy Filet with Lobster, Honey Glazed Ham, and Macadamia Nut Turkey. They also had Surf & Turf and Prime Rib dinner for two. If you bought $50 in gift cards, you got a $25 bonus card. And for every $100 you bought, you got a $25 bonus card. Find your nearest Kona Grill.
McCormick & Schmick’s
You can dine in at seafood joint McCormick & Schmick’s on Christmas Day. In 2021 the holiday menu included a multicourse meal featuring a center-cut filet mignon and a West Australian lobster tail.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Last year at Morton’s The Steakhouse, you could savor a featured 3-course Chateaubriand (filet mignon roast) dinner or Morton’s Signature Steak, plus featured wines and desserts.
Panda Express
You’re in luck if you’re craving some Chinese food for Christmas. Some Panda Express locations will be open on Christmas Day. In 2021 they offered a free Panda bowl when you bought $35 in e-gift cards.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
You may find your local Perkins Restaurant & Bakery open on Christmas. Whether it’s pancakes or a turkey dinner you seek, their limited holiday menu is sure to have something for everyone.
Red Lobster
Visit your local Red Lobster for a Christmas Day dinner. Here’s the list of Red Lobster locations open on Christmas and their operating hours.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Last year at Romano’s Macaroni Grill, you could order a feast for five with your choice of entree Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, or Penne Rustica. You could get e-gift cards 25% off as well.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Celebrating at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse starts early on Christmas. In 2021 dinner options included a starter, a side, dessert, and an entree: steak & shrimp or surf & turf.
Shoney’s
In 2021 Shoney’s offered an all-you-can-eat Christmas Day Feast. Find a Shoney’s near you.
Waffle House
Waffle House is another 24/7 restaurant you can count on for Christmas Day dining. Get your breakfast fix on all day long. Search Waffle House locations.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve
All of the above, plus the following restaurants, are open on Christmas Eve. Their operating hours may vary and/or require reservations, so check with your nearby favorite eatery for specifics.
- Applebee’s
- Bonefish Grill
- Boston Market
- Buca di Beppo
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Capital Grille
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Chili’s
- Cracker Barrel
- Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
- Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
- Legal Sea Foods
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
Do DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats deliver on Christmas?
If you prefer to order delivery, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats will deliver restaurant orders on Christmas Day. A 2021 DoorDash survey shows that Christmas Day is actually the busiest day of the year for food delivery. So … plan accordingly.