Are you the type that hates cooking on Christmas Day? Or maybe you’re the kind that would like to fuel up on coffee throughout the special day. Either way, it can be tricky to know which restaurants are open on Christmas Day. We took the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a list of 25 restaurants that historically, are open on December 25. Whether you’re looking for a fancy steak and shrimp dinner or some no-frills take out, here are 25 restaurants open on Christmas.
Note: Many of these chains function under franchises meaning that select locations may be closed on Christmas Day or have varying hours of operation. Please check with your nearest location to see the exact holiday hours. Given the ongoing pandemic, some restaurants may only offer outdoor seating or takeaway at this time.
25 Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in the US
Village Inn
Village Inn has been serving up some of the softest pancakes and crispiest bacon since 1958. However, breakfast food isn’t their only speciality, they also whip up some incredible pies. Take your pick from classic french silk, banana cream, southern pecan and many more. Village Inn has over 200 locations across the states to get your pancake fill on Christmas Day. Find the Village Inn nearest you here.Â
Dominos
Dominos is one of the go-to delivery pizza choices in the US. Their endless amount of bargains like mix and match 5.99 pizzas and 7.99 pizza and wings make them an excellent choice for feeding a crowd. Whether you opt for a classic pepperoni or something more creative like their chicken taco and cheeseburger pizza, you’ll definitely be satisfied. Find a Dominos near you here.
Legal Sea Foods
Who doesn’t love a classic New England chowder and steamed lobster? Legal Sea Food serves up some of the best seafood on the East Coast and is open on Christmas. Whether you’re after a jumbo shrimp cocktail or old school fish and chips, they’ve got you covered.
You can find Legal Sea Foods in DC, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. Browse stores here.
Smith & Wollensky
Looking to mark the occasion with a juicy steak? Smith & Wollensky may be the way to go. This iconic steakhouse is one of America’s favourite for quality meats and hearty dishes. Christmas Day is no exception. Chow down on their Cajun dry aged rib eye or the juicy shrimp cocktail.
Browse their locations here to check the hours and get an order in.
Morton’s Steak House
When it comes to prime steaks, excellent cocktails and delectable seafood, Morton’s Steak House is the place to be. This classy steakhouse is known for its warm and friendly hospitality from NYC to Houston and never fails to give a great meal from the prime pork chops to cajun ribeye. Follow this link to find a location near you.
Denny’s Diner
Denny’s Diner is known across the States for their massive platters, sky-high pancake stacks and grand slam breakfasts. The classic diner also boasts a great line up of family meals, burgers, steaks, fit foods and much more. Browse their locations here to find one near you.
Boston Market
Juicy rotisserie chickens, roasted turkey and prime rib, are just a few of the favourites over at Boston Market. Since 1985 they’ve been dedicated to serving up the best spit-roasted meat around and Christmas Day is no different. Get your crispy chicken fix this holiday with an order at one of these locations.
McCormick & Schmick
Nobody throws down seafood and steak like McCormick and Schmick. This upscale steakhouse can be traced back to 1974 when they first fired up the grill in Portland, Oregon. They are known for their premier grain-fed steaks and sustainable oysters, but really their entire menu is great. Make your choice from their crab stuffed salmon or classic ribeye but don’t forget to snag a craft beer, too.
Find a location near you here.
Marie Callender’s
Everyone knows about Marie Callender’s famous pies and drool-worthy holiday meals. Whether you want a personal meal, a family platter or just a few of their classic pies, there’s something for everyone. They are known for being open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Day so you can have a great holiday meal without the fuss. See what specials and seasonal pies are available near you here.
Waffle House
All 1,950 Waffle House locations are open 24/7, 365 days a years – meaning you can load up on stout coffee and diner faves on Christmas day. Take your pick from their classic BLT sandwich and hashbrown bowl or load up on the pecan waffles. To find the location nearest you, head to this link.
Buca di Beppo
Trade in the Christmas ham for some baked ziti at one of America’s most beloved Italian chains, Buca di Beppo. The very first Buca di Beppo came about in Minneapolis basement in ’93. Since then, they’ve become one of the best in the business for authentic Italian food coupled with a warm and homey atmosphere. Load up on some crispy calamari with their house marinara and go nuts on their famous pastas like penne alla vodka and spaghetti with meatballs.
Find a Buca di Beppo near you here.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is famous across the nation for their signature steaks, seafood specialities and handcrafted cocktails. Even more famous are the take-home feasts around the holidays. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, Ruth’s Chris puts together incredible feats that are perfect for enjoying at home. Not up for a full-on feast? Place a personal order then. See their locations here.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings makes sure you can get your beer, barbecue and buffalo fix even on Christmas Day. They offer a whole host of sports bar foods like burgers, wraps and apps, but the real star is, of course, the wings. From classic bbq to garlic and parm, the sauce and rub options are endless. Grab a few orders of boneless, cauliflower or traditional wings and a few beers to celebrate this Christmas.
Browse B-Dubs locations here.
Macaroni Grill
Get full off all your Italian faves this Christmas with Macaroni Grill.
Macaroni Grill prides themselves on using authentic Italian recipes with ingredients imported from Italy, and it shows in their cult following. Whether you go crazy on the pasta or load up on their land and sea entrees, you’ll be hooked. Best part is you can find most locations open on Christmas Day. Check the one near you by following this link.
Chart House
Who doesn’t dream of a stunning holiday spread of fresh seafood, prime rib and steak without the fuss? Chart House remains one of the best in the business since 1961 and can supply you with the Christmas Day feast of your dreams. Whether you opt for the wild-caught king crab, NY strip or famous coconut crunchy shrimp, you’re in for a treat.
See what locations are offering Christmas Day dine-in options or take away here.
McDonalds
Wondering what fast food restaurants are open on Christmas Day? McDonald’s has you covered. The golden arches are open all year round to serve up America’s most classic fast-food – burgers and fries. From chicken nuggets to breakfast burritos to ice cream cones to seasonal treats, there’s something for you and the whole family. Check with your local Micky Dees for their Christmas Day hours to get your big mac fix.
Browse the over 13,500 McDonalds locations across the United States here.
IHop
Many are wondering “where can I find a restaurant near me open on Christmas Day?” Well, there’s always Ihop. The famous International House of Pancakes claims to be the home of all things breakfast – and they certainly are. Since 1958, IHOP has been one of the most well-known breakfast diners in the States. From their world-famous fluffy pancakes, savoury family feasts and buttery omelettes, it isn’t hard to see why. Fortunately, they are one of the restaurants open on Christmas Day so that you can enjoy that perfect Christmas morning spread without the fuss. Browse locations here.
Panda Express
Panda Express is a fan favourite for fast Chinese-American food. From the crispy spring rolls right on to the famous orange chicken, you’re really can’t go wrong. They offer a great lineup of classic and modernised Chinese dishes like kung pao chicken and their signature Beijing beef. Most of their 2,200 locations across the states are open on Christmas Day – browse them here.
Starbucks
Turns out you can still stock up on some of your favourite coffee brews on Christmas Day. Whether you’re craving a yoghurt parfait, ice col tea or creamy frappe – Starbucks has you covered on December 25. Check out their nearly 15,000 locations across the United States here to get your caffeine fix.
The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is famous for its endless scratch kitchen items that make up their infinitely diverse menu. Flatbreads, steaks and chops, breakfast platters, burgers and bar fare – you name it, they’ve got it. The Cheesecake Factory is largely franchised so holiday hours vary quite a bit – check the location nearest you to see if you can dine on Christmas Day.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Ask anyone where to find a quality prime steak and Fleming’s is usually one of the first to come to mind. From their signature filet mignon, seared pork belly, and dry-aged ribeye it’s an obvious choice for a fancy Christmas feast. It’s not all red meat though, Fleming’s also offers a ton of quality seafood and poultry options like the barbecue Scottish salmon fillet and double breast white wine chicken. Find a Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse near you.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s aka America’s neighbourhood bar and grill is a favourite for casual bites for family. You can find everything from chips and queso to wings to steak dinners at this humble eatery.
All locations are open on Christmas Eve, and select stores are open on Christmas Day – find that info at the location nearest you.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Looking to order in or dine out on Christmas Day? Your local Perkin’s may be just what the doctor ordered. This classic restaurant slash bakery does it all from old school American breakfasts, shrimp lunches and senior menus. The best part, though, is undoubtedly the pies. Take your pick from peanut butter silk, coconut cream and more for a perfect Christmas dessert.
Browse the holiday hours of your nearest Perkins here.
Huddle House
One of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day is none other than Huddle House. For more than 50 years Huddle House has been a staple in any community diner scene with their killer breakfasts, savoury homestyle dinners and everything in between. Best part? They churn out delicious food for you and the fam 24/7, 365 – even on Christmas.
Find a Huddle House near you here.
Dunkin’ Donuts
Fancy some glazed doughnuts and cream cheese bagels on Santa Day? Get your sweet treats, croissant and espresso fix on Christmas Day – but be sure to check the location nearest you. Holiday hours vary by location, but some are open all Christmas Day.
