These restaurants are open on Christmas 2025: McDonald’s, IHOP, Red Lobster...
Millions of Americans have to travel on Christmas Day. Whether you’re out on the road or just want to eat out, here are the restaurants that will be open.
Due to the Christmas holiday, many restaurants close their doors to give their employees time to spend with their families. However, life doesn’t stop for all Americans on the big day, either having to venture out to work or travel plans necessitate hitting the road on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and they still need to eat.
Luckily, some fast food chains and casual restaurants are open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so you won’t have to drive around aimlessly looking for a meal. But keep in mind that some stores may have changes in operating hours to give their employees some time to celebrate.
Below is a list of popular restaurants’ hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It would be good to be especially kind to the workers, as they’re putting in hours on a holiday, which isn’t always a picnic.
Which restaurants will be open?
- Burger King: Location-specific hours vary, but some branches will be available. It’s best to check with your local restaurant for its hours.
- Chick-Fil-A: The chicken chain will be open on Christmas Eve, although some locations may have limited operating hours. It will be closed on Christmas Day.
- Del Taco: The taco chain will be open for business on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. However, the hours may not be the same as usual, so check with your local Del Taco before heading out to celebrate.
- Dunkin’: Many locations will be available, though not every restaurant is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In the mobile app, you may see the most up-to-date store hours for your local establishment.
- IHOP: Restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours vary by location, so check with your local restaurant to determine their specific hours before visiting.
- KFC: On Christmas Day, some locations will be closed. However, all are open on Christmas Eve, and with regular store hours.
- McDonald’s: McDonald’s says the majority of their stores are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, despite varying opening hours per location. On their website, you may see the hours for the nearest restaurant.
- Pizza Hut: Certain outlets may have shortened hours but will remain open on Christmas Eve. However, most locations will be closed on Christmas Day.
- Popeyes: The hours change depending on the region. So, your neighborhood eatery may be open, but you’ll need to verify the hours.
- Red Lobster: Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but hours may vary significantly by franchise and location.
- Shake Shack: The hours will vary per location on Christmas Eve, closing by 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. All locations will be closed on Christmas Day.
- Smashburger: Restaurants are open on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m. but are closed on Christmas Day.
- Taco Bell: All stores will be closed on Christmas Day, while some locations may have limited hours on Christmas Eve.
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