For those who are in a bind on Christmas and are wondering if any restaurants are open on Christmas Day, the good news is that a handful of spots are open in 2025. So, if you’re in a pinch on Dec. 25, don’t worry, because a handful of restaurants have your back.
Most of the restaurants that are open on Christmas Day are chains or fast-food spots, with many local spots closing their doors. But, a fast-food burger can taste fantastic when nothing else is open, so note that these chains and fast-food restaurants have select locations open over the festive holiday.
Restaurants Open on Christmas
McDonald’s
Select McDonald’s locations in the United States will be open on Christmas Day, but it varies per location. Call your local McDonald’s to see if their open, and also ask for store hours, since many locations that are open will have shorter holiday hours.
Wendy’s
Like with McDonald’s and Burger King, select Wendy’s locations will be open on Christmas Day. Again, hours vary per location, so call your local stop.
Burger King
Select Burger King restaurants are open on Christmas, but the locations open and hours vary. So, check with your local restaurant before you venture out there.
IHOP
IHOP is known for being open on Christmas Day, so it’s a fair bet that your local location will be serving up pancakes and scrambled eggs on Thursday, Dec. 25. But, hours vary by location, so check the local listings.
Denny’s
Denny’s is another 365-day-a-year spot, so they’re open on Christmas Day. Just to be safe, check your local spot before you head there.
Waffle House
As with IHOP and Denny’s, Waffle House is also open on Christmas Day, according to their website. Check your local restaurant to make sure their hours are as expected.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is another restaurant known for being open on Christmas. Again, hours vary by location, so customers should call their local Red Lobster or check their website for holiday hours.
Arby’s
Many Arby’s locations will be open on Christmas Day, but check out local restaurant for special hours.
Applebee’s
A handful of Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas Day, but this varies across the country. Plus, holiday hours vary. So, call your local location to ask.