On Christmas Day, not everyone wants to sit down to a meal made at home. Instead, some people may prefer the convenience of dining out. Plus, anyone who’s hitting the road on Christmas Day might need to stop for a bite to eat during the journey, so going to a restaurant may be a necessity. Fortunately, there are restaurants open for Christmas. If you might want to dine out on December 25, 2023, here’s how you can dine yule style.
Restaurants Open for Christmas Day 2023
While many major retailers close on Christmas Day, there are a surprising number of restaurants that will happily serve customers on December 25. However, many of them will have reduced hours. They might open later in the day or close at a different time than usual.
Additionally, even if a restaurant chain is largely open on Christmas Day, select locations may close for the holiday. That’s more common for lower-traffic locations, but it may apply to some in more popular areas, too. As a result, it’s wise to check with your preferred location in advance if you want to dine there on Christmas, just to make sure that they’re open.
With that in mind, here is a list of restaurants that usually open on Christmas Day:
Applebee’s
Benihana
Boston Market
Buffalo Wild Wings
Chart House
Del Taco
Denny’s
Domino’s
Dunkin’
Fogo De Chao
Hardee’s
Hooters
IHOP
Kona Grill
Luby’s
McCormick & Schmick
McDonald’s
Morton’s Steakhouse
Panda Express
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Shoney’s
Starbuck’s
Waffle House
It’s also critical to note that many independent restaurants may choose to open on Christmas Day, too. If you want to find out if your favorite restaurant is open, you can usually find out on the restaurant’s website. Alternatively, you can contact the location directly by phone, allowing you to find out whether it’ll be open before the holiday arrives.
Do You Need a Reservation to Dine on Christmas Day?
While you won’t need a reservation at most fast food or casual restaurants that open on Christmas Day, for higher-end options that allow reservations, setting one up isn’t a bad idea. At a minimum, it guarantees that you’ll be able to dine in during the holiday, suggesting you arrive at the designated time. That means if you know when you’d like to eat, it’s worth having a reservation if they’re available.
For restaurants that don’t have a reservation system or ones that don’t have any more slots but may accept walk-ins, be aware that you may have to deal with a wait. While dining out on Christmas Day wasn’t always popular, there are many people who prefer the convenience of not having to cook. Plus, since many restaurants are closed, everyone who wants to dine out has fewer options, so they’re all going to the same limited set of local restaurants.
If you find yourself facing a wait on Christmas Day, try to remain patient. The employees will do their best to make your day amazing, but they can only handle so much at a time. By keeping that in mind and expecting a wait before you arrive, it also means you’re more likely to have a good time, so embrace the holiday spirit and remain calm until it’s your turn to enjoy a meal.
Will Restaurants Have Christmas Day Specials?
Whether a restaurant that opens on Christmas will have a holiday special varies. Some may have a special multi-course menu for a set price, for example, while others will rely on their usual menu.
Generally, information about Christmas Day dining specials – if they’re being offered – is available on a restaurant’s website. You can also check its social media profiles for information about deals or holiday menus, as most restaurants offering something special on Christmas will list details there, as well.
Restaurants Closed on Christmas Day 2023
Just as some chain restaurants typically open on Christmas Day, there are others that are broadly closed to celebrate the holiday. Here are some restaurants that generally don’t have any open locations on Christmas:
Chick-fil-A
Chili’s Grill and Bar
Cracker Barrel
KFC
Krispy Kreme
Maggiano’s
Outback Steakhouse
Red Robin
Texas Roadhouse
Whataburger
Zaxby’s
It’s also critical to note that many independent restaurants will also close for Christmas Day. That allows them to give their teams a day off, and the owners can enjoy the holiday, as well. Still, as mentioned above, some may also be open. As a result, it’s critical to call in advance or check the restaurant’s website for Christmas hours if you are hoping to dine at a restaurant that’s not part of a chain. That way, you can find out if eating there on Christmas is an option before the holiday arrives.
Do you know of any other restaurants open for Christmas? Are you planning on dining out this Christmas, or will you stay home or visit loved ones for holiday meals? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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