Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, diners can check a stress-free meal off their holiday wish list.
A number of restaurants will be open on Christmas Day 2023, including low-cost and moderately priced options. As always, call ahead to confirm holiday hours, as some locations may opt to close on Christmas or limit their hours. Check back as the list will be updated with regional or national restaurant chains open Dec. 25.
If you don’t feel like going out to eat, but you don’t want to cook, find out where you can order Christmas dinner to go.
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Restaurants open on Christmas 2023
We will update this list as information becomes available, so check back frequently.
Denny’s
Christmas is Denny’s busiest day of the year. Enjoy diner favorites the restaurant is known for, as well as seasonal or limited-time menu options. Holiday hours may vary by location. Call ahead to confirm.
Dunkin’
Treat Santa to a cup of coffee and a donut! Dunkin’ will be open on Christmas Day. Holiday hours will vary by location. Check the Dunkin’s app to find the status of the locations nearby.
Fogo de Chao
The Brazilian steakhouse will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day with special holiday offerings.
IHOP
IHOP is open all day on Dec. 25. Enjoy its seasonal menu. Twenty-four-hour restaurants will keep to schedule. However, hours may vary at other locations. Call ahead to confirm.
McDonald’s
Celebrate Christmas with a Big Mac and fries at McDonald’s. Many will be closed. However, select locations will be open. In addition, holiday hours will vary by location. Call ahead to confirm.
Panda Express
Enjoy a Christmas Day family feast of Chinese food. Many Panda Express locations will be open on Dec. 25. However, holiday hours may vary by location. Call ahead to confirm.
Red Lobster
Catch lots of delicious seafood fare on Christmas Day! All Red Lobster locations will be open Dec. 25, but call to check hours of operation for the day.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Treat your family to a delicious steak and tasty sides. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse will be open on Christmas Day. Check out holiday hours by location here. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.
Shari’s
Enjoy a feast of good diner food, including special holiday menu items alongside traditional favorites. Shari’s will be open all day on Dec.25 for dine-in or take-out. Holiday hours may vary by location. Call ahead to confirm.
Shoney’s
Enjoy good ol’ comfort food on Dec. 25, including a special Christmas Buffet. Most Shoney’s locations are open Dec. 25. Holiday hours may vary by location. Call ahead to confirm.
Starbucks
Enjoy your favorite holiday beverage on Dec. 25. Most Starbucks cafés are open — with the exception of those located within grocery stores and other retailers. However, holiday hours will vary by location. Check the Starbucks’ app to find the status of the locations nearby.
Waffle House
Have a feast of chicken and waffles on Dec. 25! Select Waffle House locations will be open on Christmas Day. Call ahead to confirm.
Not in the mood for standard fare such as turkey or ham? Look to your neighborhood ethnic restaurants. Many Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian spots are open on Christmas for lunch and/or dinner.
Looking for a more formal dining experience? Check OpenTable. The online restaurant reservations site lists upscale restaurants (the kind that take reservations) open on Christmas Day, including local dining spots that don’t make our list of national chains above. You can search by city.
