Restaurants open Christmas Day 2021

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, diners can cross a stress-free meal off their holiday wish list. A number of restaurant chains will be open for business on Christmas Day 2021, including low-cost and moderately priced options. As always, we urge you to call ahead and confirm, as some independently operated franchises opt to close on Christmas or limit their hours. We’ll continue to update the list with regional or national restaurant chains open Dec. 25.

Please follow your region and restaurant’s guidelines to have a happy and healthy holiday.

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.

Restaurants open Christmas Day 2021

Denny’s: Christmas is the diner chain’s busiest day of the year, and many locations intend to roll out the food again this year too, but certainly call ahead to check the status and holiday hours for your location. They’ll have all their usual dishes (breakfast, lunch and dinner available any time), as well as a turkey and dressing plate. Prices vary by location. 

IHOP: Open all day with a holiday menu. (24-hour restaurants will keep to schedule, hours may vary at other locations). Call your local restaurant for details 

Luby’s: The Christmas Day Special includes your choice of entrée with two sides and bread: prime rib for $15.99 or apple cranberry pork chop for $13.99. Dessert and drinks are extra. 

McDonald’s: Some participating locations are open. Call ahead to confirm.

Panda Express: Open Christmas Day at many locations. Is yours one of them? Give them a call!

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Not all locations will be open on Christmas Day, but the ones that are plan a special menu beyond the usual breakfasts and burgers. Call your city’s restaurant location to see if they will be open.

 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse: Their 11 locations will be open Dec. 25; see the hours here. Reservations necessary and can be made online. 

Shari’s: Open all day for dine-in or take-out. They’ll feature holiday menu items with traditional favorites. 

Shoney’s: Most locations are open Dec. 25 beginning at 11 a.m. Contact your nearest location to verify. 

Starbucks: Most free-standing locations are open. Check the mobile app to see the status of the ones close to you. 

Village Inn: Some locations will be open all day (though hours may vary by location), but check with your local franchise. Be sure to get a slice of Candy Cane pie.

Waffle House: Some locations will be open; call before visiting.

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. You can search by city.