Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, diners can cross a stress-free meal off their wish list. A number of restaurant chains will be open Christmas Day. Here are some low-cost and moderate-price 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 and feel free to leave a comment if you know of a regional or national restaurant chain that will have its doors open on December 25.
Boston Market: Select locations open for dine-in and take-out. Individual Christmas Meals (choice of hand-carved ham, roasted turkey breast or half signature roasted chicken) served with two sides, dinner roll and a slice of apple pie are $12.99. Market Feast for 3 (ham, turkey or chicken with three large sides, three dinner rolls and a whole apple or pumpkin pie) is $34.99. Hours are typically 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but call your nearest restaurant for hours.
Buca di Beppo: Open at 11 a.m. for dine-in or to-go.
Country Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet, Ryan’s and Furr’s: Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at most locations. Traditional holiday menu with turkey, ham, roast beef and sides.
Denny’s: Christmas is actually the diner chain’s busiest day of the year. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all 24-hours of Christmas Day.
Huddle House: Often their busiest day of the year. Opens at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
IHOP: Open all day (24-hours restaurants will keep to schedule, hours may vary at other locations).
Luby’s: Most locations open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Your choice of entree with two sides and bread: Prime Rib $15.99 or Blackened Chicken Breast with Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp $13.99. Dessert and drinks are extra.
McDonald’s: Some participating locations are open. Call ahead to confirm.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Most locations open at 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
Shari’s: Open all day. Special Slow Roasted Turkey or Hickory Smoked Ham dinner is $14.99. Each includes soup or salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner roll, sweet mashed potatoes with pecans, Grecian rosemary vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a slice of pumpkin pie. Both dinner specials are available dine-in or take-out at all locations in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nebraska and Wyoming.
Shoney’s: Open all day (check your location for hours). “All You Care To Eat” Christmas Feast includes turkey, ham, fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, sweet potato casserole, collard greens, Fresh Salad & Fruit Bar and more. Starts at $12.99 for adults, $6.99 for kids 5 to 10. Kids under 4 eat free with an Adult Fresh food Bar purchase.
Sizzler: Select locations open, mostly in Arizona and California. Hours vary.
Starbucks: Most free-standing locations are open.
Steak ‘n Shake: Open on Christmas Day, usually starting at 11 a.m.
Village Inn: Open all day (though hours may vary by location). Be sure to get a slice of Candy Cane pie.
Waffle House: Open all day.
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.
