29 Restaurants and Fast Food Chains Open on Christmas Day 2022
Think of it as the ultimate Christmas gift to yourself.
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We love the Christmas season, but there's no denying it can be a stressful time. After all of the shopping for gifts and wrapping and decorating, you might not be up for cooking a big meal on December 25. If you're wondering, "What restaurants are open near me on December 25," you've come to the right place. We've put together a list of all of the restaurants and fast-food spots open on Christmas Day 2022. And if you're just looking for a caffeine pick-me-up (who isn't on Christmas Day?), you're likely wondering if Starbucks or Dunkin' is open to help you get through the day..
Of course, options are limited on Christmas Day as many restaurants choose to stay closed. But there are a few chains that remain open on the holiday, including Waffle House, IHOP, and Domino's. On major holidays, we always suggest giving the restaurant a call before you head out, just in case something has changed.
Open: Applebee's
If you're looking to get "Fancy Like" on Christmas Day, head over to your local Applebee's. Most locations will be open, but call ahead to check their hours.
Open (Depending on Location): Golden Corral
Looking to head to the buffet on Christmas Day? You might be in luck! Some Golden Corral locations stay open on Christmas Day. Check the website for hours.
Open: Red Lobster
Select locations of the iconic seafood chain around the country will be open Christmas day for lunch and dinner. You can find the complete list of open restaurants organized by state here.
Open: Ruth's Chris Steak House
Though hours may vary by location, most Ruth's Chris Steak Houses will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Open: Village Inn
Another slice of pie, please! Village Inn will be open on Christmas Day, just in case you want to try any of their classic breakfast or dinners, including salads, sandwiches, and—of course!—pies.
Open: Huddle House
Huddle House is famous for its "Any Meal. Any Time" catchphrase, and now we know why! The restaurant will serve its signature "Big House" meals during all 24 hours of Christmas Day.
Open (Depending on Location): Dunkin'
You'll be the star of Christmas morning if you treat everyone to a box full of piping hot doughnuts for breakfast! Store hours vary by location, so check with your local Dunkin' Donuts before heading out.
Open (Depending on Location): Domino's Pizza
We love pizza, and we love Christmas. It makes sense that we'd want to enjoy both on the same day! Good news: Some Domino's Pizza locations will be open on December 25.
Open (Depending on Location): McDonald's
Call ahead to confirm the holiday hours of your local McDonald's; 95 percent of the fast food restaurants are independently owned and operated, so the hours will vary, but a handful of McDonald's restaurants are typically open on Christmas Day.
Open: Sonic Drive-In
Though 96 percent of Sonic Drive-Ins are franchised and therefore do not have a set holiday schedule, most locations are open for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
Open: IHOP
If you want to grab a festive breakfast before you head over to Grandma's, IHOP restaurants will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though hours may vary.
Open: Waffle House
Don't feel like whipping up an elaborate Christmas Day breakfast after opening presents? Head to Waffle House. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, this restaurant is the gift that keeps on giving.
Open: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
All Perkins locations will be open on Christmas Eve, and most will be open on Christmas Day (this may vary by location, so call ahead for specifics).
On Thanksgiving and Christmas, Perkins even offers a special limited menu, which includes a Turkey Dinner deal (turkey dinner with pie, and seconds if you want them!).
Open: Denny's
Denny's would never deprive you of your favorite diner dishes, especially not during the most wonderful time of the year. Locations nationwide are open 24/7 during the holiday season including Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Open: Morton's The Steakhouse
Celebrate with sparkling holiday cocktails at this steakhouse, which will be "buzzing" on Christmas Day.
Open: Smith & Wollensky
Not only will Smith & Wollensky restaurants be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but also New Year's Eve and New Year's Day (check your location's hours). Order off the fall and winter dinner menu, and take advantage of "cellar steals."
Open (Depending on Location): Starbucks
Everyone's exhausted after the weeks of holiday prep leading up to Christmas. Thankfully, select Starbucks locations stay open for the big day, so you can grab a cup of coffee, some seasonal pastries, and possibly a stocking stuffer or two before the chaos ensues. We wish you a merry—and caffeinated—Christmas.
Open: Buffalo Wild Wings
Did you forget to hit the grocery store before Christmas Day? Just wing it with a nontraditional holiday feast. Call ahead to check and see if your local restaurant will be open.
Open: McCormick & Schmick's
This upscale seafood chain, which has 26 locations spread about the country, is typically open on Christmas Day with a special menu.
Open: Boston Market
Boston Market wants to make all your Christmas wishes come true. Select locations will be open December 24 and 25. If you'd rather eat at home, try one of their fully-prepared holiday meals available for pickup or delivery. It's a Christmas miracle!
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