Restaurant Chains Open on Christmas Day 2025
Christmas Day doesn’t mean you’re stuck cooking or eating leftovers. Plenty of restaurants stay open, from steakhouses and Italian spots to casual chains and sports bars. Some sit-down chains stay open every year, whether you’re planning a quiet dinner, meeting up with family, or just looking for a place that’s actually serving food. Below is a list of restaurants open on Christmas Day, along with the type of experience they offer and whether a holiday menu is available. There’s also a section toward the end that lists chains that won’t be operating this year.
Steakhouses and upscale dining
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris is open on Christmas Day and remains one of the safest picks for a romantic dinner. Entrées typically start around the mid-$50 range and climb from there, with the lighting kept low, service unhurried, and the classic steakhouse atmosphere fitting the night without trying too hard.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Price range: $$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s has opened on Christmas Day in past years and is often the go-to for holiday date nights. Expect steaks and seafood generally priced in the $50–$70 range, paired with a deep wine list and a warm, celebratory dining room that feels made for a holiday evening.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Price range: $$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille is open on Christmas Day and works well if you want something upscale without feeling formal. Mains usually fall between $35 and $60, with polished but relaxed service that suits couples and smaller groups.
- Cuisine: American grill
- Price range: $$$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão turns Christmas dinner into a full table experience, with continuous tableside service and a lively dining room built for families and groups. Dinner pricing typically lands around $60–$70 per person, not including drinks.
- Cuisine: Brazilian steakhouse
- Price range: $$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s brings old-school luxury to Christmas Day, with classic cuts and refined service. Entrées often start in the $60 range, and the atmosphere stays quiet and polished for a true special-occasion meal.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Price range: $$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
STK Steakhouse
STK offers a more modern, high-energy take on the steakhouse experience. Expect steaks and signature dishes typically priced between $50 and $75, along with a livelier atmosphere than traditional steakhouses.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
- Price range: $$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Italian Restaurants
Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s Little Italy stays open on Christmas Day in many locations and offers a more polished Italian dinner than most casual chains. Entrées generally fall in the $25–$40 range, and the calm, dinner-focused atmosphere works well for date nights or smaller adult gatherings.
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Buca di Beppo
If you’re dining with a group on Christmas Day, Buca di Beppo is open and built around large, shareable Italian dishes. Most meals average $20–$35 per person depending on how many plates you order for the table.
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
Casual Dining and Family Restaurants
Waffle House
If you need a place that is open on Christmas Day no matter what, Waffle House delivers. Most meals cost under $15, with breakfast plates, waffles, and hash browns served all day in a no-frills setting.
- Cuisine: Breakfast, comfort food
- Price range: $
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Not required
Applebee’s
Christmas Day hours have varied by location, but Applebee’s has stayed open in past years. Burgers, riblets, and appetizers usually fall in the $15–$25 range, making it a familiar and affordable sit-down option near you.
- Cuisine: American, bar food
- Price range: $$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays has welcomed guests on Christmas Day in previous years, offering burgers, ribs, and cocktails. Most entrées are priced between $15 and $30 in a relaxed bar-and-grill setting.
- Cuisine: American, bar food
- Price range: $$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
Sizzler
Some Sizzler locations have opened on Christmas Day in the past, appealing to diners looking for a low-key steakhouse meal. Most plates fall in the $15–$30 range, with salad bar options available.
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Price range: $$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is open on Christmas Day in many locations, serving seafood classics like lobster tails, shrimp, and crab legs. Entrées typically range from $20 to $40, making it a comfortable middle-ground option for families.
- Cuisine: Seafood, American
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Kona Grill
Kona Grill stays open on Christmas Day with a broad menu that spans sushi, steaks, and seasonal features. Expect most entrées to land between $25 and $45 in a modern, upbeat setting.
- Cuisine: Contemporary American, sushi
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
Sports Bars and Grill Restaurants
Buffalo Wild Wings
If you want a sports bar atmosphere on Christmas Day, Buffalo Wild Wings is open, with wings, burgers, and TVs tuned to NFL games. Expect most meals to land between $15 and $25.
- Cuisine: Wings, American
- Price range: $$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Optional
Yard House
Yard House has operated on Christmas Day before, offering American fare and an extensive beer list. Entrées typically range from $20 to $35 in a lively, social setting.
- Cuisine: American, pub food
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
Asian and Asian-Inspired Restaurants
Benihana
Benihana is open on Christmas Day and turns dinner into a full event, with hibachi chefs cooking meals tableside. Expect dinner pricing to be around $30–$50 per person, depending on the proteins and drinks selected.
- Cuisine: Japanese, hibachi
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Available
- Reservations: Recommended
P.F. Chang’s
P.F. Chang’s has been open on Christmas Day in previous years and remains a solid sit-down option for the holiday. The dining rooms are modern and comfortable, the menu is familiar without feeling basic, and the pace works well for a full dinner without the formality of a steakhouse. Entrées usually range from $20 to $35, served in a modern, comfortable dining room.
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Price range: $$–$$$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Recommended
Pei Wei
Pei Wei has opened on Christmas Day in previous years and appeals to people who want a straightforward meal without the weight of a long, formal dinner. Most meals fall in the $12–$20 range, making it one of the more affordable sit-down options.
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Price range: $$
- Christmas menu: Unavailable
- Reservations: Optional
Restaurants Closed on Christmas Day 2025
Not every national chain stays open on December 25. In fact, several well-known restaurants that sometimes appear on “open on Christmas” lists will not be serving guests on Christmas Day. In these cases, the confirmation comes directly from the restaurants’ own holiday hours pages or long-standing company holiday schedules.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel closes all locations on Christmas Day. Their official holiday information shows stores open for limited hours on Christmas Eve, followed by a full closure on December 25. While the dining rooms are dark on Christmas Day, the company focuses instead on pre-ordered holiday meals available for pickup in the days leading up to the holiday.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden does not operate on Christmas Day. The brand’s holiday schedule consistently lists December 25 as a closed date across U.S. locations, even though restaurants reopen the following day with normal hours. Guests looking for Olive Garden on Christmas Day will need to plan for Christmas Eve instead.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill closes on Christmas Day. Their holiday hours pages and past scheduling patterns show locations open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours, followed by a full closure on December 25. Anyone craving Carrabba’s classics will need to plan around the holiday rather than expect service that day.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse follows a similar holiday pattern and does not open its doors on Christmas Day. Locations typically operate with limited hours on Christmas Eve, then close completely on December 25 before resuming normal service afterward.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s has confirmed its closure on Christmas Day. Checking local hours ahead of time is essential, but guests should not assume Applebee’s will be open.
Arby’s
Arby’s locations generally close on Christmas Day. The brand’s holiday hours information points to Christmas Eve operations followed by a full closure on December 25 at most locations.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans restaurants do not typically operate on Christmas Day. Holiday schedules show service leading up to Christmas, with December 25 marked as a non-operating day across many locations.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill does not list Christmas Day as an operating date on its holiday hours pages. Locations usually close on December 25 after running limited schedules earlier in the holiday week.
A quick note for readers
Holiday schedules can shift slightly by location, especially for franchised restaurants. If you’re searching for what’s open near me on Christmas Day, always double-check the restaurant’s official holiday hours page or call your local location before heading out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do restaurants charge more on Christmas Day?
Some do. Upscale restaurants often run special Christmas menus that cost more than a regular dinner. For example, steakhouse dinners can land anywhere from $75 to $150 per person, while casual sit-down spots usually keep pricing closer to their normal range, around $15 to $35 per person.
Do I need a reservation for Christmas Day dining?
In most cases, yes. Steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and hibachi spots fill up quickly, especially for dinner hours. Even if a restaurant doesn’t require reservations year-round, booking ahead on Christmas Day is strongly recommended.
Which restaurants are best for Christmas dinner dates?
Upscale steakhouses and polished Italian restaurants tend to work best for dinner dates. Places like Ruth’s Chris, Fleming’s, Morton’s, and Maggiano’s offer quieter dining rooms, slower service, and a more intimate feel compared to casual chains or sports bars.
Which restaurants are better for families or groups?
Restaurants built around shared plates or flexible menus usually work best. Fogo de Chão, Buca di Beppo, Red Lobster, and casual sit-down chains make it easier to accommodate different tastes and appetites at one table.
Are fast-food restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Most fast-food chains close or operate with very limited hours. This guide focuses on sit-down restaurant chains, which are more reliable options if you’re looking for a full meal on Christmas Day.
Why do some sources say certain restaurants are open when they’re actually closed?
Holiday hours change year to year. Some articles rely on outdated information or assume past schedules still apply. This guide prioritizes company statements and recent reporting that confirm whether a chain is open or closed for Christmas Day.
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