You’re standing in your kitchen. It’s 2:00 PM on December 25th. The "foolproof" standing rib roast you bought for $120 is currently emitting a smell that can only be described as "charred disappointment." Or maybe you just don't feel like doing the dishes. Whatever the reason, you're now part of the millions of people frantically searching for what is open on christmas day restaurants to save the holiday.
Honestly, the search is a bit of a minefield. You'll find a lot of outdated blogs from 2019 claiming every McDonald's is open (they aren't) or that you can just stroll into a steakhouse without a reservation (good luck). The reality of holiday dining in 2026 is a mix of high-end prix-fixe menus, reliable 24/7 diners, and the local Chinese spot that has been the unsung hero of Christmas for decades.
The 24/7 Legends That Never Blink
If you want a guarantee—like, a 100% "the lights are on and the griddle is hot" guarantee—you go to the diners. These places don't just stay open; they thrive on the chaos of Christmas morning.
🔗 Read more: The Truth About The Dump Furniture Store Tempe: Why It’s Not Your Average Showroom
Waffle House is the undisputed heavyweight champion here. They famously do not close. Ever. If you see a closed Waffle House, it usually means there’s a Category 5 hurricane happening, not a holiday. You can get your hashbrowns scattered, smothered, and covered at 3:00 AM or 3:00 PM.
Denny’s is another stalwart. They've built their entire brand around being the "always open" spot. Most locations serve their full menu, meaning you can have a Grand Slam for Christmas lunch while the rest of the world is fighting over the last bit of ham.
IHOP follows a similar vibe, though it’s worth noting that since many are franchises, a random location in a quiet suburb might decide to shut down for a few hours. Usually, though, they're flipping pancakes all day.
Fast Food: A Game of Franchise Roulette
This is where people get confused. Is McDonald's open? Sorta. Is Starbucks open? Kinda.
Unlike the diners, fast-food chains are heavily dependent on the individual owner. Corporate might say, "Sure, stay open if you want," but the person owning the three locations in your town might want to stay home.
- McDonald’s: A significant number of locations stay open, particularly those near major highways or in big city centers. Don't expect the full "PlayPlace" experience, but the drive-thru is often your best friend.
- Starbucks: Most standalone stores open with reduced hours (think 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM). If the Starbucks is inside a Target or a grocery store, it’s closed because the host store is closed. Use the app to check live hours before you drive over.
- Dunkin’: Very similar to Starbucks. High-traffic areas stay caffeinated; quiet residential spots might go dark.
- Domino’s: Pizza on Christmas is a growing tradition. Many locations are open for delivery and carryout, but they get slammed. If you don't order by 4:00 PM, you might be waiting two hours for that pepperoni pie.
Steakhouses and Fine Dining (The Reservation Trap)
If you’re looking for something more formal than a burger, you have to look at the big national "fancy" chains. These places view Christmas as one of their biggest revenue days of the year.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Fogo de Chão are almost always open. They usually run a special holiday menu or a prix-fixe setup. Here’s the catch: you needed a reservation three weeks ago. Honestly, if you’re reading this on Christmas morning, your chances of getting a table at 6:00 PM for a party of six are basically zero. But! If you’re willing to eat at 2:30 PM or sit at the bar, you might get lucky.
👉 See also: How Much Is an Ounce to a Cup: Why Your Measuring Cups Are Probably Lying to You
Morton’s The Steakhouse and STK Steakhouse also stay open. These are great options if you want a "real" dinner without the cleanup, but expect a holiday surcharge or a limited menu that’s designed to turn tables quickly.
The Cultural Reliability of Chinese Cuisine
We have to talk about the "Jewish Christmas" tradition. For decades, Chinese restaurants have been the primary answer to what is open on christmas day restaurants. In many cities, nearly every local Chinese spot is humming with business on the 25th.
It’s not just about the food; it’s about the reliability. While big American chains are debating labor costs, your local family-owned Szechuan spot is likely packing to-go containers as fast as they can. In 2026, this has expanded. Many Indian, Middle Eastern, and Thai restaurants have realized there’s a massive market for people who don't want turkey for the third time this week.
Hotel Restaurants: The Secret Weapon
If you’re stuck in a city and everything seems closed, head to the biggest hotel you can find.
The Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Marriott—these places have guests who need to eat. Their internal restaurants (like Quattro at the Four Seasons or Jill’s at the St Julien) are almost legally obligated to stay open. They often put on massive brunch buffets that are actually quite good, though they will definitely cost you a premium. It’s a great "emergency" option that feels much more intentional than a gas station sandwich.
Why Some Places Stay Closed (And Why You Should Care)
You might be wondering why Chick-fil-A or Olive Garden aren't on this list. Some companies have made "being closed on holidays" a core part of their brand identity.
- Chick-fil-A: They are closed every Sunday and every major holiday. No exceptions.
- Cracker Barrel: They are famously open on Thanksgiving but usually close on Christmas Day to give staff a break.
- Texas Roadhouse: Generally closed to allow employees to be with family.
It’s a balancing act. For a business, staying open on the 25th means paying time-and-a-half (or more) and risking staff burnout. For you, the diner, it means higher prices and potentially slower service.
Pro Tips for Actually Getting Fed
Don't just trust a Google Maps "Open" sign. Those hours are often "estimated" by an algorithm that doesn't know it's a holiday.
✨ Don't miss: Cheesecake with Ricotta Cheese: Why Your Recipe Is Probably Too Heavy
- Call the restaurant. A real human answering the phone is the only way to be 100% sure.
- Use the apps. OpenTable and Resy have specific filters for "Open on Christmas Day." If you can book it there, the kitchen is definitely running.
- Check the hotel lobbies. As mentioned, hotel bars often have a limited food menu even if the main dining room is booked solid.
- Order delivery early. If you’re using DoorDash or UberEats, remember that there are fewer drivers on the road. A "30-minute" delivery can easily become 90 minutes.
The Actionable Bottom Line
If you’re currently looking for what is open on christmas day restaurants, here is your immediate game plan:
- For Breakfast: Hit Denny’s, Waffle House, or a standalone Starbucks.
- For a "Traditional" Meal: Look for Boston Market (many offer heat-and-serve pickups) or a high-end steakhouse like Ruth’s Chris.
- For the Safest Bet: Go to Chinatown or your local Chinese/Asian fusion spot. They are the most likely to be open for walk-ins.
- For a Sit-Down Experience: Check the nearest 4-star hotel.
The holiday doesn't have to be a disaster just because the oven died. Whether it's a T-bone steak or a stack of pancakes, the food is out there—you just have to know which doors are actually unlocked. Take a second to double-check the local branch through their specific website or a quick phone call, and you'll be fine. Happy eating.