Restaurants You Can Visit on Christmas Day
Christmas Day is one of those holidays when pretty much everything shuts down — stores, offices, and grocery chains — so families can enjoy time together. One time when I was little I will never forget this. My dad surprised us saying we were leaving Christmas morning going to Florida to see my Nana. We had to get on the road quick so we didn’t eat before we left. I’m sure you can imagine by the time we were driving for nearly 10 hours it started getting dark and we started getting hungry and imagine that, nothing’s open. I think we ended up running into a Subway in the middle of the night that just happened to be open. Needless to say my stomach will not let me forget that time, so now I get to write about it and help you up.
If you are like us and like to travel, the good news is, some restaurants still open their doors. Whether you need a break from holiday cooking, are traveling, or just want someone else to handle dinner, let me try and help you out.
Classic Diners & Always-Open Spots
Some restaurant types have almost become Christmas Day traditions themselves:
- Denny’s – Many locations remain open 24/7, even on Christmas, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- IHOP – Pancakes for Christmas morning? Yes, please! Most IHOPs are open, though hours may vary.
- Waffle House – Known for staying open year-round, including holidays — a reliable choice if you want comfort food any time of day.
These spots are great if you want something casual and familiar with holiday hours you can almostcount on.
Chains You Might Find Open
While many major sit-down chains close on Christmas, a few have historically offered service on the holiday:
- Red Lobster – Many locations have been open on Christmas Day with seafood classics.
- Applebee’s & TGI Fridays – Some restaurants in this category open their doors, though hours and participation vary by location (so call ahead).
- Buffalo Wild Wings – Sports bar vibes and wings are on the menu at locations that choose to open.
- Buca di Beppo & Brio Italian Grille – These Italian favorites often open on Christmas, especially for family-style meals — but reservations are strongly recommended.
Always double-check hours before heading out — holiday schedules can change each year.
International & Local Favorites
If you’re in a town like Evansville, locals often share spots that are reliably open on Christmas:
- Local Chinese and Asian-style restaurants often stay open, offering a delicious alternative to traditional holiday meals.
- In recent years, places like Big Bang Mongolian Grill and other neighborhood favorites have been open on Christmas for dinner.
- In Boonville, Indiana, 3rd Street Saloon even opened its doors from late afternoon into the night, giving people a cozy place to relax and grab a bite. ([https://www.14news.com][7])
These local options are perfect if you want something fun or a little different from the card-table spread at home.
Quick Bites & Fast Stops
If you just need a quick lunch or caffeine fix:
- Starbucks may open select stores with holiday hours.
- Dunkin’ has varied hours at many locations — worth a call before you go.
- Some pizza and drive-thru spots (like Domino’s or McDonald’s) may operate depending on franchise decisions.
Planning Ahead Makes It Easier
If you’re thinking about dining out on Christmas Day — whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — here are a few tips:
Call ahead! Holiday hours change each year, and what was open last Christmas might be closed this one.
- Reservations help. If a restaurant is open, Christmas tends to be busy.
- Think outside the traditional meal — sometimes the best Christmas dinner is somewhere unexpected and delicious.
Who says Christmas has to be all turkey and mashed potatoes? Whether it’s pancakes with the family or ramen with friends, there are options out there if you know where to look!…