Between shopping for gifts, decorating, making cookies, and watching Christmas movies, there's a whole lot to do at Christmas. It can take a lot out of a person; just ask Santa Claus! So if you don't want to make a five-course Christmas dinner menu this year, we get it. To help, we're rounding up all the restaurants and fast food chains that plan to be open on Christmas Day to help you have the most celebratory, least frustrating December 25. Think of it as our gift to you!
Keep in mind, that in some cases, hours of operation will vary by location. To be safe, give your local restaurant a call before heading out the door.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Open (Depending on Location): McDonald's
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!).
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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.
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Open: Morton's The Steakhouse
Celebrate with sparkling holiday cocktails at this steakhouse, which will be "buzzing" on Christmas Day.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Open: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Each Panda Express franchise is independently owned and operated, so you'll definitely want to call ahead. However, they're known for being open on Christmas Day, sometimes under reduced hours.
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Buca di Beppo will be open for Christmas, so you can skip the ham and indulge with some pasta instead (but call ahead because hours vary by location).
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You can enjoy a meal at Chart House, the popular seafood chain, on December 25 this year. They'll be open for business.
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Enjoy a choice of six special entrées on Christmas at Marie Callender's. All locations will be open Christmas Eve and most on Christmas Day, although hours may vary. You can also pre-order feasts (and pies!) to go.
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Open: Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco's is currently accepting reservations for Christmas Day at many of their locations around the country — though not their New York location.
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Dine in a literal castle this Christmas. Though many high-end restaurants in and around New York are currently closed until further notice, Edgar’s Steakhouse, the restaurant inside Belhurst Castle in New York state’s Finger Lakes region, is still open. Reservations are only by phone — you'll need to call to inquire about Christmas plans: 315-781-0201 Ext. 3.
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Open: Woodpecker by David Burke
For those living in or spending the holidays in New York City, this restaurant currently plans to be open on Christmas Eve and Day.
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Fishing for an excuse not to make Christmas dinner this year? Legal Sea Foods has you covered. The restaurant is usually open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, offering holiday classics in addition to their regular menu.
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Restaurants Closed on Christmas: TGI Friday's
Though many TGI Friday's will be open on Christmas Eve, most locations will be closed on Christmas Day. However, as the restaurants are majority franchise-owned, open and close times will vary.
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Restaurants Closed on Christmas: Wahlburgers
Most Wahlburgers will be closed on Christmas Day, although select locations (Toronto and Logan airports) will remain open. Check the website for specific store hours.
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Restaurants Closed on Christmas: Cracker Barrel
While Cracker Barrel is not open on Christmas Day itself, it does offer full holiday meals to-go—plus all your favorite festive pies—so you can skip the cooking and get straight to celebrating. Order ahead of time, pick up your meal on December 23 or 24, then heat and serve (note that all stores close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve).
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Restaurants Closed on Christmas: Bonefish Grill
The seafood spot shuts its doors on Christmas, but you may be able to swing by the day before: Bonefish Grill hours will vary by location on Christmas Eve.
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Restaurants Closed on Christmas: Outback Steakhouse
While the Aussies will be off celebrating on Christmas Day, Outback Steakhouse is open regular hours Christmas Eve.
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Restaurants Closed on Christmas: Carrabba's Italian Grill
The hues of basil and tomato may serve as Christmas colors, but Carrabba's Italian Grill is closed on December 25 (regular hours Christmas Eve, however!).
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