What Food Places Are Open on Christmas? Your 2026 Guide
Fast food, diners, Chinese restaurants, coffee, groceries and delivery: what is usually open on December 24 and 25, and how to confirm it before you leave the house.
Quick answer
On Christmas Day, these are usually your best bets:
- Chinese restaurants: a large share open every December 25.
- Diners and 24-hour chains: Waffle House, Denny’s and Cracker Barrel are commonly open.
- Fast food: Taco Bell and Burger King often serve; McDonald’s, Subway and Starbucks depend on the location.
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Wawa and many gas stations stay open.
- Usually closed: Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out, most big-box grocers.
Hours differ by location, especially for franchises. Always check the store’s listing the same day.
Nobody plans to be hungry on Christmas. But between travel, a forgotten ingredient or a family that simply does not want to cook, many people end up searching for food places open on Christmas at the last minute. The problem is that most lists online are either outdated or only cover national chains.
This guide takes a more practical approach. It explains which types of restaurants tend to open, why franchise hours vary, and how to confirm a place is serving in about a minute. Search interest is real, too: Ahrefs data shows the exact phrase “what food places are open on Christmas” is searched well over 1,000 times a month in the United States, and that figure climbs sharply as December 25 approaches.
Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day: Know the Difference
Many people treat the two days as one, but restaurant hours differ a lot.
Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026)
Most restaurants and fast food chains operate, though many close early, often between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., so staff can get home. Dinner reservations at sit-down restaurants fill up weeks ahead. Fast food and takeout usually run on shortened hours.
Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026)
This is when options narrow. Independent restaurants decide for themselves. Chains split between corporate stores (more likely to be open) and franchisees (who choose based on staffing and demand). Expect reduced hours even where doors are open.
Fast Food Chains Open on Christmas
Fast food is the first thing most people check. Here is the general pattern. Because policies change and franchisees decide locally, treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
| Chain | Christmas Day outlook | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Bell | Often open | Many locations serve, usually with shorter hours. |
| Burger King | Often open | Drive-thrus commonly run; check the app. |
| McDonald’s | Varies | Franchise-owned; hours set per restaurant. |
| Wendy’s | Varies | Mix of open and closed by owner. |
| Subway | Varies | Highly local; airports and travel centers more likely open. |
| Starbucks | Varies | Company stores often open short; grocery kiosks often closed. |
| Dunkin’ | Varies | Franchise decisions; early closing is common. |
| Domino’s / Pizza Hut | Varies | Some open for delivery; call ahead. |
| Chipotle | Usually closed | Typically closes on December 25. |
| Chick-fil-A | Closed | Closed on Christmas Day every year. |
| In-N-Out | Closed | Closed on Christmas Day. |
Pro tip
Fast food at highway rest stops, airports and gas station travel centers is much more likely to be open on Christmas than a neighborhood storefront.
Diners and Sit-Down Chains That Usually Serve
If you want a real plate and a seat, these are the most dependable categories.
24-hour and family diners
- Waffle House: famously stays open nearly every day of the year, including Christmas.
- Denny’s: many locations run on Christmas, often with a holiday menu.
- Cracker Barrel: commonly open with a special holiday meal and shorter hours.
- IHOP: varies by franchise; call before you go.
Hotel restaurants and steakhouses
Hotel dining rooms serve guests and the public on Christmas, usually with a fixed-price menu. Upscale steakhouses and Italian restaurants often take reservations through OpenTable or Resy weeks in advance. If you wait until December 23, expect limited late-evening slots.
Casinos and entertainment venues
Buffets and restaurants inside casinos, resorts and some bowling or movie venues often stay open all day on December 25.
Chinese Restaurants: The Classic Christmas Day Meal
Ask around, and someone will tell you the joke: on Christmas, the only place open is the Chinese restaurant. There is truth in it.
Why Chinese food on Christmas?
The tradition is closely tied to American Jewish families, who did not celebrate Christmas and found Chinese restaurants open and welcoming. Over time it spread beyond that community. Today, plenty of families add takeout from a local Chinese restaurant to their December 25 table simply because it is easy, shareable and festive.
Popular Christmas takeout orders
- Peking duck or crispy roast duck
- Dumplings and potstickers (good for sharing)
- Sesame chicken, orange chicken, General Tso’s
- Beef and broccoli, lo mein, fried rice
- Whole steamed fish for a larger gathering
Dietary needs on Christmas Day
Dietary options help guests who cannot eat standard holiday fare. Browse halal Chinese restaurants or find vegan and gluten-free Chinese options in your area. If you want to stay home, see our guide to Chinese delivery and takeout.
On a budget?
Many family-run Chinese restaurants offer combo meals or family-size platters. Our list of top-rated cheap eats shows where to find good value, and the main directory lets you search by city.
Coffee, Bakeries and Convenience Stores
Convenience and gas stations
7-Eleven, Wawa, Sheetz and most independent gas stations stay open on Christmas, often at full hours. They sell sandwiches, hot food, drinks and basics, which makes them useful when everything else is shut.
Coffee shops and bakeries
Starbucks and Dunkin’ vary by location. Small independent cafés tend to close for the day, while bakeries often take Christmas Eve orders and shut on the 25th.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies on Christmas
If the plan is to cook but something is missing, look at these categories before you panic.
- Usually closed: Walmart, Target, Costco, Aldi, Trader Joe’s and many regional supermarkets.
- Often open with limited hours: CVS and Walgreens, especially 24-hour locations, with basic grocery items.
- Specialty markets: Asian grocery stores vary; some open on Christmas, others close.
Heads up
Most grocers close completely or shut early on Christmas Eve. If dinner depends on one missing item, shop by midday on December 24.
Getting Food Delivered on Christmas
Delivery works, but it is a different experience on December 25.
- Fewer restaurants appear in apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.
- Drivers are limited, so waits are longer and prices can rise.
- Scheduled orders help. Place yours early in the day.
Browse delivery and takeout options or call the restaurant directly. Many small restaurants prefer phone orders on busy days.
How to Check If a Place Is Open (in 60 Seconds)
- Search the restaurant on Google Maps. Look for “Holiday hours” or a note on Christmas Day.
- Open the chain’s own app. Mobile ordering usually only shows open stores.
- Check recent reviews and photos. Someone may have posted today.
- Call the restaurant. A short call is the most reliable way.
- Check social media. Small restaurants often post holiday hours on Instagram or Facebook.
Rule of thumb
If the listing says “hours might differ,” assume it is unconfirmed and call first.
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal
- Decide by December 20. Reservations and delivery slots disappear fast.
- Order early. Lunch is easier than dinner on the 25th.
- Have a backup. Keep two options in mind in case your first choice is closed.
- Use a mobile order. It shows if the store is truly open.
- Stock a snack kit on Christmas Eve: bread, fruit, eggs and something frozen.
- Store leftovers safely. Refrigerate cooked food within two hours, according to USDA guidance.
Find Chinese restaurants near you with holiday-friendly takeout.
Search the directory More food guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What food places are open on Christmas Day?
Chinese restaurants, Denny’s, Waffle House, Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell, Burger King and 7-Eleven are commonly open. Some McDonald’s and Starbucks locations also open, but hours vary.
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day?
Many locations are, but most are franchise-owned, so each owner sets hours. Check the McDonald’s app or Google listing.
Are Chinese restaurants open on Christmas?
Yes, a large share open on December 25, and Chinese food on Christmas is a well-known American tradition.
What fast food is closed on Christmas?
Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out are typically closed, and Chipotle usually closes as well.
Can I get food delivered on Christmas?
Yes, but with fewer restaurants, longer waits and possibly higher fees. Order early and consider calling the restaurant directly.
Conclusion
Finding food places open on Christmas does not have to be stressful. Chinese restaurants, diners like Waffle House and Denny’s, and convenience stores are the most dependable choices, while fast food depends heavily on the individual franchise. Big grocers and chains like Chick-fil-A and In-N-Out generally close.
The most important step is to verify. Check Google Maps, the chain’s app or call ahead, and keep a backup option ready. With a little planning, Christmas dinner can be warm, easy and delicious, even if you are not the one cooking. Ready to choose? Start with the Chinese Food Near Me directory.
Note: Holiday hours change every year and vary by location. This guide reflects typical patterns and is not a guarantee. Always confirm with the restaurant.