Christmas Day is magical until someone remembers the turkey is still frozen, the gravy has become wallpaper paste, and nobody bought extra rolls. That is when the phrase “restaurants open on Christmas Day” suddenly becomes less of a search term and more of a tiny holiday miracle. For Christmas 2023, many major restaurants across the United States closed so employees could spend the day with family, but several national chains and reservation-friendly restaurants still offered breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, takeout, or full sit-down meals on Dec. 25.
This guide rounds up 32 of the best restaurants that were open, partially open, or available at select locations on Christmas Day 2023. Some served full holiday dinners. Some saved the day with pancakes, pizza, burgers, coffee, seafood, or wings. Some were open only at participating locations, which means the golden rule of Christmas dining applied: check local hours before putting everyone in the car while wearing matching sweaters against their will.
Whether you wanted a festive steakhouse dinner, a casual family meal, a quick drive-thru stop, or a reliable cup of coffee before visiting relatives, these Christmas Day dining options gave Americans a way to skip the sink full of pans and enjoy the holiday with fewer dishes and more actual cheer.
Why Restaurants Open on Christmas Day Matter
Christmas dining is not just about avoiding cooking. It is about flexibility. Some people travel and cannot stock a kitchen. Some families celebrate with a restaurant tradition. Some workers need a hot meal after a long shift. Some people celebrate alone and want a warm, welcoming place to sit. And yes, some of us simply accept that homemade prime rib is not the moment to “experiment.”
In 2023, most large chains kept Christmas Day hours limited, and many franchise-based brands left the final decision to local operators. That means one McDonald’s might have been open while another two miles away was dark. One Domino’s could deliver pizza while another could have been closed. Reservation platforms also played a big role, especially for upscale restaurants, hotel restaurants, steakhouses, and city-specific dining rooms offering Christmas menus.
32 Best Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2023
1. Applebee’s
Applebee’s was a practical choice for families who wanted casual sit-down dining without turning Christmas dinner into a black-tie operation. Select locations were open, making it a useful option for burgers, steaks, appetizers, and comfort food. Because Applebee’s is often locally operated, checking your nearest restaurant’s holiday schedule was essential.
2. Benihana
Benihana brought dinner and a show to Christmas 2023. The hibachi-style restaurant was a festive pick for families who wanted something more memorable than leftovers. With chefs cooking at the table, it offered a lively alternative to traditional ham or turkey. Reservations were strongly recommended because Christmas tables filled quickly.
3. Boston Market
Boston Market was built for holiday cravings. In 2023, select locations offered dine-in, pickup, and holiday meal options such as turkey, ham, prime rib, sides, and desserts. For people who wanted a classic Christmas plate without roasting anything, this was one of the most on-theme options available.
4. Buffalo Wild Wings
For households that treat sports, wings, and sauce choices as a sacred holiday triangle, Buffalo Wild Wings was a fun Christmas Day possibility at select restaurants. Not every location opened, but where it did, it gave diners a casual place for wings, burgers, beer, and a break from formal holiday expectations.
5. Burger King
Burger King offered reduced or varied hours at participating locations. It was not the place for a formal Christmas feast, but for travelers, late risers, and people craving a Whopper instead of another plate of stuffing, it could save the day. As with most fast-food chains, local confirmation mattered.
6. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s Italian Grill was a strong option for pasta lovers and families looking for a warm, generous meal. Some locations opened around the holiday period, and the brand’s family bundles made it easy to feed a small group with pasta, salad, bread, and entrees. It was a cozy choice for a low-stress Christmas table.
7. Chart House
Chart House appealed to diners who wanted Christmas dinner with a view, seafood, steak, and a more upscale atmosphere. Many locations are known for waterfront or scenic settings, making it a smart pick for a special Dec. 25 meal. Holiday menus and reservations varied by location.
8. Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille gave Christmas diners a polished steakhouse-style experience without being too stiff. In 2023, select locations offered lunch or dinner options, including steaks, sandwiches, appetizers, and seasonal drinks. It was best for guests who wanted a reservation-worthy meal but still preferred a relaxed setting.
9. Del Taco
Del Taco was a cheerful fast-food alternative for anyone who believed tacos were absolutely acceptable on Christmas Day. Select locations opened with varied hours, offering burritos, tacos, fries, breakfast items, and quick-service convenience. It was especially useful for road trips and West Coast holiday travel.
10. Denny’s
Denny’s has long been associated with all-day breakfast and 24-hour dining, making it one of the most reliable names for holiday meals. Many locations were open on Christmas 2023, though hours could still vary. Pancakes, omelets, burgers, coffee, and diner classics made it a dependable choice for families and travelers.
11. Domino’s
Domino’s was a lifesaver for people who wanted Christmas dinner delivered in a cardboard box, which is not traditional but is undeniably efficient. Select stores opened on Christmas Day 2023, and the store locator was the best way to confirm hours. Pizza was especially useful for low-key gatherings, hotel stays, and last-minute hunger emergencies.
12. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ helped America stay caffeinated through Christmas morning. Many locations opened with limited hours, though not every store participated. Coffee, donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches made it a practical stop before gift exchanges, airport runs, or the kind of family brunch where everyone says they are “not hungry” and then eats six donuts.
13. Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão was one of the more festive Christmas Day choices in 2023. The Brazilian steakhouse offered its signature churrasco experience at many locations, often with holiday-inspired sides and premium meats. It was ideal for groups who wanted a celebratory meal and did not mind arriving hungry enough to make the salad bar nervous.
14. Hardee’s
Hardee’s was available at select locations for burgers, biscuits, breakfast items, and quick-service meals. Holiday hours depended heavily on the local restaurant, so calling ahead was important. For travelers in the South and Midwest, it could be a convenient Christmas Day stop.
15. IHOP
IHOP was one of the strongest Christmas breakfast picks. Many locations are franchise-operated, so hours varied, but pancakes, omelets, French toast, and coffee made it an easy choice for families who wanted breakfast-for-dinner or breakfast-before-gifts. IHOP also worked well for kids because pancakes rarely require negotiation.
16. Kona Grill
Kona Grill offered a mix of sushi, American dishes, cocktails, sliders, seafood, and holiday-friendly entrees at select locations. It was a flexible option for groups with mixed tastes: one person could order sushi, another could order steak, and nobody had to pretend cranberry sauce is a personality trait.
17. Legal Sea Foods
Legal Sea Foods was a smart Christmas choice for seafood lovers, especially in regions where the brand has a strong presence. Many locations opened around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, though hours and menus varied. Chowder, lobster, fish, and shellfish made it a fresh alternative to the usual heavy holiday plate.
18. Macaroni Grill
Macaroni Grill brought Italian comfort to the holiday table with pasta, grilled entrees, wine, and family-friendly dining. Some locations had historically opened during holiday hours, often around midday through evening. Reservations were helpful because pasta on Christmas is surprisingly easy to say yes to.
19. McCormick & Schmick’s
McCormick & Schmick’s was a polished seafood and steak option at participating locations. Diners could find surf-and-turf style meals, fish, shellfish, steaks, and cocktails. It worked well for couples, small families, and anyone who wanted Christmas dinner to feel more like an occasion and less like a casserole marathon.
20. McDonald’s
McDonald’s was one of the most searched Christmas Day options in 2023. Many U.S. locations opened on holidays, but because most restaurants are independently owned and operated, hours varied. For travelers, shift workers, and families needing a quick meal, the Golden Arches were often a practical fallback.
21. Red Lobster
Red Lobster was listed among national chains open on Christmas 2023, making it a popular seafood option for families who wanted lobster, shrimp, crab, pasta, and Cheddar Bay Biscuits. It was a good fit for a casual-but-special holiday meal, especially when reservations or local wait times were checked in advance.
22. Golden Corral
Golden Corral was useful for big groups because buffet dining solves the classic Christmas problem: everyone wants something different. Select locations opened with varied hours, often offering holiday-style comfort food, meats, sides, desserts, and family-friendly pricing. Local participation was the key detail.
23. Hooters
Hooters appeared on several Christmas open lists for select locations. It was more casual than traditional holiday dining, but wings, burgers, fries, and sports-bar energy made it an option for groups who wanted an easygoing meal. As always, guests needed to check local holiday hours.
24. Huddle House
Huddle House was a practical Christmas Day diner option, especially in areas where the chain has a strong presence. Breakfast plates, burgers, waffles, and homestyle meals made it convenient for families, travelers, and late diners. Many locations are designed for exactly this kind of no-fuss comfort meal.
25. Waffle House
Waffle House is famously reliable, and Christmas 2023 was no exception at many locations. The chain’s reputation for staying open makes it a beloved option for waffles, hash browns, eggs, coffee, and late-night meals. For travelers in the Southeast, Waffle House was practically a holiday landmark.
26. TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays was open at select locations, offering burgers, ribs, appetizers, cocktails, and casual sit-down dining. It was a good choice for groups who wanted a familiar menu without a formal Christmas dinner. Because participation varied, the safest move was checking the local restaurant before heading out.
27. Papa Johns
Papa Johns was available at select stores on Christmas 2023. Pizza, breadsticks, wings, and delivery made it especially useful for people staying in hotels, hosting casual gatherings, or feeding kids who had already rejected three “fancy” food options. Holiday delivery availability depended on the local store.
28. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery was a cozy Christmas option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and baked goods. Select locations opened with varied hours, offering omelets, pancakes, pies, sandwiches, and homestyle entrees. It was especially appealing for families who wanted comfort food plus dessert without baking.
29. Arby’s
Arby’s appeared among fast-food chains with select Christmas Day openings. Roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, sliders, and quick-service meals made it useful for road trips or casual holiday eating. Franchise hours varied, so the drive-thru was not guaranteed unless the local restaurant confirmed it.
30. Popeyes
Popeyes was another select-location fast-food option for Christmas Day 2023. Fried chicken, biscuits, sides, and family meals made it surprisingly holiday-friendly for people who wanted comfort food without cooking. Local hours could vary widely, so checking before ordering was important.
31. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In offered a drive-in style option at select locations. Burgers, hot dogs, tots, drinks, shakes, and slushes made it a casual Christmas Day stop, especially for travelers or families who wanted something quick. Since many Sonic restaurants are franchise-owned, hours depended on the local operator.
32. Wendy’s
Wendy’s rounded out the list as a fast-food option with select locations open. Burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, salads, chili, and Frostys made it a convenient choice when full-service restaurants were booked or closed. Christmas hours varied, so checking the app or calling ahead was the best move.
How to Choose the Best Christmas Day Restaurant
For a Traditional Holiday Meal
Look first at Boston Market, Golden Corral, Fogo de Chão, Chart House, Red Lobster, Legal Sea Foods, McCormick & Schmick’s, and Del Frisco’s Grille. These restaurants were better suited for groups seeking a true holiday lunch or dinner. They also tended to require more planning, especially in busy metro areas.
For Breakfast or Brunch
Denny’s, IHOP, Waffle House, Huddle House, Perkins, Dunkin’, and Hardee’s were among the best options for Christmas morning. Breakfast dining is often easier than dinner because it can fit around gift exchanges, church services, travel plans, and family visits. Pancakes also have a diplomatic quality: they calm people down.
For Fast Food and Road Trips
McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Sonic, Popeyes, Del Taco, Domino’s, and Papa Johns were the practical picks. They were especially useful for travelers, airport-area meals, hotel stays, or families that needed food quickly. The main downside was inconsistency: fast-food holiday hours depended heavily on franchise decisions.
For a Fun, Nontraditional Christmas Dinner
Benihana, Buffalo Wild Wings, Kona Grill, Hooters, and TGI Fridays made sense for diners who did not need turkey to feel festive. A hibachi table, a plate of wings, sushi, burgers, or loaded appetizers could turn Christmas dinner into something relaxed and memorable. Not every holiday has to look like a greeting card.
Important Christmas Day Dining Tips for 2023
The most important tip was simple: confirm before going. Christmas Day hours changed by location, staffing, weather, ownership, and local demand. Even national chains that appeared on open lists often had many closed restaurants. Calling directly, checking the restaurant app, using a store locator, or making a reservation saved time and prevented the dreaded parking-lot disappointment.
Second, expect limited menus. A restaurant might have opened but served fewer items, reduced breakfast hours, shorter dinner service, or takeout only. Third, be kind to staff. Anyone working on Dec. 25 was helping strangers eat, travel, celebrate, or simply get through the day. Patience and a generous tip were part of the holiday spirit.
Experience Guide: What Eating Out on Christmas 2023 Felt Like
Eating out on Christmas Day has a different rhythm from dining out on a normal Monday. The streets are quieter, parking lots feel oddly spacious, and every open restaurant seems to glow like a lighthouse for hungry people who forgot to plan, chose not to cook, or simply wanted a change. In 2023, the experience depended heavily on where you went. A hotel restaurant or steakhouse felt polished and festive, with families dressed up and servers balancing holiday menus like tiny edible ceremonies. A diner felt warm and practical, full of travelers, grandparents, kids in new sneakers, and people drinking coffee like it was emotional support.
The best Christmas restaurant experiences were the ones planned just enough. A reservation at Fogo de Chão, Chart House, Benihana, or a seafood restaurant made the day feel intentional rather than improvised. You walked in knowing there would be a table, a menu, and no sink full of dishes waiting at home. That alone felt luxurious. Even casual places had their own charm. At IHOP or Denny’s, pancakes on Christmas morning felt playful. Nobody needed to carve anything. Nobody asked whether the turkey was resting. The syrup arrived, and peace was restored.
Fast food had its own Christmas personality. A McDonald’s stop on Dec. 25 was not glamorous, but it was dependable in the way holiday travelers appreciate most. A burger in the car between family visits could feel oddly perfect. Domino’s or Papa Johns worked for families who wanted to stay in pajamas, watch movies, and feed everyone without turning the kitchen into a battlefield. Wings from Buffalo Wild Wings or chicken from Popeyes made the holiday feel more casual, which was exactly the point for many people.
There was also a social side to Christmas dining that people often overlook. Restaurants open on Christmas serve guests who may not have a large family gathering, people who are working, people traveling alone, and families creating new traditions. A booth, a hot meal, and a friendly server can matter more than a perfectly decorated dining room. In that sense, the best Christmas restaurant is not always the fanciest one. It is the one that is open, welcoming, and able to give you a meal that feels easy.
The main lesson from Christmas 2023 was that flexibility wins. If the first-choice restaurant was booked, the second choice might become the story everyone remembers. If dinner became pancakes, so be it. If the holiday feast came in a pizza box, congratulations, you invented a tradition with excellent cleanup. The goal was not perfection. The goal was food, comfort, and a little breathing room in the middle of a busy season.
Conclusion
Finding restaurants open on Christmas Day 2023 was all about matching expectations with reality. Many national chains closed, but plenty of select locations offered breakfast, burgers, seafood, steak, pasta, pizza, wings, tacos, coffee, and full holiday meals. The best options depended on your mood: Denny’s and IHOP for breakfast, Fogo de Chão or Chart House for a celebratory dinner, McDonald’s or Wendy’s for convenience, Domino’s for easy takeout, and Benihana for a meal with built-in entertainment.
The golden rule remains the same for any Christmas Day dining guide: verify local hours before you go. Restaurant schedules can change quickly, especially on major holidays. But with planning, patience, and maybe a backup plan involving fries, Christmas dining out can be more than a convenience. It can become the most relaxed, delicious, and unexpectedly funny part of the holiday.
