You’re staring at the fridge. It’s December 24th, and the thought of cooking a massive multi-course meal feels like a chore you didn’t sign up for. Maybe you just want a steak. Not a turkey, not a ham—just a thick cut of meat and some of those salty, greasy fries.
So, you ask the golden question: is outback steakhouse open christmas eve? The short answer is yes. Usually. But there is a massive catch that has ruined many a holiday dinner plan.
While the "No Rules, Just Right" mantra applies to their seasoning, it doesn’t quite apply to their holiday operating schedule. Most locations across the country do open their doors on Christmas Eve, but they don't stay open late. If you roll up at 9:00 PM expecting a Bloomin' Onion, you’re likely going to find a dark parking lot and a "Closed" sign.
The Reality of Outback’s Christmas Eve Hours
Look, every Outback is a bit different. Some are corporate-owned; others are franchises. This means there isn't one single "Outback Law" that dictates when every kitchen closes. However, historical data and 2025-2026 trends show a very consistent pattern.
Most Outback Steakhouse locations open at their normal time—usually 11:00 AM—but they pull the plug early. We’re talking a 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM closing time.
Honestly, it makes sense. The staff wants to go home. They have families, too. If you’re planning a late-night festive feast, Outback isn’t your spot. You’ve basically got to treat it like a late lunch or a very early "linner" to be safe.
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Why the Location Matters
If your local Outback is attached to a shopping mall, you’re at the mercy of the mall’s hours. If the mall decides to boot everyone out at 6:00 PM so the janitorial staff can go home, the Outback inside is closing at 6:00 PM. Period.
On the flip side, if you're in a high-traffic tourist zone—think near the theme parks in Orlando or the Vegas strip—you might find slightly more generous hours. Even then, don't bet the house on it.
Is Outback Open on Christmas Day?
Let’s clear this up right now because people get confused every single year. If you miss the window on the 24th, can you just go on the 25th?
No.
Outback Steakhouse is almost universally closed on Christmas Day. They are one of the major chains, alongside places like Olive Garden and Bonefish Grill, that consistently gives their employees the actual holiday off.
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It’s a firm "no" for December 25th. If you need a steak that day, you're either firing up your own grill or heading to a 24-hour diner like Denny’s or IHOP, which stay open because they never really sleep.
How to Avoid a Holiday Disaster
Don't just drive there. Seriously.
The absolute best way to verify if your specific is outback steakhouse open christmas eve is to use the official "Find a Location" tool on the Outback website. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, they usually update the local listings with "Holiday Hours."
- Call them. I know, talking on the phone is the worst. But a 30-second call to the hostess desk at 2:00 PM on the 24th will save you a 20-minute drive of disappointment.
- Use the App. The Outback app is surprisingly decent for checking real-time waitlists. If the waitlist is disabled by 6:00 PM, that’s a huge red flag that they are closing early.
- Reservations (Sort of). Outback does "Pro-active Seating" or waitlist joins. On Christmas Eve, these slots fill up fast. If you have a group of six or more, you really need to call days in advance.
What’s the Vibe on Christmas Eve?
It is chaotic. Let’s be real.
Christmas Eve is one of the busiest "eating out" days of the year for casual dining. You have people who are tired of shopping, families who don't want to clean dishes before the big day, and travelers passing through.
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Expect a wait. Even if you see empty tables, keep in mind that holiday staffing can be thin. If they only have three servers who agreed to work the shift, they aren't going to seat the whole restaurant. Be kind to the person at the front—they’re the ones standing between you and that Victoria’s Filet while everyone else is at home opening presents.
Better Alternatives if They Are Closed
If you realize too late that your local spot is shuttered, you aren't totally out of luck.
- Fogo de Chão: Usually stays open later on Christmas Eve and even operates on Christmas Day.
- Ruth’s Chris: If you’re willing to spend double the money, they are almost always open for the holiday crowd.
- Applebee’s: Many locations stay open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, though it varies wildly by franchise.
Your Christmas Eve Game Plan
If you’ve decided that Outback is the move, here is your tactical plan. Aim to arrive no later than 4:30 PM. This gets you ahead of the "I give up on cooking" rush that hits around 6:00 PM.
Order the bread immediately. Get your steaks medium-rare. And for the love of all things holy, tip well. It’s Christmas Eve, and those folks are missing their own parties to bring you a Bloomin' Onion.
Check the website one last time before you leave the house. Most locations will post their final confirmed hours by December 20th. If the site says they close at 8:00 PM, assume the kitchen starts winding down at 7:30 PM.
Go to the Outback Steakhouse official website and enter your zip code. Look for the "Holiday Hours" notation next to your preferred location. If it's not there, use the click-to-call button. Confirm the last seating time, not just the closing time, to ensure you actually get a table.