You're hungry. Maybe the turkey burned, or maybe you just can't deal with another pile of dishes. Whatever the reason, you're staring at a quiet street wondering if anything is actually heating up a grill. Honestly, finding out what restaurants are open today on christmas feels like a high-stakes scavenger hunt. Most of the world has hit the "off" switch, but if you know where to look, you aren't stuck with a protein bar and a prayer.
Here is the thing: "Open" is a relative term today.
The 24/7 Legends That Never Blink
Some places literally do not have locks on their doors. If you want a meal without the stress of checking a hundred apps, these are your safest bets.
Waffle House is the undisputed champion here. They are open. They are always open. Whether it’s a hurricane or Christmas morning, you can get a T-bone steak and eggs at 3:00 AM or 3:00 PM. It’s basically a civic duty for them at this point.
Denny's and IHOP usually follow suit. They lean heavily into the "we are here for the travelers" vibe. Most Denny’s locations stay open 24/7, though a few franchised spots might get weird with their hours if they’re short-staffed. IHOP is almost always flipping pancakes, but I’ve seen some close early in smaller towns, so maybe don’t drive forty miles without a quick Google Maps check.
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Fast Food: It’s a Toss-Up
This is where it gets tricky. People assume McDonald’s is open because it’s everywhere, but that’s a trap.
- McDonald’s: A huge chunk of these are franchised. That means the owner decides. If it’s in a busy city or attached to a gas station, you’re probably good. If it’s a standalone in the suburbs? Probably dark.
- Starbucks: You need that caffeine hit to deal with the relatives. Most corporate stores in high-traffic areas (airports, downtown hubs) will open, but usually with "holiday hours"—think 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Dunkin’: Very similar to Starbucks. Many stay open to catch the morning crowd, but don’t expect to grab a dozen donuts at 8:00 PM.
- Wendy’s & Burger King: These are wildly inconsistent. Some owners stay open to catch the "I’m sick of ham" crowd, while others let their staff stay home. Check the app. Seriously.
Sit-Down Dining and the Steakhouse Saved
If you’re looking for a "real" meal that doesn't come in a paper bag, you actually have some upscale options. It turns out steak and Christmas go together quite well.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Morton’s The Steakhouse usually keep their lights on. They know people want a celebratory meal without the four-hour cleanup. These places almost always require reservations, and by "today," those reservations might be gone. But hey, it’s worth a phone call for a cancellation.
Fogo de Chão is another big one. If you want to eat your weight in fire-roasted meats while the rest of the world is eating dry leftovers, they’ve got you covered. They typically run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
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Red Lobster and Applebee’s are hit or miss. Historically, select Applebee’s locations have stayed open, but it’s definitely not a company-wide mandate. Red Lobster has been more consistent lately about staying open for the holiday, but their hours are almost always reduced.
The "Hidden" Gems: Chinese and Hotel Dining
There is a long-standing tradition of Chinese restaurants staying open on December 25th. It’s a classic move. These local spots are often the heartbeat of Christmas dining for anyone not celebrating the traditional way. If the chains are failing you, pull up Yelp and look for your local Szechuan or Cantonese spot. They are usually the most reliable "Plan B" in existence.
Also, don't forget hotel restaurants. If there’s a Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt in your city, their internal restaurant is almost certainly serving food. They have guests to feed who can't exactly cook in their rooms. It might be a pricey buffet, but it will be open.
Why Hours Are So Weird This Year
Look, 2026 hasn't been easy on the service industry. Labor shortages are still a thing, and many managers are choosing to close just to give their skeletal crews a break.
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Even if a website says a place is open, call first. I cannot stress this enough. An automated listing on a search engine doesn't know that the manager at your local Arby’s decided to close at noon because nobody could come in.
Finding What Restaurants Are Open Today on Christmas: Pro Tips
- Use the Chain’s Own App: Google Maps is great, but the actual McDonald’s or Starbucks app is usually updated by the store manager directly. It’s more accurate for real-time closures.
- Target Travel Hubs: If you live near an airport or a major interstate, those restaurants are five times more likely to be open. Travelers don't stop moving just because it’s a holiday.
- Check Social Media: Local "Mom and Pop" shops often post their holiday hours on Instagram or Facebook a few days before.
- Gas Station Kitchens: Places like Sheetz, Wawa, or 7-Eleven have actually decent food these days. If it's 9:00 PM and you're desperate, a Wawa sub is a legitimate Christmas miracle.
Your Immediate Action Plan
Stop guessing and start confirming. If you are determined to eat out today, your first move should be checking the store locator on the official website of the brand you're craving. If that shows "open," your second move is a 30-second phone call to the actual location.
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Most places that are open today will close early, often between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, so if you’re planning a late dinner, your options shrink significantly. Stick to the 24-hour diners if you’re a night owl. Fill up the tank, grab your wallet, and maybe leave an extra-large tip for the folks working today—they’re the ones making sure you don't have to eat cereal for Christmas dinner.
Go verify that local IHOP or Waffle House status right now before the mid-day rush hits.