Popular Italian restaurant chain Olive Garden has confirmed it will shut down all its 900 locations across the United States on both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day this year. The decision, part of the company's annual tradition, aims to allow employees to celebrate the holidays with their families.
Complete Shutdown for Family Time
Olive Garden restaurants will remain closed for 24 hours on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day at all their nationwide locations. The company officially stated on its website that this closure policy enables team members to spend quality time with their loved ones during these important family-oriented holidays.
The casual dining chain did note that holiday hours might vary for locations in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international markets. Additionally, depending on business volume on the eve of these holidays, some restaurants might close earlier than usual, with the decision left to local management's discretion.
Other Restaurant Chains Following Similar Pattern
Olive Garden isn't alone in this holiday closure policy. Several other major restaurant chains including LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse will also shut their doors on Thanksgiving Day as part of their standard operating procedure.
However, not all dining establishments are following this trend. Cracker Barrel has confirmed it will remain open on Thanksgiving Day, serving traditional holiday meals starting from 11 AM as per their normal schedule.
Comprehensive List of Open and Closed Establishments
For those planning their holiday meals and shopping, here's a quick guide to what will be available:
Restaurants remaining open on Thanksgiving: Capital Grille, Eddie V's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, Fogo de Chao, IHOP, Maggiano's Little Italy, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Seasons 52, Waffle House, and Yard House.
Major retail stores closed on Thanksgiving: JCPenney, Costco, Kohl's, Aldi, American Girl, At Home, Barnes and Noble, Belk, Best Buy, BJs Wholesale Club, Burlington Coat Factory, The Home Depot, HomeGoods, Ikea, Lidl, Lowe's, Marshall's, Mattress Firm, Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Paragon Sports, Patagonia, P.C. Richard & Son, Petco, PetSmart, Target, Think Geek, TJ Maxx, Trader Joe's, Ulta, and Walmart.
Thanksgiving in the United States falls on the fourth Thursday of November, making November 27, 2025, the date when these closures will take effect. All Olive Garden locations are expected to reopen the day after each holiday, returning to their regular operating schedules.
