As festive preparations reach their peak across the United States, a common question arises for many families and individuals: where to find a meal during the Christmas holidays? With Christmas Eve falling on Wednesday, December 24, and Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, 2025, numerous dining establishments adjust their schedules, making advance planning crucial for anyone looking to dine out or order in.
Major Chains and Their Holiday Schedules
Operating hours during the festive period vary significantly between chains and even between individual franchise locations. While Christmas Eve often sees reduced or location-specific hours, Christmas Day closures are far more widespread. However, some reliable options remain available for those in need of a holiday meal or a coffee fix.
McDonald's and Waffle House are among the most dependable, with most locations staying open on both days, though franchise owners set the final hours. True to its reputation, Waffle House plans to remain open 365 days a year. Dunkin' will also welcome customers on Christmas Day 2025, serving coffee and seasonal doughnuts, with many stores operating between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., albeit with possible reductions.
Restaurants with Modified Hours or Closures
Several popular chains have announced modified schedules. Applebee's will be open at select locations on both days, but with potentially reduced hours. Burger King and Subway outlets will have highly variable schedules, with some open and others closed, heavily dependent on local franchise decisions.
In contrast, some chains are implementing full closures to allow staff to celebrate. Chick-fil-A will uphold its tradition of closing all restaurants across the US on Christmas Day, though it will operate with limited hours on Christmas Eve. Similarly, Taco Bell and Panera Bread will serve customers on December 24 but will be closed on December 25.
Essential Tips for Holiday Dining
The universal advice from all restaurants and industry experts is to confirm holiday hours with your local outlet before heading out. Relying on standard operating hours can lead to inconvenience. The most efficient methods for checking include:
- Using the official store locator or restaurant finder on the company's website.
- Checking the brand's dedicated mobile application, if available.
- Calling the specific restaurant location directly.
This proactive step is the best way to ensure your holiday dining plans proceed smoothly, whether you're looking for a full Christmas meal or just a quick snack and drink during the celebrations.
