Large family gatherings and Christmas Eve and Christmas party cooking are not always the tradition of every family. An increasing number of Americans prefer the uncomplicated tradition of dining at restaurants on December 24 and 25.
The largest restaurant chains in the US often have late opening and closing hours on holidays, so it’s smart to know what time you’re early. You can call your local favorite spot to be sure, but this list will offer some guidance. Note that the hours of some franchise restaurants depend on the whims and wishes of their owners, another reason to call ahead. But this list can give you an idea of what to expect.
The effect of holidays on the restaurant business
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are not the top revenue-generating holidays for the restaurant industry as a whole, according to the National Restaurant Association. But that tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy because a significant number of restaurants choose to close or operate shorter hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas, or both.
According to a survey by Nation’s Restaurant News, only about 10 percent of Americans eat outside on Christmas Eve, and that number drops further to 6 percent on Christmas Day. Compare that to the 44 percent who typically eat and drink at a restaurant on New Year’s Eve, and the 28 percent who rely on restaurants to help them overcome their hangover each year. It’s easy to see why restaurant openings on Christmas Day don’t seem like such a smart retail marketing idea.
Chain restaurants like Olive Garden, Pizza Hut, and even McDonald’s generally close before 8:00 p.m. M. On major holidays, if they are open. That leaves only 24/7 chain restaurants like Denny’s, IHOP, and Waffle House as Christmas restaurant options. There’s nothing wrong with eating a Christmas meal at any of these open restaurants, but these limited options are part of the reason diners tend to stay home and attack their own refrigerators this holiday season.
Still, based on Nation’s Restaurant News restaurant surveys and when you do the math, you’ll find that even the small percentage of consumers who dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day works for roughly 50 million people who are actively looking for a restaurant. somewhere to prepare and serve them at least one meal these days.
Christmas Eve and Christmas 2018 restaurant hours
The list is organized in alphabetical order so that you can easily find your favorite.
Applebee’s : Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although hours may be shortened.
Baker’s Square – Most are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Benihana: Most are closed on Christmas Day, but are open on Christmas Eve, although the hours may be shortened.
Bob Evans Restaurants : Most of these are usually closed on Christmas Day, but are open on Christmas Eve.
Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouse: the Most of them are usually closed on Christmas Day, but are open on Christmas Eve.
Bonefish Grill – Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although hours may be shortened.
Boston Market – Many Boston Market stores are open on Christmas Day. Check the website for a list of open markets.
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurants : Normal hours are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, but the chain does not have a standard holiday hours policy, so call ahead. They often prepare pre-orders to bring holiday meals.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although the hours may be shortened.
Corner Bakery: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Old Country Buffet: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Cracker Barrel: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Of the Taco: Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Denny’s – Most are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse – Most are closed on Christmas Day but open on Christmas Eve, although hours may be shortened.
Golden Corral: Most Golden Corral restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.
HomeTown Buffet : Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Hooters – Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although hours may be shortened.
Hurricane Grill & Wings: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although the hours may be shortened.
IHOP: the most are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Jack in the Box: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
McDonald’s: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
Olive Garden: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although the hours may be shortened.
Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut is generally closed on Christmas Day, but hours vary by location.
Starbucks: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve, although the hours may be shortened.
Steak ‘n Shake: the Most are closed on Christmas Day but are open on Christmas Eve.
TGI Friday’s: this chain is closed on Christmas Day, but is normally open on Christmas Eve.
Waffle House: Most are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
