Is McDonald’s Open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2026?
Most McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. are open on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026, and many are open on Christmas Day, Friday, December 25. Hours are set by each owner, so there is no single national schedule. McDonald’s has not announced 2026 holiday hours yet, so use last year’s pattern as a guide and confirm in the app.
McDonald’s restaurants are mostly run by local franchise owners. That is why one town can have a store open late on December 25 while the next town has it closed. You can see regular items on our McDonald’s menu with prices page.
Is McDonald’s Open on Christmas?
Last year (2025), a McDonald’s spokesperson told USA TODAY that hours vary by location but most U.S. restaurants are open on holidays. News reports also described Christmas Day hours as limited at many stores. Airports, travel plazas and city locations that run 24 hours are the most likely to be open. Some suburban restaurants close for the day or shorten their hours.
So the honest answer to “is mcdonald’s open on christmas” is: probably yes, but check your own store.
McDonald’s Hours on Christmas Eve 2026
If you ask what time does McDonald’s close on Christmas Eve, the answer depends on the store. Many restaurants keep their normal schedule or close a little early so staff can get home. Drive-thru lanes often stay open later than dining rooms. Lobby service may stop earlier than the drive-thru, even on a normal day.
Is McDonald’s Open Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday. The company has not published a list of open stores for this date. Expect these patterns, based on how the holiday worked in past years:
| Date (2026) | What to expect | How sure are we |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | Most stores open, some with shorter hours | Based on 2025 company statement |
| Friday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day) | Many stores open with limited hours, some closed | Varies by franchise owner |
| Saturday, Dec 26 | Normal hours at most stores | Usual pattern |
| Friday, Jan 1, 2027 (New Year’s Day) | Open at most stores, some with limited hours | Based on 2026 reporting for last New Year’s Day |
Typical McDonald’s Hours on Christmas Day
We could not find an official list of Christmas Day hours, and we will not guess one. Store hours depend on the owner, the town and the type of location. A store inside a mall or a Walmart follows the host building’s schedule. A free-standing 24-hour store may drop the late night hours but stay open for the day. Use the McDonald’s app to see the exact open and close time for the restaurant you plan to use.
Drive-Thru, Delivery and Mobile Orders
- Drive-thru: Often the last service to close and sometimes the only one open on Christmas Day.
- Mobile order: The app only lets you order from stores that are open, which makes it a quick check.
- Delivery: Available only if the store is open and has a delivery partner working that day. Delivery areas can shrink on holidays and fees may be higher.
- Menu: Some items can sell out late in the day. The shake machine and other equipment can also be down.
Does McDonald’s Serve Breakfast on Christmas?
Breakfast follows the normal store schedule at restaurants that are open. We did not find any report of a special Christmas change, so expect the usual morning window if your store opens early. Many stores open later than normal on a holiday, which can shorten the breakfast period. Our guide to McDonald’s breakfast hours explains when breakfast usually ends and how it works.
If McDonald’s Is Closed Near You
Check a few other chains. Fast food places with drive-thru lanes are the most likely to be open. Try Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell or Waffle House, but confirm hours first. Chick-fil-A is closed on Christmas Day every year. For coffee, see Starbucks and Dunkin’, which also vary by store.
How to Check Your Store
- Open the McDonald’s app and pick your restaurant.
- Look at today’s hours and the separate drive-thru hours if shown.
- Call the store if the listing looks out of date.
- Check again on the morning of December 24 and December 25, since owners can change hours late.
Frequently asked questions
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day 2026?
Many restaurants are open on Friday, December 25, 2026, often with limited hours, but some close. Hours are set by each owner, so check the app.
What time does McDonald’s close on Christmas Eve?
It depends on the store. Many keep normal hours or close a bit early on December 24. Drive-thru often runs later than the lobby.
Are McDonald’s hours the same on Christmas as other days?
Not always. Many stores shorten hours on Christmas Day, and some open later or close earlier than usual.
Does McDonald’s deliver on Christmas?
Only if your store is open and a delivery partner is working. Check the delivery app for your address.
Does McDonald’s serve breakfast on Christmas?
Open stores follow their normal breakfast schedule as far as we found, but a late opening can shorten it.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
