Which Restaurants Are Open on Christmas Eve 2026?

Most big chains are open on Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2026, but many close early, often between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Fast food, coffee shops and 24-hour diners usually stay open, and sit-down chains tend to close earlier than normal. Brands had not posted 2026 hours when this page was updated, so the times below are from last year (2025) and are a guide only. Check the app or store locator for your exact store.

Which restaurants are open on Christmas Eve 2026?

Most national chains plan to open on Christmas Eve, and the list below is based on what they did in 2025. Last year Christmas Eve fell on a Wednesday, so a Thursday in 2026 may change a few schedules. Hours are set by each location, so expect small differences.

What time do restaurants close on Christmas Eve?

Most sit-down restaurants close between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Fast food and coffee chains often keep normal or slightly shorter hours. In 2025 the common closing time for casual dining was around 8 p.m., while some upscale steakhouses stayed open later.

Which chains are open 24 hours on Christmas Eve?

Diners such as IHOP, Denny’s and Waffle House are the most likely to be open late, though not every location runs 24 hours. Some drive-thrus stay open overnight too. If you need a meal late on December 24, a diner is your best bet. For Christmas Day, see our guide to restaurants open on Christmas.

Are fast food restaurants open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, most fast food chains are open on Christmas Eve, usually with normal or slightly shorter hours. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King and Taco Bell all kept their doors open in past years, but hours depend on the franchise owner. Look at the Wendy’s menu or Burger King menu and check the app before you drive. Our late night fast food guide can help if you need food after dark.

Are coffee shops open on Christmas Eve?

Starbucks and Dunkin’ are open on Christmas Eve, but many stores close earlier than usual. Drive-thru and mall stores may differ most. Use the app to see the last order time. Our Starbucks Christmas hours page has more detail, and the Dunkin’ menu lists what is served.

Do I need a reservation on Christmas Eve?

A reservation is smart for sit-down and steakhouse dining on December 24. Places such as Fogo de Chao, Morton’s and Ruth’s Chris listed Christmas Eve service in 2025 and took bookings. Walk-in waits can be long between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fast food and diners do not need a reservation.

Why do Christmas Eve hours change so much?

Hours change because each store decides how long to stay open for staff to get home. Company-owned restaurants often follow one holiday schedule, while franchise owners set their own. This is why two stores of the same brand can close at different times. The same is true for grocery and delivery pick-up, so plan food runs for the morning. When you check, look for a line that says “holiday hours” in the app, and note whether the time is for dine-in, drive-thru or both.

Which restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve?

Very few national chains close for the full day on December 24, but some small and local places do. Mall food courts and office-area restaurants may close early or stay shut. Some locations of Bob Evans, Hooters and other chains open on Christmas Eve but close on Christmas Day, as they did in 2025. If a place is not listed here, call the store before you travel.

Tips for eating out on Christmas Eve

• Check the app or call the store the day before.
• Eat early, since many places stop seating by 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.
• Expect a holiday menu or limited menu at some chains.
• Book ahead for groups of four or more.
• Keep a backup plan, such as a diner or grocery deli.

If you plan to stay home, our guide to holiday dinner to go shows how takeout feasts work. Hours listed here come from last year, so always confirm your local store.

Frequently asked questions

What restaurants are open on Christmas Eve 2026?

Most major chains are expected to open on Thursday, December 24, 2026, based on 2025 hours. Applebee’s, Outback, Olive Garden, Chili’s, IHOP, Denny’s, Waffle House, McDonald’s and Starbucks were all open last year. Brands had not posted 2026 hours yet, so check the app.

What time do restaurants close on Christmas Eve?

Most casual dining restaurants close between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. In 2025, Applebee’s and Outback closed at 8 p.m., Cracker Barrel at 2 p.m. and Fogo de Chao at 9:30 p.m. Hours are set by each store.

Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, McDonald’s was open on Christmas Eve in 2025, with hours that vary by location. Use the McDonald’s app locator to see your store’s 2026 hours.

Is Starbucks open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, Starbucks was open on Christmas Eve in 2025, though many stores close earlier than normal. Check the Starbucks app for your store’s last order time.

Is Cracker Barrel open on Christmas Eve?

Cracker Barrel was open on Christmas Eve 2025 until 2 p.m. and closed on Christmas Day. Check the store page for 2026 hours.

Which restaurants are open 24 hours on Christmas Eve?

IHOP, Denny’s and Waffle House are the most likely, although hours vary by location. Not every site is 24 hours, so confirm with the store.

Are restaurants open on Christmas Eve night?

Some are, but many close by 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. Diners, some steakhouses and a few fast food drive-thrus stay open later. Check the app first.

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.