31 restaurants open on Christmas for a stress-free holiday
It's the most wonderful time of the year — but the stress of the season might leaving you exhausted with no desire to feed the family after all the prep work.
The good news? There are enough restaurants open on Christmas to give even those on Santa's "naughty" list plenty of options.
Whether you are seeking a quick bite to eat or would prefer a sit-down restaurant that offers all the trimmings of a large Christmas meal, there is an establishment open to meet your needs.
31 Restaurants Open On Christmas
We’ve all had our fair share of chopping, dicing, peeling and prepping after Thanksgiving, so there’s no shame in ordering your Christmas dinner (or breakfast or lunch) at one of these national eateries.
Huddle House
If all-day breakfast sounds like a win to your family, Huddle House might be the best spot to enjoy a meal this Christmas. Don't worry: Entrées like a crispy chicken sandwich and chopped steak with masked potatoes are available for the crowd who isn't interested in pancakes for dinner. Be sure to check your location's hours before leaving home.
Village Inn
Christmas pie — and a hot meal — for the whole family will be available at select Village Inn locations across the country. Sit down for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner and enjoy everything from omelettes with hash browns to burgers. And don't miss a slice of French silk pie!
Ambar
Schedule Christmas Day brunch at Ambar this year and enjoy Balkan cuisine like Sudzuk beef flatbread, potato hash or charcuterie. The all-you-can-eat brunch costs $34.99 per person, and guests can pay an additional $8.99 to enjoy unlimited selected cocktails.
Shoney's
Treat your whole family to a hot meal with no dishes to deal with afterward at Shoney's this year. Get all your homestyle holiday favorites — think macaroni and cheese and roasted turkey — at an "All-You-Care-to-Eat" food bar at select locations.
McDonald's
Grab a couple burgers with extra fries this holiday. Select McDonald's locations will be open Christmas Day, so be sure to check the hours of your local golden arches before getting on the road.
Dunkin' Donuts
Doughnuts on Christmas ... why not? Start your Christmas morning the right way with a dozen doughnuts and some hot coffee. Most Dunkin' Donuts locations are open on Christmas Day.
Serafina
Serafina is open 365 days per year — and Christmas is no exception. Starting Saturday, Dec. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 25, certain Serafina locations will be offering festive courses like potato leek soup, mussels, lobster taglioni and branzino.
Red Lobster
Select Red Lobster locations will be open on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, for dine-in and to-go options. A representative for the restaurant chain tells TODAY.com that guests can see which locations will be open along with the hours of operation here.
Bar Louie
This Christmas, Bar Louie is open and ready to greet you with open arms and delicious gastrobar fare — think fried pickles and flatbreads. The chain has more than 70 locations nationwide, so be sure to check your local bar's hours of operation for the day.
Golden Corral
According to a representative for the nationwide restaurant chain, all Golden Corral Restaurants hours will vary by location on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. "We are asking guest to check the website by mid-December or call your local Golden Corral," the rep tells TODAY.com.
The Finch
Pasta, pizza and sandwiches ... oh my! Guests can get it all at The Finch this Christmas. The full menu will be available on Christmas Day, and reservations are recommended.
Morton's Steakhouse
If a prime cut is on everyone's list, make a reservation at the nearest Morton's Steakhouse. Hours and availability vary by location.
Hard Rock Cafe
If you would rather rock around the Christmas tree than the kitchen, check your the hours for your nearest Hard Rock Cafe this Christmas. Nothing says holiday spirit quite like a hamburger, fries and no cleanup.
Macaroni Grill
If pasta is on your Christmas list this year, Macaroni Grill is serving up a full spread this year. Open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, guests can enjoy Italian classics like chicken Marsala and lasagna Bolognese.
Fogo de Chão
With more than 50 restaurants nationwide, Fogo de Chão is offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals at most locations. Be sure to check the hours of your nearest location if a Brazilian steakhouse-inspired menu is at the top of your wishlist.
Chart House
This year, make a reservation at Chart House for a three-course meal that includes a soup or salad starter and main course dishes like roasted lamb, prime rib or surf and turf.
Del Frisco's Grille
Jingle all the way to your nearest Del Frisco's Grille for a holiday meal that is sure to delight. The restaurant chain is offering diners a three-course prix-fixe menu, which includes its signature prime rib.
Applebee’s
You can be eatin’ good in the neighborhood at select Applebee’s locations this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local restaurant as hours may vary.
Benihana
If hibachi sounds like a fun alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner, you’re in luck! Contact the location nearest you for reservations.
Ruth's Chris
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Ruth's Chris will offer patrons a full holiday spread. According to the restaurant chain's website, offerings will include the classic steakhouse menu, as well as prix-fixe menus that include steak and lobster tail.
Denny’s
With most locations open 24/7 and holidays, Denny’s is an easy choice for a Christmas Day meal.
Boston Market
Many locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so leave the carved meats to the pros, sit back and enjoy your day.
Domino’s
If you’ve got a pizza craving on Christmas, check your local Domino’s to see if they are open. Most are independently owned, so hours may vary.
Kona Grill
Kona Grill, favored for its menu of contemporary American favorites and sushi, will be celebrating on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at all locations nationwide, a representative for the restaurant confirms to TODAY.com. Menu items will include honey glazed ham and macadamia nut turkey.
Waffle House
The 24/7/365 chain is an easy choice for a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meal. After all, waffles are a good way to kick off any holiday.
STK Steakhouse
This famed steakhouse chain will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to help guests satisfy their holiday hunger. Look out for a roasted prime rib dinner special, featuring confit fingerling potatoes, green beans and black truffle madeira sauce.
IHOP
If starting the holiday means eating a big plate of pancakes, IHOP is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Just double check the hours at your nearest location.
Parker & Quinn
The NYC-based Parker & Quinn will be open for a 2022 Christmas dinner. A representative for the restaurant tells TODAY.com that a three-course specialty prix-fixe meal will be served for $65 per person. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Eddie Merlot's
If surf and turf is on the brain this holiday, plan to go to Eddie Merlot's locations to get your fix. Open Christmas Eve from 3 to 9 p.m. and Christmas Day from 12 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy steak and lobster combos, as well pan-seared double-bone elk chops and smoked lamb chops.
The Wilson
Head to The Wilson New York or The Wilson Orlando for a three-course prix-fixe menu. The restaurant states, "Our thoughtful menu includes perfect Christmas options for both adults and children."
McDonald's
The golden arches may just be your golden ticket for an easy meal this holiday. While not all locations are guaranteed open on Christmas Day, there's a good chance one nearby will have the lights on and a hot burger waiting.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
