Celebrity Styles
Is McDonald’s Open on Christmas Day 2025? Plus, Where Else to Grab a Holiday Bite
The holiday season is in full swing, and with Christmas Day just weeks away on Thursday, December 25, many of us are plotting out our festivities—gifts, gatherings, and, of course, grub. But if you’re dreaming of a quick drive-thru fix or a cozy diner meal amid the chaos, you’re probably wondering: Is McDonald’s open on Christmas?
The short answer? It depends on your location. McDonald’s operates as a mix of company-owned and franchise spots, so holiday hours can vary wildly. That said, a McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed to us that most U.S. restaurants will be open on Christmas Day, often with adjusted hours to keep the golden arches glowing for those last-minute cravings. Expect many spots to fire up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. for early birds and wind down by 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Drive-thrus, especially at 24-hour locations, tend to be the most reliable for holiday hauls.
Pro tip: Whip out the McDonald’s app or hit up their store locator on the website (mcdonalds.com) and punch in your ZIP code for real-time confirmation. No app? A quick call to your local spot seals the deal. And if you’re jet-setting, airport McDonald’s are usually open limited hours, like 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., for travelers on the go.
But what if Mickey D’s isn’t calling your name? Fear not—plenty of other chains are stepping up to keep hunger at bay on December 25. We’ve rounded up a handy guide to fast-food favorites and casual eats that are typically open (or closed) this Christmas. Remember, hours can shift by franchise, so double-check locally. Here’s the lowdown:
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
These spots are holiday heroes, serving up comfort food when others take the day off. Many offer festive specials like peppermint mochas or holiday pies—perfect for a non-traditional feast.
| Restaurant | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | 5-6 a.m. to 9-11 p.m. (varies) | Most open; drive-thrus busiest. Grab a McGriddle for Santa’s elves. |
| Denny’s | 24/7 | Open nationwide—diner classics like turkey dinners or Grand Slams all day. |
| Waffle House | 24/7 | The ultimate all-nighter; hash browns scattered, smothered, and covered. |
| IHOP | 6 a.m. to midnight (varies) | Pancake paradise with holiday deals; rooty-tooty fresh ‘n fruity, anyone? |
| Burger King | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (reduced) | Whoppers for the win; some spots open earlier for breakfast. |
| Wendy’s | 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. (varies) | Frostys and nuggets galore—family-friendly and frosty. |
| Dunkin’ | 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Coffee runs and donut holes; seasonal sips like the Peppermint Mocha. |
| Starbucks | 5-6 a.m. to 6-8 p.m. (varies) | Eggnog lattes and holiday cups; drive-thrus a lifesaver. |
| Arby’s | 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Meaty goodness with curly fries; brisket sandwiches for a hearty bite. |
| Chinese Takeout Spots (e.g., local joints) | Regular hours (often 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) | The unsung heroes—General Tso’s chicken is basically a Christmas tradition now. |
| Applebee’s | 11 a.m. to midnight | Neighborhood grill vibes with holiday cocktails like the Tipsy Reindeer. |
| Boston Market | 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Rotisserie chicken and sides; easy family meals to-go. |
Restaurants Closed on Christmas Day
These chains are all about family time, so they’re shutting down for the 25th. Plan ahead if they’re your go-tos!
| Restaurant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | Closed every Sunday and major holidays—polite chickens need a break. |
| Cracker Barrel | Full closure for the day; stock up on rocking chairs (and meals) on the 24th. |
| Olive Garden | Pasta paradise takes the holiday off; endless breadsticks wait for tomorrow. |
| Chipotle | Burrito bows are paused; no guac emergencies on Dec. 25. |
| Chili’s | Fajitas on hold—grab ’em for New Year’s instead. |
| Outback Steakhouse | Blooming onions bloom no more; steaks sizzle back on the 26th. |
| Red Robin | Gourmet burgers grounded for the holiday. |
| Panera Bread | Soups and salads simmer down; bakery treats resume post-gift wrap. |
| Hardee’s | Thickburgers take a holiday nap. |
| Ruth’s Chris Steak House | Upscale steaks save room for Boxing Day feasts. |
Whether you’re fueling up for a White Elephant gift swap or just dodging kitchen duty, these options have you covered. Christmas might bring new menu twists (fingers crossed for a McRib revival), but one thing’s certain: No one should go hungry on the big day. Got a hot tip on a local gem that’s open? Drop it in the comments below—we’re all ears (and stomachs).
Hours based on 2024 patterns and early 2025 announcements; always verify with the restaurant. Stay safe, eat merry, and happy holidays from the Foodie Files team!
