As Christmas approaches, many people find themselves wondering where they might grab a meal on December 25. The question comes up each year for travelers, workers, and those who simply want to skip the kitchen on the holiday. This year, the conversation has gained new attention after Texas Roadhouse confirmed all of its locations will close Christmas Day, joining a growing list of chains observing the holiday with a full shutdown.
Texas Roadhouse and Major Chains Close Doors on December 25
The decision from Texas Roadhouse follows the company’s tradition of closing all locations nationwide every Christmas. This year, the chain will shut all 736 restaurants for the full day, as confirmed by both a company spokesperson and reporting from USA Today. Texas Roadhouse is not alone. Several other sit-down and fast-casual restaurants will remain dark on December 25.
Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell, Whataburger, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Bonefish Grill, Chili’s, and First Watch will all close for the day. These companies made their plans clear in recent statements to national media. For these brands and their staff, the day is set aside for time at home.
This leaves some diners searching for options, especially in areas where local eateries may follow the same path. While almost every chain will be open on Christmas Eve, many will close early or offer reduced hours, making planning ahead even more important.
Chain Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Despite the broad wave of closures, several chains will keep at least some doors open for Christmas Day meals. IHOP confirmed its locations will open on December 25, though hours will vary. Red Lobster is also staying open, but diners are urged to check specific locations for their schedules.
Fogo de Chão plans to serve guests across the country from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas. A selection of Applebee’s restaurants will open as well, although the company warned that hours may be reduced and will differ by location.
For diners seeking something faster or more familiar, the list narrows. Many McDonald’s, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Subway restaurants may open for some portion of the day. The key detail here: hours depend almost entirely on the individual franchise or store, not the national brand. Starbucks and Dunkin’ both recommend checking their store locator apps for current hours. McDonald’s and Wendy’s encourage customers to call ahead or check online for local opening times.
Burger King and Subway also leave the decision up to franchise owners, so some locations will serve on Christmas, while others will remain closed. The only way to know for sure is to call your nearest location or check the company’s website or app.
Why So Many Restaurants Close and What Diners Should Know
For many chains, closing on Christmas is a long-standing policy. Staff get a guaranteed day off, and in most parts of the country, so do many of their customers. The pattern has become more pronounced in recent years, as more companies give workers both Christmas and Thanksgiving as paid time off.
With Texas Roadhouse and other popular choices closed, diners may see increased demand at the chains that remain open. Those who plan to eat out on Christmas should expect limited menus, longer waits, and smaller teams working. Reservations, where available, are a good idea.
Regional differences also come into play. Some cities see more restaurants open, especially where there is a tradition of dining out on Christmas. In the Akron area, for example, local outlets have published guides to restaurants with special hours or who will open for holiday meals. But even there, the options are fewer than on a normal day.
For a full breakdown of national chains and their Christmas plans, USA Today has published a detailed overview.
Looking Ahead to Christmas Day Dining
The trend toward full holiday closures among big chains shows no sign of reversing. Texas Roadhouse and many of its peers will remain dark on Christmas Day, while a smaller group of brands and independent eateries will open their doors. For those who want or need a meal out, planning and checking local information will be crucial. Each year brings small shifts, but for now, the country’s Christmas Day dining options remain limited and highly local.
