After a whole holiday season of cooking and hosting, you just might be too tired to cook and host by the time Christmas Day arrives. From intimate feasts to more elaborate buffets, there’s surely somewhere on this list that can match whatever type of celebration you like. It’s still early, so many restaurants haven’t announced their official 2019 Christmas or holiday menus yet, so check back as we update with more restaurants and more details.
And remember to call and confirm your local restaurant’s holiday hours before heading out. Often time, hours can vary by franchise location.
Restaurants open on Christmas 2019:
Benihana
Throw tradition out the window, and head to Benihana where you can catch shrimp in your mouth and watch your meal cooked right in front of you. Select locations will be open on Christmas Day, so be sure to call ahead.
Boston Market
Who better to bake and cook your holiday dinner than the people who bake ham and turkey all year long? Select participating locations are available for dine-in so call ahead if you’re interested, but most locations have pick-up available. Choose from all of your favorite Boston Market favorites sides along with having the option of prime rib, turkey, or ham. And bonus: Place you order early enough and they’ll deliver it to your house on Christmas Day.
Buca di Beppo
Enjoy a merry family-style Christmas at Buca di Beppo. Make your reservations for dine-in on Dec. 25. Restaurants will open at 11 a.m. Buca is also available for catering and hosting holiday parties.
Buffalo Wild Wings
If its beer and wings that makes you most jolly, treat yourself to your happiest of holidays at Buffalo Wild Wings. Call ahead to make sure your nearest location is open.
Chart House
Enjoy fantastic views, food, and service at the Chart House this holiday. Most locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for Cherish the Cheer, a feast for up to 20 people featuring their signature menu including fresh seafood, craft cocktails, prime rib, and more.
Cracker Barrel
(Place orders for take-out only)
Have a down home kind of Christmas with the Cracker Barrel. Restaurants will be closed, but you can place your order online and pick up one or two days before Christmas. It’s the best of both worlds — a holiday at home, without the cooking! Choose from delicious menu items like ham, Crack Barrel’s famous side s, and pies.
Denny’s
When you’re in need of a delicious meal Denny’s never lets you down. Denny’s will be open all day whether you need a decadent Christmas morning chocolate-banana pancake stack, a pick-me-up midday milkshake, or a delicious diner-style holiday dinner.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Select Fleming’s Steakhouse restaurants will be open on Christmas and Christmas Eve, though hours will vary by location.
Huddle House
Huddle House will be serving its signature “Big House” meals and will be open 24 hours on Christmas Day.
IHOP
A big breakfast is what you need to get you through the long day. IHOP locations will be open, but some may close early on Christmas, so call ahead before you head out later in the day.
Legal Seafood
If a seafood feast sounds perfect, Legal Seafood might be a good fit for your Christmas dinner. Most Legal Seafood locations were open last year, and they have a special Thanksgiving meal planned, so it’s expected that Legal Seafood will be open for Christmas 2019. (We’ll update once the restaurant announces its menu and hours.)
Macaroni Grill
Most Macaroni Grill locations have been open in the past for Christmas from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., so we’re anticipating their return for lunch and dinner on the big day. Reservations are recommended.
Marie Callender’s Restaurant & Bakery
Enjoy a special limited three-course menu on Christmas at Marie Callender’s. All locations will be open Christmas Eve and most will be open on Christmas Day. Hours may vary so call ahead to your nearest location.
McCormick & Schmick’s
If Surf ‘n Turf is your style, you’ll be happy to know McCormick & Schmick’s will be open for dinner this Christmas, at certain locations. Reservations highly recommended.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s restaurants are usually open on Christmas, but since each franchise is independently owned, it’s best to check with your local Mickey D’s before heading out.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Celebrate the holiday with sparkling cocktails and sizzling steaks on Christmas Day. Reservations recommended.
Old Country Buffet
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat meal at Old Country Buffet this Christmas. Restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. so you can stuff yourself for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Perkins
All Perkins Restaurant & Bakery locations will be open on Christmas Eve (though with possible varying hours), and most will be open on Christmas Day (again, with possible varying hours). It’s best to call your nearest location ahead of time to be sure.
Ruby Tuesday
Most Ruby Tuesday locations will be closed on Christmas Day, but they will be open on Christmas Eve in case it’s the night before you celebrate most.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Reserve your table at Ruth’s Chris Steak House for a hearty holiday dinner with friends and family. The restaurant is ready to host your group — no matter how large or small — on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Sonic
Most Sonic Drive-Ins are franchised and therefore set their own schedules, but most will be open for Christmas and New Years.
Smith & Wollensky
All restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (check your location’s hours).
Starbucks
Up late wrapping gifts from Santa? Or maybe out late celebrating the holiday with friends. Either way, Starbucks will be there for you Christmas morning with a hot cup of joe and a caffeine jolt. Try its holiday flavors: Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée, and Toasted White Chocolate Mocha. Most Starbucks locations will be open in the morning and close sometime mid-afternoon.
Waffle House
Waffle House is always open 24/7, every day of the year. Christmas is no exception. Whether you want a big plate of waffles before diving into that stack of toys under the tree, or a breakfast-for-dinner holiday feast, Waffle House locations are open.
Also see, 3 fun ways to fold napkins for your holiday table.
