Best Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2026
Not everyone wants to spend Christmas Day in the kitchen. Whether you're traveling, skipping the cooking this year, or carrying on a cherished tradition, there are more options for eating out on December 25th than most people realize — if you know where to look and book early.
Why Many Restaurants Stay Open on Christmas
Christmas is a federal holiday but not a universal cultural one. Many restaurant owners from Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and other backgrounds don't observe December 25th as a significant personal holiday, so their restaurants stay open as a normal business day. Hotels and resorts stay open because their guests need to eat. And in major cities, enough demand exists to make it profitable even for non-observant owners of any background.
Types of Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
Chinese Restaurants
The most reliable category. Chinese restaurants in virtually every American city are open on Christmas Day, and many do their biggest business of the year. The tradition of Jewish Americans and others eating Chinese food on Christmas is a century-old New York City phenomenon that has since spread nationwide. Expect long waits if you don't have a reservation — the combination of high demand and loyal tradition means these restaurants are packed. Book ahead or arrive right when they open.
Other Asian Cuisines
Japanese ramen shops, sushi restaurants, Thai and Vietnamese restaurants, Korean BBQ spots, and Indian restaurants are also very likely to be open on Christmas. The same dynamics apply — the owners typically don't observe the holiday, and demand from people who don't cook or are traveling is high. Indian restaurants in particular are a fantastic choice: they often run special Christmas buffets at excellent value.
Hotel Restaurants and Brunch Buffets
Hotel restaurants never close — their guests need to eat regardless of the calendar. Many hotels run elaborate Christmas Day brunch buffets ($60–$150 per person) featuring prime rib, seafood, carved stations, and dessert spreads. These brunch events are popular with families who want a special but low-stress experience. Book two to three months in advance at top-rated hotels; these fill up fast.
Upscale Restaurants with Prix Fixe Seatings
Many fine dining restaurants that would normally be closed on Christmas specifically open for the holiday with a curated multi-course prix fixe menu. Prices run $80–$200 per person. Search OpenTable or Resy for "Christmas dinner" in your city to find participating restaurants. This is an exceptional option for a celebratory meal — kitchens that choose to open Christmas are usually doing something special.
Fast Food and Chain Restaurants
Most major fast food chains remain open on Christmas, though hours may be reduced. McDonald's, Denny's, IHOP, Waffle House, and similar 24-hour or breakfast-focused chains are reliable fallbacks. Waffle House, famously, never closes. For families with kids who want a no-fuss meal, chain restaurants offer consistency without the reservation scramble.
Tips for Finding Open Restaurants
- Use Google Maps filters: Search "restaurants near me" on December 25th and look for the "Open now" filter or check individual listings for holiday hours.
- Call to confirm: Even restaurants that say they're open may have reduced hours or limited menus. A quick call saves a wasted trip.
- Check OpenTable and Resy: These platforms show available Christmas Day reservations. If a slot is bookable, the restaurant is open.
- Order delivery: Many restaurants that can't accommodate dine-in on Christmas still offer delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.
How Far Ahead to Book
For hotel brunches and upscale prix fixe restaurants: book by October — many sell out. For popular Chinese or Asian restaurants: book 4–6 weeks ahead if they take reservations (many don't and are walk-in only — in that case, arrive at opening). For chain restaurants: no reservation needed, but expect waits on Christmas afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are open on Christmas Day?
Chinese restaurants, hotel restaurants, Asian cuisine spots, most fast food chains, and upscale restaurants with special Christmas prix fixe seatings are your best options. Call ahead or check Google Maps to verify specific hours for December 25th.
Why are Chinese restaurants open on Christmas?
Chinese-American restaurant owners typically don't observe Christmas as a religious or cultural holiday, so December 25th is a regular business day. The tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas is a beloved American custom dating back over a century, particularly in cities like New York.
Should I make reservations for Christmas dinner?
Yes, always. Restaurants open on Christmas are serving an unusually large share of their city's population. Book as early as possible — November at the latest for upscale spots. Even casual restaurants can be overwhelmed on December 25th.
What if I can't find an open restaurant?
Check food delivery apps — many restaurants that close for dine-in still fulfill delivery orders. Upscale grocery stores like Whole Foods often sell prepared holiday meals. In a pinch, Waffle House is famously open 365 days a year.