Find restaurants open on Christmas Day — from Chinese food to hotel holiday brunches and everything in between.
FIND CHRISTMAS RESTAURANTSThe beloved American Christmas tradition. Chinese restaurants are famously open on December 25th and always welcoming.
Many hotels host lavish Christmas buffets with carving stations, seafood, and classic holiday dishes.
Open 24/7, every day of the year — always a reliable fallback for Christmas morning meals.
Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Korean restaurants frequently stay open on Christmas Day.
Chinese restaurants are the most famous Christmas Day dining tradition. Denny's and Waffle House are open 24/7 including Christmas. McDonald's, Burger King, and most fast food chains stay open on Christmas with reduced hours. Hotel restaurants, casino restaurants, Indian and Thai restaurants often remain open as well.
The tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas is particularly popular among Jewish Americans but has spread broadly throughout American culture. Chinese restaurants historically stayed open on Christmas when other restaurants closed, making them the reliable option by default. The tradition became culturally embedded and is now beloved by millions of families of all backgrounds.
Many upscale restaurants and hotel restaurants host special Christmas dinners and brunches. Look for Christmas prix-fixe menus at nicer restaurants (book weeks in advance), hotel holiday brunches with carving stations, or family-style restaurants serving Christmas specials. Make reservations early as these fill up completely.