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32 Best Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in 2023

Want a traditional meal? Craving fast food? We’ve got you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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restaurants open on christmas

Christmastime is full of exciting plans and holiday traditions. As you decorate your home with festive lights and dedicate time to finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list, you may find that your social battery leaves little room for cooking up a hearty Christmas feast. But that's okay because there are a bunch of restaurants open on Christmas Day in 2023.

This year, feel free to take a load off and excuse yourself from taking on the duty of hostess with the mostest when it comes to Christmas dinner. We’ve rounded up a ton of eateries, cafés, pubs and grills that will be serving up everything from fast food to traditional holiday meals with all of the sides that you can either take to go or dine-in with your whole crew.

If you’re looking for spots that will be open on Christmas Eve as well as Christmas Day, you can count on both Dunkin’ and Starbucks to get your caffeine fix. Chains like IHOP and Cracker Barrel will also be serving up breakfast on the holiday. Don't forget: You can head over to your nearest Panda Express or Del Taco, too, or opt for a steakhouse or seafood grill like
Fogo de Chão and Chart House for something a little fancier.

That said, be sure to confirm holiday hours with your local restaurants before you head out. Otherwise, enjoy comfort food at the places listed below. Oh, and if you still have some last-minute holiday shopping to do, these stores will be open on Christmas Day.

1

Applebee's

an applebees restaurant exterior
Scott Olson

Head over to Applebee's this Christmas for some good 'ol sizzlin' skillets and Cinnabon mini swirls. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it.

2

Benihana

tepanyaki chef at benihana restaurant
Ron Bull

What's better than dinner with a show? Luckily at Benihana, you get both. Chow down on Japanese dishes prepared tableside, and try out their seasonal offerings, including the Spiced Cranberry Mojito and Hibachi Ribeye.

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3

Boston Market

boston market
Getty Images

Holidays are Boston Market's specialty and this year, they're making it even easier for you to get your grub on. While you can dine at select participating locations, Boston Market also has order pick-ups and meal deliveries available. Choose from a smorgasbord of à la carte options or go for the whole feast (with an option of prime rib, turkey or ham). If you place your order early enough, they'll even deliver to your house — what a Christmas miracle!

4

Buffalo Wild Wings

buffalo wild wings
Getty Images

Throw tradition out the window — unless your tradition is chowing down on some flavor-packed wings. You can also host your holiday party here.

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5

Burger King

a delivery man wearing a face mask seen leaving burger king
SOPA Images//Getty Images

If you want a Whopper this winter, Burger King has your back with reduced hours on Christmas Day — call ahead to your local BK location to confirm.

6

Carrabba's Italian Grill

a plate of food and wine
Carrabba's Italian Grill

Pasta, garlic bread and a good wine are in your future if you're planning to dine with Carrabba's Italian Grill. Several locations will be open on Christmas Eve and the restaurant also offers Family Bundles, which feed four people and come with bread and salad, that you can order ahead and enjoy on Christmas Day.

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7

Chart House

the entrance to the popular chart house restaurant
George Rose

Fill up on an indulgent 3-course-dinner at your local Chart House. You can select from staple Chart House favorites like New England Clam Chowder for your first course, try out a seasonal main dish like the Slow Roasted Lamb and top it all off with your choice of Cherry Cheesecake, Mini Lava Cake or Chef's Dessert.

8

Del Frisco's Grille

the entrance to del friscos grille restaurant on pennsylvania avenue
George Rose

Enjoy a late lunch or dinner on Christmas Day at Del Frisco's Grille. The restaurant features delicious steaks, sandwiches and delectable apps you'll be hooked on. While you're dining, don't forget to check out their holiday red, white and sparkling wine, or the gingerbread martini.

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9

Del Taco

del taco tacos are displayed on a table at a del taco restaurant
Justin Sullivan

It's always a good time for tacos. Get your fill on Christmas Day at Del Taco. Try out the breakfast burritos, or if you stop by for lunch, get the new Cinnamon Roll Shake.

10

Denny's

fully cooked thanksgiving dinner   denny's
Justin Sullivan//Getty Images

You can always count on Denny's to serve up a delicious holiday meal. Try their chocolate-banana pancake breakfast or decadent milkshakes.

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11

Domino's

domino's pizza christmas
Michael M. Santiago//Getty Images

Select locations of this pizza delivery chain are open on Christmas — because there's never a time when you should pass up a slice.

12

Dunkin' Donuts

dunkin storefront sign
Michael M. Santiago

Good news: You will be able to get your coffee fix on Christmas Day. Try out some of their seasonal offerings or simply purchase a box of munchkins to hold you over until dinner.

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13

Fogo de Chão

a plate of sliced pork belly
Fogo de Chao

The holidays are the best time to indulge, and that's just what you'll do with Fogo de Chão's endless selections of meats on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you're going for the Full Churrasco Experience, you can also enjoy traditional dishes like roasted turkey and au jus, sweet potato casserole, Brazilian apple and sausage dressing and cranberry relish.

14

Hardee's

hardees introduces new 1400 calorie hamburger
Erik S. Lesser//Getty Images

Hardee's wins a big yellow star for offering signature savory and sweet eats on Christmas. We're tempted to top our tree with a giant "H" for our new favorite burger spot.

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15

IHOP

an ihop restaurant serves customers
Scott Olson

Forego all of the fuss with a homemade Christmas breakfast and opt for IHOP instead. The International House Of Pancakes will be serving up all of your breakfast favorites all day long.

16

Kona Grill

kona grill at cherry creek mall
Cyrus McCrimmon

If you're up for a casual atmosphere and tasty sushi, you'll want to head over to Kona Grill. They also serve up American favorites like sliders, meatballs and prime rib, not to mention they also make a mean pumpkin pie.

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17

Legal Sea Foods

legal sea foods
George Rose//Getty Images

In the mood for fish this Christmas? Most Legal Sea Foods locations are open for Christmas and Christmas Eve.

18

Macaroni Grill

macaroni grill
Courtesy of Macaroni Grill

You can most likely get your pasta fix this Christmas at Macaroni Grill, since most locations have been open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the past — perfect for both lunch and dinner. Help yourself to a glass of vino with their Honor Wine system, a way to fill up your glass whenever you please. Reservations are recommended.

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19

McCormick & Schmick

mccormick  schmicks seafood restaurant in chicago illinois
Raymond Boyd

With their Surf 'n Turf menu, even the pickiest of eaters will find something they like at McCormick & Schmick. At certain locations, they'll be open for dinner this Christmas.

20

McDonald's

us economy retail food
JIM WATSON//Getty Images

Instead of golden rings, you might be craving golden arches! The fast food joint usually stays open on Christmas. Since each franchise is independently owned, you'll have to check with your local Mickey D's to see if you can stop by for some burgers and fries on Christmas Day.

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

Headshot of Yaa Bofah
Yaa Bofah
Editorial Fellow

Yaa Bofah is an editorial fellow at Good Housekeeping. She is a freelance illustrator and created original cover art for The Fashion Bomb Daily’s first e-book series. She enjoys supporting philanthropic endeavors and being an advocate for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

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