Don't Want to Cook? Check Out These Restaurants Open On Christmas Day
Don't Want to Cook? Check Out These Restaurants Open On Christmas Day
As you start preparing for the holiday season, you're most likely adjusting the way you celebrate, thanks to the stark reality that is COVID-19 And while it simply stinks not being able to partake in your yearly Christmas fun or celebrate with relatives, you can take it as a chance to create new traditions, like going out for Christmas dinner instead of dining in. This year, skip slaving away in the kitchen and order in from or go out to one of the many restaurants open on Christmas. After all, if there were ever a year to switch things up, it's this year, when change has been ever constant.
Not only do you get the benefit of not having to cook or clean-up if you go out on Christmas Day, but you can usually still get a full-course Christmas dinner that tastes delicious and doesn't hurt your wallet. And with all of the restaurants on this list following strict COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, it's a chance to get out of the house and still be safe. Whether you're looking for a traditional steak or ham dinner, or want something simple like pizza or tacos, this list has a restaurant for whatever you're craving, so you aren't at a loss wondering where to eat on Christmas.
Before you start planning your holiday dinner, just make sure to call and confirm availability, since most on this list require reservations, and triple-check restaurant hours, since not all locations may be open. And as always, if you aren't comfortable going out, many of these restaurants do take-out, so you can get a delicious Christmas dinner at home without lifting a finger.
Del Frisco's
Enjoy dishes like filet, lobster tails, and prime rib either in-house or at home via a take-out option from Del Frisco's Grille. Open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., you can score a delicious sit-down dinner at the best time that works for you.
Del Taco
Tacos for Christmas dinner? Heck yes! Although the chain will be open, call ahead to make sure that your local store isn't one of the few that is closed this holiday season.
Smith & Wollensky
Book a table at "America's Steakhouse" on Christmas Eve or Day, and New Year's Eve or Day as well. You get to dine on delicious steak, without any of the meal prep or clean up. Win-win! Just call ahead to confirm hours in case there is a last-minute closing.
Domino's Pizza
Who needs a big, fancy feast when there's pizza? Although pizza might not be everyone's first thought for Christmas dinner, who can resist a hot, gooey slice of Domino's come Christmas Day? Most Domino's are open on the major holiday, so you can enjoy a hearty slice of pizza.
Benihana
If your favorite episode of The Office is "A Benihana Christmas" you can relive it yourself this year. Benihana is open for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Day.
Buca di Beppo
With locations across 25 states, Buca di Beppo is a great spot for your Christmas feast. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a tasty family-style Italian meal on Christmas Eve from 11am until 10pm or Christmas Day, from 11am until 9pm. You can even ring in the New Year at Buca as well, since they are open on New Year's Eve and Day from 11am to 10pm as well.
Hard Rock Cafe
Enjoy a meal surrounded by rock and roll memorabilia. Most Hard Rock locations are open on Christmas Day until 11 p.m., just make sure to double check with your local restaurant. Hours may vary.
Planet Hollywood
If you're looking for a fun meal out in L.A., New York City, Las Vegas or Orlando, Planet Hollywood will be open for business. Again, hours vary between location, so call ahead and make sure the chain is open.
Denny's
Denny's has been open on Christmas Day for the past seven years, so we don't expect this holiday season to be any different. December 25 is actually one of the busiest days of the year for the diner, according to a 2016 press release. You can even order ahead and do takeout so you get a tasty breakfast right at home.
Morton's Steakhouse
Not only is Morton's Steakhouse open on Christmas Day, but the restaurant encourages families to make a holiday tradition of celebrating at one of their locations — just make sure you have reservations, since seating will be limited due to limited capacity from COVID-19 restriction. And, if you want to stay in this holiday season, you can even order to-go ahead of time so you can have a delicious Christmas meal without spending the entire day slaving away in the kitchen.
Dunkin'
Whether you prefer your coffee hot or iced, you'll definitely be able to grab a cup plus a box of munchkins at most Dunkin' locations on December 24th and 25th. Just make sure to call and check with your local store since hours may vary.
Waffle House
If you can't go a day without eggs, bacon, and grits, Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — yep, even Christmas Day.
Starbucks
When you need some caffeine to power through the Christmas dinner cooking, stop by Starbucks for a cup. But before heading on over, triple check their store locator for the holiday hours of your local spot since not all Starbucks will be open on December 25th.
IHOP
Move over, coffee cake — fluffy, buttery, warm flapjacks are one of the best ways to start Christmas day off after opening up presents. If you agree, IHOP will be waiting to whip up your favorite breakfast.
McDonald's
Who says burgers aren't festive? According to its website, a handful of McDonald's chains will be open on Christmas day, although you'll have to check their store locator to see if your local restaurant is one of them.
Boston Market
Boston Market is best known for its rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, and overall yummy comfort food. On Christmas, they typically offer a special Christmas Day Menu, though it's best to review their store locator to find out if your local restaurant will be open, since not all locations will be. You can also order ahead and pickup dinner if you aren't comfortable going to the chain, even with restrictions and safety measures in place.
McCormick & Schmick's
The next time you get a hankering for fresh seafood or surf and turf on Christmas, make a reservation at McCormick & Schmick's to get some delicious seared ahi tuna, mahi mahi, or Chesapeake buttermilk fried shrimp.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Craving wings? Stop by select Buffalo Wild Wings locations for some spicy goodness. Juut make sure you find out when the restaurant's reduced holiday hours are by checking the online store locator.
Panda Express
If Chinese food is your Christmas Day tradition, head to Panda Express to get your fix. The chain has always been open on Christmas Day in the past, but their website recommends checking your local store's hours first since some locations are closed.
Restaurants That Are Closed on Christmas Day
The following eateries will be closed on Christmas Day:
Wendy's
Legal Seafood
TGI Fridays
The Cheesecake Factory
Old Country Buffet
Bonefish Grill
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Chili's
Cracker Barrel
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine
Outback Steakhouse
Ted's Montana Grill
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Anyone up for pizza?