Dreading the Christmas kitchen chaos? Let someone else handle the holiday cooking this year! From fast food to fancy feasts, plenty of restaurants keep their doors open on December 25th for families looking to celebrate without the dirty dishes.

Where to Eat on Christmas Day (Because Nobody Wants to Wash All Those Pots)

Skip the grocery shopping, avoid the kitchen mess, and let the professionals handle your holiday meal this year.

Whether you’re traveling, avoiding family drama in the kitchen, or just want to treat yourself, here’s your guide to dining out (or ordering in) on Christmas Day.

Chain Restaurants Saving Christmas

Several national restaurant chains understand that not everyone wants to cook on Christmas, and they’re ready to serve you:

• McDonald’s, Burger King, and Starbucks typically open with limited holiday hours, perfect for road-tripping families or those needing a caffeine fix before facing relatives

• Denny’s and IHOP are your 24/7 breakfast heroes, serving up pancakes and comfort food all Christmas long. Nothing says “holiday spirit” like a Grand Slam at midnight, right?

• Italian favorites like Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Bravo! Italian Kitchen open from late morning to evening, because nothing brings people together like a massive plate of pasta. Many offer special holiday menus with festive touches alongside their regular offerings.

• Steakhouses like Morton’s provide that fancy Christmas dinner experience without anyone having to google “how long to cook prime rib.” They’re perfect for when you want to feel fancy without the fancy work.

• Bar Louie offers special Christmas Day deals like four-course dinners for two. Because nothing says “I love you” like letting someone else cook your romantic holiday meal.

• Fast casual spots like Del Taco stay open for when you’ve had enough holiday ham and just want a darn taco. Sometimes the best Christmas gift is simply not eating another slice of turkey.

Local Gems Open for Christmas

Beyond the big chains, plenty of local restaurants keep their lights on during Christmas:

• Look for Asian restaurants like Dumpling Home or Tong Soon Garden, which traditionally stay open and offer a delicious alternative to typical holiday fare.

• Seafood spots like Fog Harbor Fish House often remain open, serving up fresh catches while you catch up with family.

• Hotel restaurants almost always operate on Christmas Day, often with special holiday menus and elegant surroundings. Bonus: No one has to drive if you’re staying there!

• Local caterers frequently offer pre-prepared holiday meals for pickup or delivery, featuring traditional items like prime rib and mashed potatoes. It’s home cooking without the cooking part.

Smart Tips for Christmas Day Dining

Before you head out in your holiday finest, keep these things in mind:

• Always call ahead or check online for modified holiday hours. Nothing ruins Christmas faster than driving to a restaurant only to find it closed.

• Make reservations yesterday (not literally, but seriously, do it ASAP). Christmas is one of the busiest dining days of the year.

• Consider pre-ordering takeout if you’d rather eat at home without cooking. Many restaurants offer special holiday packages you can order in advance.

• Expect higher prices and holiday menus at some places. It’s Christmas, after all, and those employees deserve hazard pay for working the holiday.

• Don’t forget to tip extra generously. Restaurant staff are sacrificing their holiday to make yours special. Show some Christmas spirit with that gratuity!

Why Eating Out on Christmas Might Be the Best Gift to Yourself

Let’s be honest about the real benefits of ditching the home cooking this Christmas:

• No arguments about who’s doing dishes or how Grandma’s recipe is “supposed” to taste
• No food waste from making too much of everything “just in case”
• No spending all day in the kitchen instead of actually enjoying the holiday
• No trying to time fifteen different dishes to be ready simultaneously
• No cleanup that somehow takes longer than the entire meal prep

Plus, dining out means everyone gets exactly what they want to eat. No more forcing down Aunt Edna’s mysterious jello salad just to be polite!

The verdict? Sometimes the smartest holiday tradition is starting a new one where someone else does the cooking. Whether you’re grabbing burgers or splurging on a fancy feast, Christmas restaurants are there to make your holiday both delicious and drama-free.

And if you’re worried about staying on track with your nutrition goals while enjoying holiday dining, check out MealByMeal – just text what you eat and we’ll track all your calories and macros for you.

Because the only math you should be doing on Christmas is calculating how many cookies Santa can reasonably eat without getting sick.