If you’re wondering where to grab a bite on Christmas Day this year, you’re not alone. While many of us will be cooking up a holiday feast at home, plenty of folks need (or want) to eat out on December 25th.

Maybe you’re traveling. Maybe you’re working. Or maybe you just don’t want to deal with the mountain of dishes that comes with cooking a traditional Christmas dinner.

Whatever your reason, I’ve got you covered with this guide to restaurants that’ll keep their doors open while Santa’s making his rounds.

Where to Eat Out on Christmas Day (No Dishes Required!)

Let’s be real – not everyone wants to spend Christmas Day cooking. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast before present-opening or need a full holiday meal without the hassle, there are plenty of options out there.

Just remember that hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before bundling up the family and heading out.

Fast Food Options That Won’t Leave You Hangry

The golden arches and other fast-food favorites aren’t all taking the day off:

• Waffle House: These yellow-signed heroes never close their doors. Seriously – they’re open 24/7/365, including Christmas Day. It’s practically a holiday tradition for many families!

• McDonald’s: Many locations keep the fryers going on Christmas Day, though often with limited hours. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like a McFlurry, am I right?

• Burger King: The King doesn’t always take Christmas off. Many BK locations open their doors with reduced hours on December 25th.

• Wendy’s: Like its competitors, Wendy’s keeps some locations running on Christmas, though typically with shorter hours.

• Dunkin’: Need a caffeine fix to power through present opening? Many Dunkin’ locations will be serving up holiday-themed coffee and treats.

• Starbucks: For your peppermint mocha fix, select Starbucks cafes stay open to fuel your Christmas cheer. Their holiday menu is worth checking out!

Sadly, you’ll have to go without your Chick-fil-A fix – they’re famously closed on Christmas (and every Sunday).

Casual Dining for a More Substantial Meal

Want something a bit heartier than fast food? These sit-down spots have you covered:

• Denny’s: Like Waffle House, Denny’s never closes – not even for Christmas. They usually offer special holiday menus alongside their regular fare. Grand Slam breakfast while opening presents? Yes please!

• IHOP: Most locations keep flipping pancakes on Christmas Day, though hours might be shorter.

• Panda Express: Many locations dish out orange chicken and other favorites on Christmas Day. Perfect if you’re craving something different from traditional holiday fare.

• Village Inn: They typically open Christmas morning and serve until mid-afternoon – just enough time to grab a slice of pie!

The Christmas Chinese Food Tradition

You’re not imagining things – Chinese restaurants really do seem to be open on Christmas more than other cuisines. This has become such a popular tradition (especially among Jewish families) that many local Chinese restaurants stay packed on December 25th.

Why? It started decades ago when Chinese restaurants were among the few businesses that didn’t close for the Christian holiday. Now it’s become a beloved cultural tradition of its own.

Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Meal Out

If you’re planning to dine out this Christmas, here are a few pointers:

• Call ahead or check online – Even chains that are typically open might have location-specific closures or limited hours.

• Consider making reservations if the restaurant accepts them – Christmas can get surprisingly busy at open restaurants.

• Be extra nice to your servers – They’re working on a major holiday when most people are home with family. Maybe consider an extra-generous tip as a holiday gift!

• Have a backup plan just in case your first choice has unexpectedly closed or is too crowded.

Tracking Holiday Eating Without the Guilt

Let’s be real – holiday eating can throw us off our nutrition game. If you’re trying to enjoy Christmas treats without completely abandoning your health goals, having a simple tracking system can help.

MealByMeal lets you text your meals and automatically tracks calories and macros for you. No need to spend Christmas Day logging every bite into a complicated app – just send a quick text about what you ate and get back to celebrating.

This approach is perfect for holiday dining out when you want to enjoy yourself without completely losing track of your nutrition. Because let’s face it – knowing you’re keeping some accountability makes that second slice of pie even more enjoyable.

The holiday season is about balance – enjoying special treats while not completely abandoning the healthy habits that make you feel good the rest of the year.

In the end, whether you’re grabbing drive-thru or sitting down for a full meal, the best part of Christmas isn’t what you eat – it’s who you share it with. So if dining out makes your holiday less stressful and more enjoyable, that’s a gift worth giving yourself.

Just remember to check those hours before you go. Nothing ruins Christmas cheer faster than pulling up to a darkened restaurant with a car full of hungry relatives!