Forget cooking this Christmas Eve—plenty of restaurants have got your back!
Whether you’re working late, don’t feel like cooking, or just want to grab something quick while finishing up that last-minute shopping, you’ve got options.
Unlike Christmas Day when almost everything shuts down, Christmas Eve gives you way more choices for dining out.
Let’s dive into which fast food joints and casual restaurants will keep their lights on during Christmas Eve, what their hours look like, and how to make sure you don’t end up hungry on December 24th.
Why Fast Food Joints Stay Open on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is chaotic. Some people are working late shifts, others are traveling to see family, and many just don’t want to dirty dishes before the big holiday meal tomorrow.
Fast food chains and restaurants know this, which is why many keep serving on December 24th—though often with shortened hours. It’s perfect for anyone who needs:
- A quick meal between errands
- Food while traveling
- An alternative to cooking when you’re already stressed
- Something to eat when your fridge is empty because you’re leaving town tomorrow
Where to Get Your Fast Food Fix on Christmas Eve
Based on the most recent info I could find, here are the big chains that reliably keep their doors open on Christmas Eve:
The Usual Suspects: Fast Food Chains
| Restaurant | Typical Christmas Eve Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | Regular hours (some locations vary) | Most locations open, some even serve on Christmas Day too |
| Burger King | Regular hours | Closed on Christmas Day but reliable on Christmas Eve |
| Wendy’s | Regular hours | Hours may vary by location; worth checking ahead |
| Del Taco | Regular or special holiday hours | Look for app deals through Christmas Eve |
| IHOP | Open (hours vary) | Seasonal pancake specials—who doesn’t want pancakes? |
| Denny’s | Open 24/7 | The reliable standby that never closes |
| Panda Express | Open (hours may vary) | Many locations open both Christmas Eve and Day |
| Krispy Kreme | Limited holiday hours | Perfect for a Christmas Eve donut run |
| Starbucks | Abbreviated hours | Get your caffeine fix before the big day |
Sit Down and Enjoy: Casual Dining Options
If you want something a bit nicer than fast food (no judgment here), these sit-down spots typically welcome diners on Christmas Eve:
Cracker Barrel: Open but closes early. Perfect for some Southern comfort food and those famous hot chocolate bars.
P.F. Chang’s: Open on both Christmas Eve and Day. Their Mongolian beef hits different during the holidays.
Olive Garden: Some locations open on Christmas Eve with unlimited breadsticks (just saying). Closed Christmas Day.
Outback Steakhouse and Morton’s: Often open with special holiday menus. Treat yourself to a nice steak before all the ham and turkey tomorrow.
Waffle House: The champion of “always open”—365 days a year, 24/7. If all else fails, Waffle House will save you with some scattered, smothered, and covered hashbrowns.
Grocery Stores and Last-Minute Options
Prefer to grab something to heat up at home? Most grocery stores operate with reduced hours on Christmas Eve:
- Major chains like Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods typically close early (around 5-7 PM)
- Pharmacy counters inside groceries close even earlier (1-4 PM)
- Costco is usually open Christmas Eve from 9 AM to 5 PM
- Don’t forget about convenience stores! 7-Eleven, Circle K, and gas stations can be lifesavers for quick snacks or prepared foods when everything else is closed
How to Have a Smooth Christmas Eve Meal Experience
Double-Check Hours Before You Go
SERIOUSLY, call ahead or check online. Even chains that are normally open might have different hours on Christmas Eve, and the last thing you want is to drive somewhere only to find darkened windows and locked doors.
Most national chains post their holiday hours on their websites or social media. For local spots, a quick phone call can save you time and disappointment.
Consider Pre-Ordering or Delivery
Many places get slammed on Christmas Eve. Smart move? Order ahead through their app or website. Delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub usually operate on Christmas Eve too, though with fewer drivers, so expect longer wait times.
Balance Holiday Indulgence
If you’re watching what you eat during the holidays (respect!), consider using a meal tracking app to stay mindful. MealByMeal lets you simply text your meals and track calories without the hassle—perfect for keeping some balance during the festive season.
Prepare for Crowds
Christmas Eve dining has two peak times:
- Lunch rush (11 AM – 1 PM): Last-minute shoppers grabbing a quick bite
- Dinner rush (5 PM – 7 PM): Families who don’t want to cook before Christmas activities
Try to hit restaurants outside these windows if possible. 3 PM might just be your sweet spot for minimal waiting!
The Bottom Line on Christmas Eve Fast Food
Finding food on Christmas Eve isn’t nearly as challenging as on Christmas Day. Most of your favorite fast food spots and casual dining restaurants will be there for you, though often with limited hours.
McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Denny’s and Waffle House are among the most reliable options. For sit-down meals, Cracker Barrel and P.F. Chang’s offer festive alternatives.
Whatever you choose, remember that employees are working during a holiday, so a little extra kindness (and maybe a generous tip at sit-down places) goes a long way.
Whether you’re grabbing a burger between gift wrapping sessions or treating the family to dinner so no one has to cook, Christmas Eve offers plenty of options to keep your stomach happy and your holiday stress-free.
Oh, and if you’re traveling for the holidays, check out this guide for healthy road trip eating so you don’t arrive at your destination feeling like Santa after his cookie binge.
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