Dining out on Christmas Day? No problem! Whether you’re skipping the kitchen chaos, seeking a hassle-free holiday meal, or just craving something different, plenty of restaurants keep their doors open on December 25th.

Let’s explore your options for Christmas 2025, from familiar chains to unique local spots across America.

Your Complete Guide to Restaurants Open on Christmas Day 2025

Looking for somewhere to eat on Christmas? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans ditch the home cooking each year in favor of restaurant meals. And why not? No dishes to wash!

National Chain Restaurants Serving Christmas Day Meals

Several reliable national chains will welcome hungry holiday-goers:

Breakfast & Casual Dining Options

• IHOP: Their 24/7 breakfast menu gets a festive upgrade with seasonal pancakes and family feast platters. Perfect for early birds or breakfast-for-dinner fans! IHOP holiday offerings

• Applebee’s: Craving comfort food without the cooking or reservations? Many Applebee’s locations remain open with their regular menu plus some holiday specials.

• Italian Chains: Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Bertucci’s, Bravo! Italian Kitchen, and Brio Italian Grille typically serve Christmas lunch and dinner. Most offer dine-in, takeout, and delivery options for your carb-loading pleasure.

Fast Food & Quick Service

Need something quick between present unwrapping and family gatherings?

• Del Taco and McDonald’s: Many locations keep their drive-thrus running for holiday hunger emergencies.

Upscale Christmas Dining

Feeling fancy? These chains offer more elevated experiences:

• Morton’s The Steakhouse: Open with exclusive seasonal steak specials that’ll make your mouth water.

• Bar Louie: Their four-course Christmas dinner for two is perfect for romantic holiday celebrations.

• Seafood & Specialty Restaurants: Bonefish Grill, Benihana, and Kona Grill typically offer diverse Christmas Day menus ranging from seafood to Asian cuisine.

Regional Restaurants Open for Christmas 2025

Houston Area Highlights

Houston knows how to keep the culinary scene alive during holidays with more than 20 restaurants staying open, including:

• Afuri Ramen and Chow Wok for Asian cuisine lovers
• Aga’s Restaurant & Catering for Indo-Pak flavors
• Toro Toro and Willie G’s for those craving steakhouse vibes

Many offer special holiday hours and festive menu items like Basque cheesecake or specialty goat chops. Houston restaurant guide

New Orleans Christmas Dining

The Big Easy keeps the party going with local eateries and bistros like:

• Baroness on Baronne
• Bombay Club
• Emeril’s Brasserie
• Oceana Grill

Many New Orleans restaurants create immersive holiday experiences with festive decorations and live music alongside their special Christmas menus. New Orleans dining guide

Special Holiday Offers and Takeout Options

Not feeling the dine-in experience but still want to avoid cooking? You’ve got options:

• Many restaurants offer holiday takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery services with special Christmas menus.

• Cracker Barrel provides “heat ‘n serve” holiday meals available the week of Christmas, though they’re closed on the actual day. Perfect for easy entertaining without turning on your oven. Cracker Barrel heat and serve meals

Tips for Christmas Day Dining Success

Make Reservations!

Seriously. This isn’t the day to wing it. Since Christmas is a major holiday with limited restaurant options, tables fill up fast—especially at places offering special menus.

Verify Hours Before You Go

Call ahead or check websites to confirm local restaurant hours, as they vary by location and can change yearly. Nothing worse than showing up to locked doors on Christmas Day!

Explore Holiday Specials

Many restaurants create festive seasonal menus that go beyond their standard offerings. Ask about Christmas specials to make your dining experience more memorable.

Tracking Your Holiday Indulgences

Worried about overindulging during the festivities? Balance is key. Using a meal tracking app can help you enjoy holiday treats without completely derailing your nutrition goals.

MealByMeal.com offers a unique text-based tracking system that’s perfect for logging restaurant meals without disrupting your celebration.

Simply text what you’re eating and get real-time calorie and macronutrient information—much easier than scanning barcodes or searching databases while you’re out enjoying Christmas dinner! Learn about text-based meal tracking

Whether you’re craving pancakes at IHOP, pasta at an Italian chain, or something more upscale like Morton’s, Christmas Day 2025 offers plenty of dining options. Just remember to plan ahead, make reservations, and maybe leave room for dessert.

After all, calories consumed on Christmas don’t count or at least that’s what I tell myself!