Anyone who has ever prepared a full Christmas feast knows just how much work it takes. Between the shopping, cooking and cleaning, there’s hardly a moment to relax.

If you’d rather stay out of the kitchen this year, you’re in luck — plenty of restaurants will be open on Christmas Day to welcome guests who prefer dining out instead of cooking at home.

From fast-food favorites to full-service dining, here’s a helpful roundup of restaurants planning to serve customers on Dec. 25:

Applebee’s

Select Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas, with hours varying by restaurant. Guests should contact their local location for specific holiday schedules.

Bertucci’s

Bertucci’s dining rooms will be open on Christmas Day from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Bravo Italian Kitchen

Bravo Italian Kitchen locations will be open on Christmas and will also offer holiday catering options.

Brio Italian Grille

Brio Italian Grille will be open on Dec. 25 and will also provide holiday catering services.

Burger King

Holiday hours vary by location. Some Burger King restaurants will open while others may close. Call ahead or check the app for details.

Chevys Fresh Mex

Chevys Fresh Mex restaurants will be open on Christmas.

Church’s Texas Chicken

Select Church’s locations will be open, though hours may differ by restaurant.

Dave & Buster’s

Dave & Buster’s venues will be open, with hours depending on location.

Del Frisco’s

Del Frisco’s restaurants will be open for Christmas dining.

Denny’s

Many Denny’s locations will remain open on Christmas Day.

Eddie Merlot’s

Eddie Merlot’s will welcome guests on the holiday.

El Pollo Loco

Certain locations will be open. A full list is available on the company website.

El Torito Mexican Restaurant

El Torito will be open on Dec. 25.

Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão locations will operate from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Huddle House

Participating locations will be open. Guests are encouraged to call ahead.

IHOP

IHOP restaurants will be open, although hours may vary.

Jollibee

Jollibee locations nationwide will remain open, with individual operating times varying.

Kona Grill

Kona Grill will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Christmas.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken

Locations will be open on Dec. 25.

Legal Sea Foods

Most Legal Sea Foods locations will open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Main Event

Main Event centers will open at 12 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Matchbox

Matchbox locations will be open for the holiday.

McCormick & Schmick’s

Restaurants will be open on Dec. 25.

McDonald’s

Most McDonald’s locations are open on major holidays, including Christmas. Hours vary, so check the store locator before visiting.

Palladino’s

Palladino’s will open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Paris Baguette

Most cafés will be open, though hours may differ by store.

Perkins American Food Company

Participating Perkins locations will be open with varied schedules.

Red Lobster

Red Lobster restaurants will be open, with hours differing by location.

Ruby Tuesday

Over 100 Ruby Tuesday locations will open for Christmas dining.

Scooter’s Coffee

All Scooter’s locations will be open on New Year’s Day. (Hours may vary.)

Sizzler

Nearly all Sizzler locations will operate normal business hours.

Smith & Wollensky

All locations will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

STK Steakhouse

Restaurants will open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Sullivan’s locations will be open for Christmas dining.

The Halal Guys

Most locations will open, though some may adjust holiday hours.

Waffle House

As always, Waffle House remains open 24/7 — including Christmas.

Wendy’s

Many Wendy’s locations will open, but schedules vary by restaurant.

Wiseguy Pizza

Wiseguy Pizza will be open on Dec. 25.

Update (Dec. 24, 2025, 2:10 p.m.):
North Italia will be closed on Christmas Day.