12 Chain Restaurants That Are Open for Christmas Day Dining

By Ghuman

Introduction

Christmas Day is a special time of year for many families, and it can be difficult to find a restaurant that is open on this holiday. Fortunately, there are a number of chain restaurants that are open on Christmas Day, offering a variety of dining options for those who don’t want to cook or don’t have the time. From fast food to family-style restaurants, there are plenty of places to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at 12 chain restaurants that are open for Christmas Day dining. From classic American fare to international cuisine, these restaurants offer something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a place to eat on Christmas Day, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.

12 Chain Restaurants That Are Open for Christmas Day Dining

Christmas Day is a special time of year, and many people want to enjoy a meal with family and friends. But with most restaurants closed on Christmas Day, it can be difficult to find a place to eat. Fortunately, there are some chain restaurants that are open on Christmas Day, so you can still enjoy a delicious meal. Here are 12 chain restaurants that are open for Christmas Day dining.

1. Denny’s

Denny’s is a classic diner that is open 24/7, so you can always count on them to be open on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, so you can find something to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with festive dishes like the Santa Fe Skillet and the Grinch’s Green Pancakes.

2. IHOP

IHOP is another classic diner that is open on Christmas Day. They offer a wide selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, so you can find something to please everyone. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Christmas Tree Pancakes and the Santa’s Little Helper Omelette.

3. Applebee’s

Applebee’s is a great option for Christmas Day dining. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature 2 for $20 menu. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Grilled Ham & Cheese and the Holiday Turkey Melt.

4. Chili’s

Chili’s is another great option for Christmas Day dining. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature 3 for $10 menu. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Grilled Chicken & Shrimp Fajitas and the Holiday Turkey Burger.

5. Olive Garden

Olive Garden is a great option for Italian food on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Never Ending Pasta Bowl. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Lasagna Classico and the Chicken Parmigiana.

6. Red Lobster

Red Lobster is a great option for seafood on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Endless Shrimp. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Lobster & Shrimp Mac & Cheese and the Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia.

7. Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is a great option for steak on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Bloomin’ Onion. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Outback Special and the Prime Rib.

8. TGI Fridays

TGI Fridays is a great option for burgers and other American classics on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Jack Daniel’s Burger. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Grilled Turkey Burger and the Holiday Mac & Cheese.

9. Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is a great option for Southern-style comfort food on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Country Fried Steak. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Grilled Pork Chops and the Holiday Ham.

10. Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is a great option for wings on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Buffalo Wings. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Honey BBQ Wings and the Holiday Nachos.

11. Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Tuesday is a great option for salads and other light fare on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Garden Bar. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Grilled Salmon and the Holiday Cobb Salad.

12. P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s is a great option for Asian cuisine on Christmas Day. They offer a variety of lunch and dinner options, including their signature Chang’s Lettuce Wraps. Plus, they have a special holiday menu with dishes like the Kung Pao Chicken and the Holiday Fried Rice.

No matter what type of food you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a chain restaurant open on Christmas Day that can satisfy your cravings. So don’t let the holiday stop you from enjoying a delicious meal with your family and friends.

Between picking up last-minute gifts, speed wrapping the ones you already bought, and running around to buy decorations at the eleventh hour, Christmas can be…well, a lot. Add having to plan and make a whole holiday dinner into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for stress. The holidays are overwhelming enough, which is why we put together a list of chain restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day.

Instead of having to spend the whole day prepping and cooking in the kitchen, you can enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner without having to lift a finger. And the best part? There’ll be no dishes to wash. Before visiting any of the restaurants on this list, be sure to call to confirm their hours. Happy eating!

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Boston-Market-Puts-Joy-On-The-Table-With-December-Holiday-Meal-Offerings
Courtesy of Boston Market

This year Boston Market will be whipping up Christmas dinner classics, like sweet potato casserole, hand-carved ham, and apple pie. Known for its delicious comfort food, the restaurant will be available for Christmas take-out, delivery, dine-in, and catering.

Del Frisco's Steakhouse christmas
Courtesy of Del Frisco’s Steakhouse

Del Frisco’s, the popular steakhouse chain that has locations throughout the country, will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. Its regular dinner menu will be available as well as a chef’s special that features a 20-ounce prime rib, horseradish cream, red wine au jus, and chateau mashed potatoes.

dennys christmas
Courtesy of Denny’s

If you’re planning on stopping by Denny’s on Christmas Day, then you’re not alone. Denny’s has stated in the past that Christmas is their busiest day of the year—on Christmas Day 2014 the popular chain served over 1.4 million customers. Whether you’re in the mood for a stack of warm pancakes or a double cheeseburger with fries, Denny’s has got you covered (even during the holiday).

applebees appetizer
Applebee’s / Twitter

Each Applebee’s restaurant gets to decide whether it will be open on Christmas Day or not, so be sure to call your local chain to check. If your local Applebee’s is open, you can expect to enjoy delicious dishes, such as Bourbon Street chicken, and holiday-themed drinks, including its Tipsy Reindeer and Berry Merry Colada options.

Macaroni Grill christmas
Macaroni Grill / Facebook

Macaroni Grill will be open on Christmas Eve (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Christmas Day (12 p.m. to 8 p.m.),  serving up classic Italian dishes like fried calamari, chicken Marsala, and lasagna bolognese. Take-out and delivery orders are also available if you’re looking for a tasty at-home Christmas feast that requires zero prep time.

Ruth's Chris holiday dinner
Courtesy of Ruth’s Chris

Take the whole family to Ruth’s Chris Steak House this Christmas to enjoy stuffed mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and ribeye steaks. You can expect Ruth’s Chris locations to be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, too.

waffle house christmas sweater
Waffle House / Facebook

Dig into breakfast dishes from Waffle House all Christmas Day long. Popular for its all-day breakfast options, such as ham and eggs and chocolate chip waffles, this nostalgic restaurant chain is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you’re looking for an early dinner to pick up before your evening plans, or would like a fun, low-fi place to enjoy a holiday meal with your family, Waffle House makes a great option.

Chart House holiday dinner
Chart House / Facebook

Not only will Chart House be open this year for Christmas, but it is also offering a special, limited-time “make your own” 3-course Christmas dinner. Choose from tasty options like slow-cooked prime rib, spiced ahi, or coconut shrimp—all served with your choice of appetizer and dessert.

Benihana holiday dinner
Courtesy of Benihana

Have an exciting Christmas dinner at Benihana, the famous hibachi chain restaurant known for its tableside grilling. A Christmas visit to Benihana means you can spend the day digging into tasty dishes, including spicy chicken rice, onion soup, and freshly made sushi. Be sure to also ask about their kid’s menu if bringing along children.

pouring syrup on IHOP pancakes
IHOP/Facebook

Take a trip down memory lane this holiday by visiting IHOP, the decades-old chain that has been serving mouth-watering all-day breakfast plates since 1958. Keep in mind that each IHOP may have different holiday hours, so be sure to call ahead before you show up.

RELATED: IHOP’s New Restaurant Chain Just Opened Its First Location

Golden Corral holiday feast
Courtesy of Golden Corral

Buffet lovers rejoice—this year Golden Corral is open for Christmas Day and will be serving a holiday-themed buffet feast, featuring a smorgasbord of holiday must-haves such as turkey, glazed ham, and beef roast. You can also order Golden Corral’s holiday dishes via delivery or to-go.

fogodechao on christmas
Courtesy of Fogo De Chao

The trendy Brazilian steakhouse, Fogo De Chao, will be open on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. offering a whole array of menu options such as Chilean sea bass, cauliflower steak, beef ribs, creme brulee, festive cocktails, and more. Private spaces are also available in the restaurant if you’d like more of a personalized holiday dining experience for your family.