US Trends

what fast food is open on christmas

Many big chains either fully close or leave the decision up to each franchise, so what’s open on Christmas depends heavily on your exact location.

Fast food likely to be open somewhere

These chains have at least some locations open on or around Christmas in 2025, but hours and availability vary by city and even by store.

  • McDonald’s – Many franchise locations traditionally open at least part of the day; hours vary and some close entirely.
  • Burger King – Some locations are open on Christmas, but not system‑wide; check the app or store locator.
  • Wendy’s – Similar to Burger King, availability is franchise‑by‑franchise.
  • Taco Bell – Often open reduced hours at some locations, closed at others.
  • KFC, Popeyes – Fried chicken chains sometimes keep select stores open; holiday hours are very location‑specific.
  • Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s – Some pizza outlets open, others closed; corporate guidance often leaves it to franchise owners.
  • Subway, Panda Express, Moe’s – Mixed picture; some shops open with reduced hours.

Because this changes year to year and store to store, the only reliable way to know is:

  1. Check the chain’s official app or website store locator for Christmas Day hours.
  1. Call the specific restaurant before heading out, since even corporate info can lag or be overridden by local decisions.

Chains typically closed on Christmas Day

Some brands very consistently close all U.S. locations on Christmas.

  • Chick‑fil‑A – All locations closed Christmas Day.
  • Chipotle – All locations closed Christmas Day.
  • Many coffee or bakery chains may run Christmas Eve hours but shut down entirely on the 25th in many markets.

Sit‑down options if fast food is closed

If the drive‑thru scene near you is dead, some casual and sit‑down chains plan to be open on or around Christmas.

  • Red Lobster – Open on Christmas in 2025, though hours vary by location.
  • IHOP – Often open Christmas Eve and serving breakfast on Christmas Day at many locations.
  • Some steak and grill chains (for example, Fogo de Chão, Ruth’s Chris, Macaroni Grill, Kona Grill) plan Christmas service at select locations with reservations.

Always confirm with the specific restaurant you want to visit, as local owners can shorten hours or close completely even when the brand advertises being open.

Quick tips to actually find a place

  • Use map apps and sort by “Open now” on December 25, then tap through to double‑check hours.
  • Hotel‑attached restaurants and 24‑hour diners (like Denny’s) are often among the most reliable bets for Christmas eating, as hospitality‑area staff frequently report they stay open when others close.
  • Plan earlier in the day; many places that are open close early on Christmas evening.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.