Hungry on Christmas Day? Don’t worry, you’re not doomed to eat leftovers or scrounge through your pantry.

Many fast food joints keep their doors open on December 25th when the rest of the world seems to shut down. From golden arches to waffle irons, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings while everyone else is gathered around the Christmas tree.

Let’s dive into which restaurants are serving up meals on the big day, what you can expect, and how to make sure you don’t show up to locked doors.

Fast Food Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

When the stockings are hung and the presents are opened, sometimes you just need to get out of the house. Whether you’re craving a burger, need a coffee fix, or want breakfast at 3pm, these chains have got you covered.

Big Chains Keeping Their Lights On

McDonald’s leads the pack with many locations staying open worldwide on Christmas Day. Nothing says “holiday cheer” like a Big Mac and fries, right? They even roll out seasonal items like the McDonald’s holiday pie to add some festive flavor to your meal.

Need a caffeine boost to deal with your relatives? Starbucks typically opens many stores on Christmas, serving up those peppermint mochas and holiday blends. Just what you need to power through unwrapping all those gifts!

IHOP and Denny’s are solid options if you’re looking for a sit-down experience. Denny’s famously stays open 24/7, 365 days a year, so you can count on them for your Christmas pancake fix. They often feature special holiday menus too – think turkey and dressing that you didn’t have to cook yourself!

And let’s not forget about Waffle House – those yellow signs never go dark. They’re famous for staying open through everything from holidays to hurricanes, making them a reliable choice any time of day or night.

Other chains keeping their doors open (with varying hours) include:

• Dunkin’ – Because Christmas cookies pair perfectly with coffee
• Burger King – Have it your way, even on December 25th
• Hooters – Yes, really! Perfect if you’re catching holiday football games

Beyond Fast Food: Casual Dining Options

Not feeling the drive-thru? Some sit-down restaurants also welcome diners on Christmas Day:

P.F. Chang’s serves up Asian-inspired dishes for families who prefer lettuce wraps to leftover ham. This has become a tradition for many families, especially those who enjoy Chinese food on Christmas.

For meat lovers, Fogo de Chão brings Brazilian steakhouse vibes to your holiday. Nothing says “Christmas spirit” like all-you-can-eat grilled meats, right?

Morton’s The Steakhouse opens its doors with special seasonal offerings from around the world. Fancy a prime rib instead of turkey? They’ve got you covered.

Couples might appreciate Bar Louie’s special four-course dinner for two – a little romance amidst the holiday chaos.

Who’s Definitely Closed?

Before you get too excited, know that some popular chains remain firmly closed on Christmas Day, including:

• Chick-fil-A (as if being closed on Sundays wasn’t enough)
• Chipotle
• Taco Bell

So don’t expect to satisfy your burrito or chicken sandwich cravings on Christmas.

Local Options Worth Checking

Beyond national chains, many local and regional restaurants open their doors too. For example, in the Triangle area of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill), spots like Azitra, Bazil Indian Cuisine, and Lazeez Indian Restaurant welcome Christmas Day diners.

These local gems often offer more unique dining experiences and may be less crowded than the big chains. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses during the holidays – that’s some good Christmas karma!

How to Plan Your Christmas Day Dining

Before you hop in the car wearing your new Christmas sweater, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Call Ahead (Seriously)

Hours vary wildly by location, even within the same chain. That McDonald’s across town might close early while the one by the highway stays open all night.

Your best bet is to:

• Check the restaurant’s official website or app for holiday hours
• Call the specific location you plan to visit
• Consider making reservations if it’s a sit-down place

Expect Different Vibes

Christmas Day dining has a different atmosphere. Some places run with skeleton crews, others are surprisingly packed with people escaping their in-laws.

Staff working on Christmas are giving up their holiday to serve you, so maybe consider being extra generous with tips? Just saying.

Plan for Special Menus

Many restaurants that open on Christmas offer special holiday menus rather than their full regular selection. This might mean festive limited-time offers or a reduced menu of their greatest hits.

In Summary

Christmas Day doesn’t have to mean being stuck at home if you need to get out. From McDonald’s to Waffle House, Denny’s to IHOP, and even upscale options like Fogo de Chão, there are plenty of places willing to feed you on December 25th.

Just remember the golden rule of holiday dining: verify before you go. Nothing ruins Christmas faster than showing up hungry to locked doors.

And hey, maybe starting a tradition of Christmas Day dining out isn’t such a bad idea? No dishes to wash is a pretty great gift to yourself.