Christmas Day is fast approaching, and with it, the question of which restaurants and stores will be open to serve those who prefer dining out or need last-minute items. December 25 is significant for Americans, marking the celebration of Christmas. This year, many eateries will be closed, but several popular chains will be available to cater to customers.
Among the restaurants open this Christmas, McDonald's is one of the most frequented. Most locations anticipate being open from around 6 AM to 10:30 PM, though hours can vary significantly by location. Dunkin' is also on the list of places to grab coffee, operating from 5 AM until 6 PM.
For those seeking breakfast and lunch options, IHOP will be welcoming customers from 7 AM to 4 PM, making it one of the few sit-down restaurants open for extended hours. Denny's, consistent with its 24-hour service model, will also be open on Christmas Day, ready to serve traditional breakfast and diner fare around the clock.
Conversely, other popular chains such as Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Taco Bell, Applebee's, and Outback Steakhouse have confirmed they will remain closed for the holiday. Notably, Starbucks operates under variable hours; some locations may be open, but customers are advised to check the Starbucks app or website for specific details.
The varied hours among different chains are indicative of how franchise operations can differ. For example, Wendy's and Burger King typically depend on state regulations and local management decisions, leading to disparities between locations. Some Wendy's may be open, but customers must check local listing to be sure.
Even though many popular chains will close on December 25, several stores will remain open. Grocery chains like CVS and Walgreens, alongside convenience stores like 7-Eleven, are expected to have limited hours to accommodate last-minute shoppers needing essentials or gift items.
For those considering holiday meals outside their homes, restaurant-goers can look forward to varied offerings. Fogo de Chão, known for its traditional Brazilian cuisine, will be open for dinner from 11 AM to 9 PM on Christmas Day. Fine dining options are sparse, with The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, and many steakhouses like Maggiano's expected to close on the holiday.
Waffle House, renowned for its classic 24/7 diner experience, will also remain open on Christmas Day, promising diners the opportunity to enjoy their favorite breakfast foods any time.
Reservations are highly encouraged for any dining experiences on Christmas Day, particularly at popular locations. Many restaurants may have reduced seatings or opt for buffet-style offerings to manage the demand.
For customers contemplating purchasing meals through delivery, services like Uber Eats and Grubhub will also experience unusual hours. The holiday surge often results in fewer available drivers, causing higher delivery prices and potentially lengthy wait times.
Overall, the key to enjoying this holiday is preparation; checking operational hours through store locators or restaurant apps will be instrumental for those hoping to dine out or grab some last-minute provisions on Christmas. Customers should expect to experience long wait times and heavy demand, should they choose to navigate the holiday rush.
Christmas 2024 presents various options for hungry patrons and gift shoppers, though it remains imperative to confirm local operational hours before venturing out. Avoid disappointment by checking store hours online or making calls to individual establishments to secure the most up-to-date information on holiday offerings.