What food is open on christmas eve

What food is open on christmas eve

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Whether your family makes homemade cookies, wraps gifts together, or holds a White Elephant gift exchange, chances are you have some kind of holiday tradition that makes this time of year extra special. For many families, Christmas dinner is the main event of the whole holiday season.

But while you shop for unique gifts for the family, decorate the house, and spend time with loved ones, you may not have the time (or desire) to go all out on your holiday feast—opting to have the cooking done for you this year. That's why a ton of restaurants remain open on Christmas Eve and Day to ensure that families stay well-nourished during the holidays.

If you're craving a juicy steak, steakhouses like Outback and Morton's have you covered, while coffee joints like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts ensure you'll stay caffeinated as you make your holiday rounds. Some restaurants are open for dining in with reservations, while others like Cracker Barrel and Boston Market offer à la carte style holiday menus, so everyone in the family can enjoy their favorite holiday dishes.

So, whether you've forgotten to grab a side dish and are looking to spice up your holiday feast or are wanting to take a break from cooking all together this year, there are plenty of restaurants open on both Christmas Eve and Day to save you all the trouble of scrambling to throw something together. Read on for all of the restaurants open on December 24 and 25 this year.

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1 Applebee's

If you're looking for a holiday happy hour, most Applebee's locations will open on Christmas Eve and Day, so you can order all of the Blue Bahama Mama's you'd like. Just be sure to call ahead to your local branch to ensure they're open.

2 Ruth's Chris Steak House

Ruth's Chris Steak House is open 365 days a year—including Christmas Eve and Day. Hours may vary though, so call ahead to a location near you before heading there. So, go get your dad a steak if that's all he wants for Christmas.

3 Buffalo Wild Wings

Get your fix of wings on Christmas Eve and Day at Buffalo Wild Wings, which is open at select locations. Hours may vary, though.

4 Chili's

While you won't be able to stop by your favorite Chili's on Christmas Day, the restaurant chain will be open on Christmas Eve at select locations. Call ahead to see if your local branch will have special holiday hours.

5 Cracker Barrel

6 Denny's

It's never too late for breakfast, that's why you can head to Denny's on Christmas Eve and Day for some pancakes and bacon. Hours may vary based on location, so just give your local branch a call ahead of time to make sure they're open.

7 Domino's Pizza

Sometimes you get a second wind after Christmas dinner and just need to order a pizza. Domino's may have you covered on Christmas Eve and Day. Use the store locator to call ahead and check your local restaurant's hours. They even have contactless delivery!

8 Dunkin' Donuts

If Christmas brunch is on you, you can head to select locations of Dunkin' Donuts on December 24 or 25 to pick up a dozen donuts and some hot coffee. But before you hop in the car, call your local store to check their hours.

9 Waffle House

Speaking of breakfast, Waffle House locations are known for staying open all day every day, but check with your local restaurant to ensure they're sticking with those hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

10 Fogo de Chão

Known for their juicy steaks, Fogo de Chão is open on December 24 and 25 for dining in. Make sure to reserve a table in advance. And if you'd like to have your holiday dinner at home, the Brazilian steakhouse also offers holiday to-go packages.

11 Boston Market

As homestyle as it gets, Boston Market can easily replace your Christmas dinner on December 24 or 25. While you can dine in at select locations, you can also choose from a variety of à la carte options, and they even offer the option to delivery directly to your home.

12 Legal Sea Foods

Have your seven fishes at Legal Sea Foods this year, which will have most of its locations open on Christas Eve and Day.

13 Starbucks

Can't get enough of Starbuck's holiday drink menu? Grab one last Peppermint Mocha on Christmas Eve and Day at most Starbucks locations, just be sure to stop by in the morning as many closed early last year.

14 IHOP

Grab a stack of pancakes at most IHOP locations on Christmas Day. You can even check out their delicious holiday menu, which offers Winter Wonderland Pancakes, Frozen Hot Chocolate Milkshakes, and more.

15 Olive Garden

Enjoy unlimited breakfast on Christmas Eve this year (the restaurant is closed on December 25). Call ahead to see if your local branch has special hours during the holidays before stopping by.

16 Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse is closed on Christmas Day, but you can grab a juicy steak at up until 8 p.m. on December 24. Some locations will be open, but you'll need to check with your local restaurant about their hours.

17 Macaroni Grill

You can stop by Macaroni Grill on December 24 or 25 for a three course meal for just $25. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, though. You can alternatively order delivery if you want to stay cuddled up on the couch with your loved ones.

18 Sonic

Check with your local Sonic for their holiday hours, but most locations should be open on Christmas this year. So feel free to top off your holiday dinner with a big chocolate milkshake.

19 Morton's Steakhouse

Treat your family to a juicy steak and some mashed potatoes at Morton's Steakhouse this Christmas. The restaurant is open on both December 24 and December 25. They even offer a three-course Christmas dinner with an à la carte menu. Or, order something to go.

20 McDonald's

Stay budget-friendly this year with some food that makes you scream "I'm lovin' it!" Most McDonald's locations will be open on Christmas Day, but hours will vary depending on location. Give your local store a call before heading out to grab that Happy Meal.

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