Whats open to eat on christmas day

Christmas Day can be a time to pull out all the stops with a traditional home-cooked dish or a multi-course dinner, or it could be a chance to just take a break and hit up one of the restaurants that will stay open on the holiday. While traditionally, most restaurants are closed on Christmas there are actually plenty that stay open for business, ready to serve those who perhaps don't celebrate the holiday or are just looking to focus on family instead of cooking.

Since we've all had our fair share of chopping, dicing, peeling and prepping, there's no shame in ordering your Christmas dinner (or breakfast or lunch) at one of these national eateries. Just be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Applebee's

You can be eatin' good in the neighborhood at select Applebee's locations this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local restaurant as hours may vary.

Benihana

If hibachi sounds like a fun alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner, you're in luck! Contact the location nearest you for reservations.

Boston Market

Many locations will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so leave the carved ham and turkey to the pros and sit back and enjoy!

Chart House

Stop in to select locations for a meal on Christmas Day or order your holiday meal to-go.

Del Frisco's

The restaurant will be open for a special holiday meal or bring home a full three-course meal, put it in your own dishes and call it Christmas!

Del Taco

Mexican food for Christmas? Why not! Check your local eatery for hours if there's one close to you.

Denny's

Most locations stay open 24 hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Domino's

If you're jonesing for pizza on Christmas check your local Domino's to see if they are open — most are independently owned so hours may vary.

Dunkin'

Nothing says the holidays like a Peppermint Mocha Signature Latte and hopefully you can grab one on Christmas this year. Customers should check the app to make sure their location is open.

Huddle House

If breakfast cooked by somebody else on Christmas morning sounds appealing, head on over to Huddle House for a Topped Waffle.

IHOP

If a stack of pancakes is what you're craving on Christmas morning, you're in luck! Check your local IHOP for hours. Not ready to venture out? Take home their Family Feasts.

Macaroni Grill

Romano's Macaroni Grill is encouraging you to celebrate Christmas without cooking! They'll also be open Christmas Eve 11am - 10pm and from 11am-8pm on Christmas Day.

McDonald's

Some McDonald's will be open on Christmas Day but check their website to see if your location is one of them.

Morton's

Morton's The Steakhouse will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, serving up a three-course menu featuring chateaubriand and a full a la carte menu. Reservations are recommended.

Ruth's Chris

Ruth's Chris Steak House is offering a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebration. Enjoy a Celebration Feast for four on Christmas Day and all season long that includes choice of a starter, roasted beef tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and four personal-sized cheesecakes for dessert.

Starbucks

Starbucks will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at select locations. The Caramel Brulée Latte makes Xmas even sweeter, served in a holiday cup, natch!

Waffle House

Why not start Christmas morning with Waffle House? Most locations are open 365 days a year, 24/7 and that includes Christmas and New Year's Day. Plus, Waffle House employees and customers are known to be some of the friendliest around so you'll definitely feel the Christmas spirit!

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Ronnie Koenig is a writer for TODAY.com, covering the food and pop culture beats. She also writes about health and wellness, parenting and relationships for NBC Better and TMRW x TODAY, serves as a senior editor for New Jersey Family, and contributes to The New York Times and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Barnard College and a mom of twins.

When it comes to the holiday season, you may find yourself spending more time than you would like to in your kitchen, prepping ingredients and setting timers for the glazed ham and yule log. And while your guests will certainly appreciate the time and effort you put into preparing a homemade dinner extravaganza, sometimes it's nice to take a short cut and head to a restaurant open on Christmas Eve or Day. You can enjoy your favorite traditional dishes or branch outside of the typical menu at any one of the following restaurant chains and fast food joints.

Every restaurant follows their own holiday schedule, but a fair amount of chains keep their doors open on Christmas, as well as on Thanksgiving for an easy turkey dinner and Easter for after Church. You'll find kid-friendly offerings that include everyone's favorite holiday dish, as well as brunch options for after you open presents. The whole family can meet up at your restaurant of choice, or you can order-in and dig in at your dining room table. Either way, restaurants open on Christmas make the host's life a lot more manageable on Christmas Eve and Day.

You may feel hesitant to head to a restaurant rather than stay in with homemade mains and sides, but dining out on Christmas can be just as special. Guests can still adorn sparkly party outfits and you can even bring Christmas party crackers to open while you're waiting for your food to arrive. Just make sure to give one to your waiter to spread kindness and joy.

Kona Grill has stayed open on Christmas in years past, so there's a good chance the chain will be open for dine-in or takeout dinners. Your family can enjoy traditional holiday food like or mix it up with something different like miso beef short ribs.

Most Sonic locations are owned by independent franchisees, according to their website. So your local Sonic may be open for Christmas, but it's definitely something you'll want to check. Assuming it is, there's nothing like a hearty burger and a slushie to celebrate the holidays.

Take your Christmas celebration to the next level this year by going to Fogo de Chão. Instead of the same old Christmas dinner, you could enjoy steak, seafood, and cocktails this year.

Whether you want to do a big Christmas breakfast, a special dinner, or just indulge in some delicious pie, Village Inn is open for your celebration on Christmas Day. Be sure to call the location nearest you and double-check that they're open before making the trek.

Enjoy dishes like filet, lobster tails, and prime ribs, either in-house or at home via a take-out option from Del Frisco's Grille. You can score a delicious dinner without having to turn on the oven.

Boston Market is best known for its rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, and overall yummy comfort food. On Christmas, they typically offer a special Christmas Day Menu, though it's best to review their store locator to find out if your local restaurant will be open, since not all locations will be.

Not only is Morton's Steakhouse open on Christmas Day, but the restaurant encourages families to make a holiday tradition of celebrating at one of their locations. And, if you want to stay in this holiday season, you can even order to-go ahead of time so you can have a delicious Christmas meal without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

You can expect dinner at the Macaroni Grill on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., respectively.

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Ruth's Chris Steak House

Christmas is a favorite of Ruth's Chris Steak House, and they celebrate on both Christmas Eve and Day with a special deal on surf and turf and their house wines. You can also take it to go and eat at home if you don't feel like going out to eat.

Book a table at "America's Steakhouse" on Christmas Eve or Day, and New Year's Eve or Day, as well. You can dine on delicious steak, without any of the meal prep or clean up. A win-win! Just call ahead to confirm hours in case there is a last-minute closing.

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Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar

Celebrate with a specialty four-course holiday dinner or choose from the original menu on Christmas Eve (they are closed on Christmas Day). You can also order ahead for curbside pickup.

If you crave fresh seafood or surf and turf on Christmas, make a reservation at McCormick & Schmick's to get some delicious seared ahi tuna, steamed mussels, or Chesapeake buttermilk fried shrimp.

Enjoy a meal surrounded by rock and roll memorabilia. Most Hard Rock locations are open on Christmas Day, just make sure to double check with your local restaurant. Hours may vary.

If you're looking for a fun meal out in L.A., New York City, Las Vegas, or Orlando, Planet Hollywood will be open for business. Again, hours vary between location, so call ahead and make sure the chain is open.

Whether you prefer your coffee hot or iced, you'll definitely be able to grab a cup plus a box of munchkins at most Dunkin' locations on December 24. Just make sure to call and check with your local store since hours may vary.

When you need some caffeine to power through the Christmas dinner cooking, stop by Starbucks for a cup. But before heading over, triple check the store locator for the holiday hours of your local spot since not all Starbucks will be open on December 25.

Move over, fruit cake — fluffy, buttery, warm flapjacks are one of the best ways to start Christmas day after opening presents. If you agree, IHOP will be waiting to whip up your favorite breakfast.

Denny's has been open on Christmas Day for the past several years, so we don't expect this holiday season to be any different. You can even order ahead and do takeout so you get a tasty breakfast right at home.

If your favorite episode of The Office is "A Benihana Christmas" you can relive it yourself this year. Benihana is open for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Day.

Get your hash browns, flapjacks, and more at select Huddle House locations on December 24 and 25.

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Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

After a morning of opening gifts, curb your breakfast cravings at Perkins, which is expected to be open on Christmas Day.

Tacos for Christmas Eve dinner? Heck yes! Although Del Taco will be open, call ahead to make sure that your local store isn't one of the few that is closed this holiday season.

Although pizza might not be everyone's first thought for Christmas dinner, who can resist a hot, gooey slice of Domino's? Most Domino's are open on Christmas Eve, so you can enjoy a hearty slice of pizza.

With locations across 24 states, Buca di Beppo is a great spot for your Christmas feast. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a tasty family-style Italian meal on Christmas Eve as well as New Year's Eve if you want to ring in the New Year with a bowl of classic spaghetti with meatballs.

If you can't go a day without eggs, bacon, and grits, Waffle House is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — yep, even Christmas Day.

Jamie Ballard Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance.

Elizabeth Berry Editorial Assistant Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the digital editorial assistant for Woman’s Day, where she covers seasonal recipes, holiday gift ideas, and other lifestyle topics for the website.

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