Christmas Eve is one of the busiest days of the year and one of the most common question among people is What Restaurants are Open on Christmas Eve? Between last-minute shopping, travel plans, and holiday meals, many Americans find themselves running errands right up until the evening of December 24. While most businesses close on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve usually operates on a shortened schedule — which can make planning tricky if you don’t know what’s open and when.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick meal, picking up groceries, mailing a package, or squeezing in a final shopping trip, here’s a complete guide to what’s open on Christmas Eve 2025, including restaurants, grocery stores, retailers, delivery services, and the stock market.
As always, hours can vary by location, so it’s smart to double-check with your local store or restaurant before heading out.
Restaurants and Fast Food Open on Christmas Eve
If you don’t feel like cooking on Christmas Eve — or you’re traveling and need a reliable meal — you’ll have plenty of options. Most major restaurant and fast-food chains will be open, though many close earlier than usual.
Coffee and Breakfast Spots
Starbucks
Most Starbucks locations will be open on December 24, but hours vary widely. Some stores may close early, especially those inside grocery stores or malls. The Starbucks app is the best way to confirm local hours.
Dunkin’
Many Dunkin’ locations will be open on Christmas Eve, though hours depend on the franchise. Some stores may operate on reduced schedules, so checking ahead is recommended.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme shops will be open on Christmas Eve but typically close at 6 p.m. local time, making them a good morning or early afternoon stop.
Fast Food Chains
McDonald’s
Most McDonald’s locations in the U.S. remain open on Christmas Eve, but individual store hours vary. Drive-thru locations often stay open later than dining rooms.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve, though many locations operate with limited hours. Since Chick-fil-A is always closed on Sundays and Christmas Day, expect earlier closures than usual.
Chipotle
Chipotle locations will be open on Christmas Eve but will close at 3 p.m. local time nationwide. If Chipotle is part of your holiday plans, go early.
Burger King
Burger King restaurants are typically open on Christmas Eve, but hours vary by location.
Wendy’s
Most Wendy’s locations remain open on Christmas Eve, though closing times differ by store.
Taco Bell
Many Taco Bell locations will be open, but schedules vary depending on ownership.
Subway
Subway restaurants are independently owned, so hours can differ significantly. Some locations close early.
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs locations will be open on December 24, generally with reduced hours.
Zaxbys
Some Zaxbys locations may close early on Christmas Eve, depending on local management.
Sit-Down Restaurants
If you’re looking for a more traditional meal, several casual and full-service restaurants will be open.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve but will close at 2 p.m. local time, making them a popular breakfast or early lunch option.
IHOP
IHOP locations will be open on Christmas Eve. Hours vary, but many locations operate close to normal hours.
Waffle House
Waffle House will be open on Christmas Eve, as it is most days of the year.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse restaurants will be open during regular hours on December 24.
Applebee’s
Select Applebee’s locations will be open on Christmas Eve, though hours may be reduced.
Chili’s
Chili’s restaurants will be open but will close at 4 p.m. local time.
Outback Steakhouse
Most Outback locations will be open with location-specific hours.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s locations will be open on Christmas Eve with varying hours.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill hours vary by location, so checking ahead is recommended.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster restaurants will be open on December 24, with hours depending on the location.
Maggiano’s
Maggiano’s will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão restaurants will be open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on December 24.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack locations will be open but typically close early.
Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Eve
If you forgot an ingredient or need last-minute supplies, most grocery stores will be open — but nearly all close early.
- Aldi: Open with reduced hours, usually closing around 4 p.m.
- Food Lion: Open until 7 p.m.; pharmacies typically close at 3 p.m.
- Stop & Shop: Open until 6 p.m.
- Trader Joe’s: Open, closing at 5 p.m.
- Wegmans: Closes at 6 p.m.
- Whole Foods: Open regular morning hours, closing at 7 p.m.
Drugstores Open on Christmas Eve
Drugstores are often a lifeline during the holidays for prescriptions, toiletries, and small gifts.
- CVS Pharmacy: Open on Christmas Eve; some locations and pharmacies may have reduced hours.
- Walgreens: Open, though pharmacy hours vary by store.
Retail Stores Open on Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Many retailers extend their hours, while others close early to allow employees time with family.
- Best Buy: Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Costco: Open on Christmas Eve (closed Christmas Day)
- Dollar General: Many locations open until 10 p.m.
- Home Depot: Closes early at 5 p.m.
- HomeGoods, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Sierra: Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- IKEA: Open with early closing times that vary by location
- JCPenney: Opens at 9 a.m.; closing times vary
- Kohl’s: Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Macy’s: Open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Michaels: Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Petco: Most locations close early around 7 p.m.
- Target: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Walmart: Open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mail and Package Delivery on Christmas Eve
U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
Post offices will be open on Christmas Eve, and regular mail delivery will take place. Priority Mail Express delivery is suspended, but mail placed in blue collection boxes will still be picked up.
UPS
UPS will deliver packages on Christmas Eve, though pickup schedules may differ from normal days.
Is the Stock Market Open on Christmas Eve?
Yes. U.S. stock markets will be open on Christmas Eve, but they will close early at 1 p.m. Eastern Time instead of the usual 4 p.m. closing bell.
For investors and traders, this shortened session is important to keep in mind when managing year-end transactions or portfolio adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Eve is a unique mix of celebration and urgency. While many businesses remain open, nearly all operate on reduced schedules, and popular spots can close earlier than expected. Planning ahead — even just a little — can save time, money, and stress.
For consumers, knowing what’s open helps avoid unnecessary trips. For investors and professionals, awareness of shortened market hours and limited services can prevent costly mistakes during the final trading days of the year.
No matter how you spend Christmas Eve, a quick check of local hours before heading out can make the day smoother — and leave more time for what really matters.
