RetailMeNot compiled a list of the best restaurants open on Christmas Day in 2021 to help you plan your meal. Several restaurants are even offering special holiday promotions and holiday menus to keep you in the holiday spirit.
Craving something quick for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Occasionally, we don’t feel like cooking! Below is a list of 26 restaurants that will be open during the holiday season in North Carolina.
1. Waffle House
Not surprisingly from a restaurant that’s known for never closing, Waffle House will continue to be open 24/7 on Christmas Day. So stop by anytime you like for your breakfast-food fix. Don’t forget to pour on lots of syrup!
2. TGI Friday's
Get the party “plattered” with their to-go menu, get festive with their special cocktails and enjoy a special gift card offer. You will receive a free $10 gift card when you purchase a $50 gift card!
3. Sullivan’s Steakhouse
This American steakhouse brand will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to serve up its full menu of fresh seafood, mouthwatering appetizers, decadent entrees, and hand-cut steaks. In addition, guests looking to celebrate from the comfort of home can order carry out by calling their local restaurant or by visiting the Sullivan’s website. Note that hours may vary by location.
4. Starbucks
Stay caffeinated on Christmas Day with a latte or Americano from your favorite coffee chain: Starbucks! The popular restaurant will be open all day long (check with your local shop to ensure). To make it even better, if you’re near one of the locations offering the wine-enhanced Starbucks Evening menu, you can cheer to the holiday!
5. Sonic
Get those slushes, tater tots, and Chili Cheese Coney hot dogs! Most Sonic locations are open for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, but be sure to check prior to pulling up.
6. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Celebrate with a steak dinner! Restaurant hours vary by location, but most Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They are also available for hosting your next party or event! Celebrating at home? Make your dinner preparation easy and elegant with a full meals-to-go and Ruth’s Sides To Go menu. Ruth’s Chris also has a special holiday gift card promotion available through Dec. 21. Customers will receive a $40 bonus with every purchase of a $200 Ruth’s Chris gift card. The offer is available for both e-card and physical card purchases, and gift cards are valid for redemption between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2022.
7. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
They will be holding their annual Christmas dinner, featuring a three-course meal for only $25. Reservations are suggested.
8. Panda Express
Chinese food on Christmas = yass! Most Panda Express locations are open on Dec. 25, but not all, so you should check with your closest location.
9. Olive Garden
This popular chain is offering some fun specials for Christmas! Customers can order “breadsticks for Santa” on OliveGarden.com — simply choose from freshly baked breadsticks or ready-to-bake breadsticks by the dozen or half-dozen so they’re fresh for Santa. They suggest you also order the homemade dipping sauce appetizer and get your choice of sauce — marinara, Alfredo or five cheese marinara — with breadsticks starting at $3.99. You can also download a personalized special note to send to Santa, and order classic Italian dishes like their family-style lasagna bundle or the family-size Pans.
10. Morton’s The Steakhouse
Savor the holidays at Morton’s The Steakhouse! They are open and serving up delicious food this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Make sure you make a reservation to feast on their three-course Christmas dinner, which features a winter salad, chateaubriand (a cut of tenderloin), and a chocolate cake for dessert. You can also order to-go for a wonderful meal at home!
11. Metro Diner
Metro Diner is open and serving heat-and-serve holiday feasts to-go, featuring freshly baked ham or roasted turkey paired with traditional sides to enjoy around your table, along with limited-time seasonal specials available in the diner, for to-go and delivery. Preorders are from Dec. 7 to 23, and pick-up times are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 23, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Plus, if you purchase a $50 in Metro Diner gift card now through Dec. 31, you’ll receive a $10 bonus card. Bonus deal! From now through Jan. 31, for every $25 you purchase in gift cards, you’ll get one entry into Metro Diner’s first-time-ever $1,000,000 Sweepstakes! Gift cards can be purchased in-diner or online.
12. McDonald's
McDonald’s will be open on Christmas for your side-of-fries needs or full-meal munchies, but give them a call first to make sure you know the hours at your local store.
13. McCormick & Schmick’s
If you want seafood or surf and turf this year, McCormick & Schmick’s is the place to go! Make sure to get a reservation. Along with their regular dinner menu, the restaurant is serving an exclusive three-course prix-fixe all-day Dec. 24 and 25. If you order by Dec. 20, you can also get a holiday prime rib feast (serves four) to-go for $155.
14. Macaroni Grill
Macaroni Grill locations will be open nationwide on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Of course, guests looking to celebrate from the comfort of their own home can order Macaroni Grill’s delicious menu for takeout or delivery. If you’re dining in, we suggest you make reservations.
15. IHOP
Let pancakes, bacon, and drip coffee give you the energy to get through the day! IHOP restaurants are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. But hours may vary by restaurant location, so check with your local store first. They’re offering a special holiday menu that features festive treats!
16. HomeTown Buffet
Head over to this chain on Christmas to enjoy comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, baked chicken and mashed potatoes. Hours vary by location.
17. Hard Rock Cafe
Amp up your Christmas Day with some rock and roll! Most will be open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 25, but check your local Hard Rock Cafe to make sure.
18. Golden Corral
This buffet-style family restaurant will keep their special holiday hours — Monday to Saturday after 4 p.m. and Sundays after 11 a.m. — where you can get all the “fixin’s” for a holiday feast. This includes your choice of holiday glazed ham or whole roasted turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy, a choice of homestyle sides, their famous yeast rolls, and a whole pie.
19. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Celebrate the season at Fleming’s Steakhouse! Eat, drink and be merry with four courses and four Duckhorn wine pairings. As your main course, enjoy our filet mignon with your choice of shrimp scampi or lobster tail, starting at $105. Fleming’s is closed on Christmas Day but open on Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. local time — through curbside pickup is available starting at 11 p.m. Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation or order online.
20. Dunkin'
No matter if you like your coffee hot or cold, you can pick it up at your local store on Dec. 24 and 25. Hours may vary, so check with your local spot. Plus, they have a delightful holiday menu with signature drinks!
21. Domino’s Pizza
If you’re craving pizza this holiday, no shade! The popular pizzeria will be open and ready for pickup or delivery, proving there’s never a bad time for pizza. Plus, we’re all about those Home Alone cheese pizza vibes!
22. Denny's
Want breakfast for Christmas dinner this year? Denny’s is open 24/7 on both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Choose between “Denny’s on Demand,” a holiday to-go meal, or dine-in options. You can expect holiday menu items like turkey and dressing and pies. Also, grab a $5 bonus gift card when you purchase a $25 gift card at participating locations.
23. Cracker Barrel
Celebrate Christmas with Cracker Barrel’s heat-and-serve meals. You can order online and pick it up a day or two before Christmas Day. Note: Cracker Barrel closes at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and you can enjoy their heat-and-serve holiday meals on Christmas Day; just preorder and pick it up on Dec. 24. Holiday meals come complete with ham, delicious sides, and your choice of pie. Yummy!
24. Buffalo Wild Wings
If you’re craving wings this holiday, you’re in luck! Some locations will have reduced holiday hours, so be sure to check with your local restaurant so you don’t miss out.
25. Boston Market
Holidays are Boston Market’s specialty, and this year, they’re making it even easier for you to get a great meal. While you can dine at select participating locations, Boston Market also has heat-and-serve meals pickups and meal deliveries available. Choose from their massive à la carte menu, or opt for your choice of prime rib, turkey or ham, and sides. You can pick up your pre-made dinner between Dec. 17 and Jan. 1. Plus, if you place your order early enough, they’ll even deliver to your house; just make sure to place your order by Dec. 19.
26. Applebee’s
This neighborhood bar and grill will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. It’s a good idea to call ahead for your local restaurant’s hours.
