December is a month that is full of seasonal cranberry cocktails, delicious Christmas-inspired charcuterie trays, and a grand sense of holiday cheer. With decorating, holiday party planning, baking, and last-minute gifts to shop for, you’re bound to be busy. It’s one of the many reasons some prefer not to cook during the holidays (very understandable, by the way). A perfect solution is spending the holiday at your favorite fast food spot. But you certainly don’t want to drive all the way over to your favorite spot just to find out it is closed for the holidays. Bummer, am I right? When in doubt, check the store locator on the chain’s website or give your local spot a call ahead of time. Hours often vary based on location. Here are some fast food chains open over the holidays that will serve up fresh feasts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and/or New Year’s Day.
#SpoonTip: Remember to be extra kind to the staff workers during the holidays.
Applebee’s Bar & Grill
Maximize on the Dollaritas (responsibly) and holiday combos. Applebee’s will be open on Christmas Eve at reduced hours and some locations will be open for reduced hours on Christmas Day. For New Year’s Eve, the restaurant chain will also be open with reduced hours.
Boston Market
Select locations will be open during the holidays Be sure to check its store locator.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Most restaurants will open during regular hours for Christmas Eve. However, most locations will be closed on December 25.
Burger King
Holiday hours for this burger chain vary by location. You can check for your local spot using Burger King’s store locator to inquire about its specific hours.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s website suggests contacting your local restaurant for Christmas Eve hours as it may vary by location. But the restaurant chain will be open on New Year’s Day.
Cracker Barrel
All Cracker Barrel locations will close at 2 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. However, if you’re still looking to indulge, you can pre-order the restaurant’s Holiday Ham Heat & Serve Feast, which features a sugar-cured ham and two pies.
The chain will be open with regular hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Denny’s
True to its 24/7 service, Denny’s will be open during the holidays.
Dunkin’
You can still get your morning coffee at Dunkin’ on Christmas Eve. Be sure to check your Dunkin’ app or the coffee chain’s online store locator, as store hours vary by location.
IHOP
IHOP will be open during the holidays. However, hours may vary by location, so you’ll want to check with your nearest restaurant — call or search its locator tool.
Krispy Kreme
Celebrate the holidays with donuts this year, specifically from Krispy Kreme.
Plan ahead though, some locations will have reduced hours on December 24. Most locations will also be closed on Christmas Day but will be open for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day — for more information, check the donut shop’s online store locator.
Olive Garden
Endless breadsticks are still an option during the holidays! Store hours may vary so be sure to check Olive Garden’s online store locator for your go-to location.
All locations, however, will be closed on Christmas Day.
Outback Steakhouse
Get ready for steaks and the delicious starter bread, Outback Steakhouse is open with reduced hours on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day. The restaurant will be open with regular hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Panda Express
Panda Express is open during the holidays and is operating during regular hours except for December 25.
Taco Bell
Hours may vary, but most locations will be closed on Christmas Day, but operational during all other holidays. Be sure to check your local Taco Bell’s hours.
Waffle House
Waffle House is open 365 days a year. You’re all set for your breakfast-at-anytime fix!
Wendy’s
Your Baconator will be waiting for you during the holidays. Many locations will be open, according to the fast food chain’s website. Just be sure to visit Wendy’s online location finder for the most up-to-date information on your nearest location.