Here’s What Restaurants Are Open On Christmas Eve This Year

The kitchen is a festive place to be between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you might want to think about giving your oven a break before the big Christmas Day feast. Was all you asked for this Christmas to have spotless kitchen counters and a meal prepared for you? You must be on Santa's nice list. If you're wondering what restaurants are open on Christmas Eve 2017, I've got good news for you. There's actually an ~extensive~ list of restaurants to jingle all the way into. Whether you're craving a break from tree decorating before Santa's arrival or need to fuel up before last minute gift shopping at the mall, you'll be well fed for the events ahead.

Every year since I can remember waiting on Rudolph's red nose, my family ventured out to sit around someone else's table on Christmas Eve. It was about relaxing, together. No dish duty, no water pitcher refills. It's tradition. Maybe you order in Chinese Food or catch a double feature at the local cinema. Maybe you stay in to decorate Christmas cookies and eat most of them before Santa has an option between the red and green glittered stars or the red and white speckled candy cane cookies. Whatever your tradition is, there's always something festive to engage in the night before Christmas.

If it hasn't been your tradition to venture out for a meal on Christmas Eve, consider starting your merry gathering at one of these restaurants that will be open for you to feast. Relax into bread baskets and conversations with your siblings. The next day is a big one.

Applebee's

Have all your Christmas shopping done, wrapped and completed with a bow perched on top? Relax into a basket of fries at Applebee's. Most locations should be open on Christmas Eve, but do call your local restaurant for hours.

Boston Market

Limited hours might affect your Boston Market feasting, so call your go-to location for specifics!

Buffalo Wild Wings

Just winging dinner on Christmas Eve? Literally do just that at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Buca di Beppo

Gather your family around mounds of pasta at a Buca di Beppo table before heading home to wrap the rest of the presents.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is here for Christmas Eve.

Denny's

Denny's knows how to get into the holiday spirit with their seasonal offerings. Give your location a call to see what's on the menu for Christmas Eve and to find out how late they'll stay open.

Golden Corral

That feeling when Golden Corral's buffet is at your service on Christmas Eve. Every trip up to the buffet is like opening another present!

IHOP

Get into the spirit with IHOP's seasonal specials like the Fluffy The Snowman Pancakes.

Outback Steakhouse

Step away from the cookie baking and get yourself something hearty to eat at Outback Steakhouse. You'll need fuel to wrap the rest of those presents.

Ruby Tuesday

Most Ruby Tuesday locations will close early on Christmas Eve. But they'll be open. And while you're there, think about stocking stuffings with their gift card.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

You can now officially make a reservation for your Christmas Eve dining at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.

Sizzler

Between seafood, steaks, burgers and chicken you might be tempted to call off cooking if you were planning to host Christmas Eve dinner. Call your local Sizzler for operating hours!

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse has plenty of gluten-free options so everyone in your family can find something to feast on.

Waffle House

Breakfast for dinner on Christmas Eve is doing it right.

Bob Evans Restaurant

Bob Evans Restaurants know how to do a holiday feast if their Thanksgiving offering was any inclination. Call your local restaurant to find out reduced hours for Christmas Eve.

Carrabba's

Nothing can warm you up on a December day like a heaping bowl of pasta. Let it snow parmesan on Christmas Eve by heading to Carraba's.

Olive Garden

Olive Garden might be closed on Christmas Day but locations are open on Christmas Eve. All the bread sticks the night before Christmas? Sounds like a miracle.

TGI Friday's

There's something for the whole family to enjoy on a TGI Friday's menu which is great when it comes to avoiding bad moods. Locations are scheduled to be open, but as always, check with your local branch for holiday hours.

P.F. Chang's

There will be plenty of Chicken Lettuce Wraps available for your entire family to devour at P.F. Chang's on Christmas Eve. Hours may differ per location, so give the hostess a call before making your way over!

Red Lobster

Looking to feast on fish Christmas Eve? Red Lobster will be open until 8 p.m., but check with your favorite location to make sure that you don't miss a bowl of popcorn shrimp if they're planning on closing early.

Red Robin

Just want to bite into a juicy burger before the ham takes center stage? Red Robin is set to be open on Christmas Eve to host your party until 6PM. This gives you enough time to get in and back home in time to watch at least two of your favorite Christmas movies. Check with your local Red Robin for hours!

Tavern on the Green

If you're spending Christmas in New York — a magical time of the year to visit with all the dressed up windows and oh you know, that towering Christmas tree in the center of Manhattan — you should consider gifting yourself a dining experience at the famed Tavern on the Green. You might feel as VIP as Santa. Contact the restaurant directly for your reservations!

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