If you’re asking “is McDonald’s open on Christmas?” and “is Starbucks open on Christmas?” — the short answer is: many locations do remain open on December 25, 2025, but it varies by store and region. Most major chains are keeping some branches operational, often with reduced or modified hours, and holiday schedules depend heavily on local ownership and franchise decisions.
What to Know Right Away
- McDonald’s: Yes — many McDonald’s locations are expected to be open on Christmas Day, but hours vary widely by location (some may open later or close earlier than usual).
- Starbucks: Most Starbucks stores will be open, though with location‑specific, reduced holiday hours.
- IHOP: Generally open on Christmas Day, with hours depending on the restaurant.
Because hundreds of thousands of restaurants across the U.S. (and globally) set their own holiday hours, the only 100% reliable way to know exact opening times for your nearest location is to check the official store locator, mobile app, or call ahead.
Why There’s No Universal Holiday Standard
Here’s the crux: fast food and café chains operate largely on a franchise model. That means individual store owners decide whether to open on holidays, and if they do, how long they stay open. This decentralized system creates significant variation:
- McDonald’s airport and hospital locations often stay open long hours (sometimes 24/7) on holidays, even Christmas, to serve travelers and healthcare workers.
- Standalone suburban or rural McDonald’s spots frequently close entirely on Christmas, opting to let staff take the holiday off.
- Starbucks likewise doesn’t publish a single universal Christmas Day schedule; many stores selectively operate with limited hours based on volunteer staffing and local market demand.
McDonald’s on Christmas Day 2025
✔ Expected Availability
- A majority of McDonald’s restaurants will have some service on Christmas Day.
✔ Hours & Variations
- Airport & Travel Hub Outlets: Often run extended hours — some nearly 24 hours.
- Hospital or Essential Service Adjacent Outlets: Typically open at least part of the day.
- Franchise Retail Locations: Vary dramatically — some open normal hours, others shortened schedules, and some closed.
✔ Tips from On‑the‑Ground Reports
People from different regions report that local McDonald’s outlets may or may not be open, even within the same city. That aligns with official guidance — assume variance until confirmed by your store.
Starbucks on Christmas Day 2025
✔ Likelihood of Being Open
- Most Starbucks locations are expected to remain open on December 25, based on company patterns and recent data.
✔ What to Expect
- Hours will vary by store. Some may close early (e.g., late afternoon or early evening), others might operate standard hours.
- Independence in holiday schedules is again driven by local staffing and operational decisions — Starbucks does not publish one global Christmas drive rule.
✔ How to Confirm
- The Starbucks store locator on the official website (or in the mobile app) is your best tool to find exact opening hours on Christmas Day for any specific café.
IHOP on Christmas Day 2025
- IHOP has confirmed that many — though not necessarily all — of its locations will be open on Christmas Day, often with regular or extended breakfast and dinner service.
- Just like other chains, local franchise decisions determine final hours and offerings, so calling ahead is strongly advised.
Other Chains & Holiday Patterns
For context — and planning beyond McDonald’s, Starbucks, and IHOP — here’s how the broader fast food and casual dining landscape is shaping up:
Likely Open on Christmas
- Waffle House: Traditionally open 365 days a year.
- Denny’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Domino’s: Many locations will operate on Christmas Day, often with regular or modified hours.
Likely Closed or Limited
- Chick‑fil‑A, Chipotle, Taco Bell: Many locations are expected to close for Christmas Day, even if open on Christmas Eve.
- Sit‑down chains like Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel more often close on Christmas Day or have very limited service.
Best Practices to Confirm Holiday Hours
Given the highly localized nature of holiday hours for these chains, here’s what works best in practice:
- Use Official Store Locators or Mobile Apps:
- McDonald’s App
- Starbucks Store Locator
- IHOP Restaurant Finder
These tools reflect real‑time holiday hours updated by the franchise or corporate.
- Call the Restaurant Directly:
Don’t trust generic holiday assumptions — a phone call often reveals the true schedule. - Plan Ahead on Christmas Eve:
Many locations announce Christmas hours on Christmas Eve — either online or on signage at the restaurant.
Quick Reference Table (Typical Patterns)
| Restaurant | Likelihood Open on Dec 25 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | High (varies by location) | Airport & hospital outlets more reliable |
| Starbucks | Moderate‑High (varies) | Reduced hours common |
| IHOP | Moderate‑High | Most franchised units opt to open |
| Waffle House | Very High | Open 365 days |
| Chick‑fil‑A | Low | Closed on Christmas |
Final Take: Is McDonald’s or Starbucks Open on Christmas?
Yes — many McDonald’s and Starbucks locations will be open on Christmas Day 2025, but there’s no single universal schedule. Holiday hours are inherently tied to local franchise decisions and staffing, so your best bet is to confirm with a store directly before you go. McDonald’s and Starbucks both strongly encourage checking their official locators for accurate, real‑time holiday hours — and that’s the reality for every other chain as well.
If you’re away from home on Dec. 25 or just want a late‑night coffee or burger, rest assured that options are out there — they just require a little advance checking. And if you’re traveling or in a bigger metro area, airports and hotels are strong bets for open restaurants and coffee shops, too (especially on major holidays).
