Christmas may be the most magical time of the year but the festive period can be exhausting, leaving some people less inclined to cook for themselves come December 25.
However, like much of the U.S., fast food restaurants can alter their opening hours or even shut completely on Christmas Day, making it important to plan ahead.
And to complicate matters further, outlets in some chains will shut while others remain open on December 25.
We have compiled the Christmas Day opening hours of some of America’s most popular fast-food restaurants, from KFC to Krispy Kreme.
Please note, while Newsweek has contacted all the restaurants featured in this article, some have yet to respond, so please confirm the opening times with your local branch before making the trip.
McDonald’s
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Although some McDonald’s restaurants will be serving food on Christmas Day, others will be shut.
The restaurant told Newsweek: “Hours vary by location, but most McDonald’s in the U.S. are open on holidays, and consumers can use the store locator tool to confirm.”
Wendy’s
Like Thanksgiving and Black Friday, many Wendy’s locations will be open and ready to serve you on Christmas.
A spokesperson told Newsweek: “Many Wendy’s locations will be open and ready to serve customers, but store hours may vary depending on location. To find out when the nearest Wendy’s will be open on Christmas, please visit our location finder.”
Burger King
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While the majority of Burger King locations have shut their doors to customers on Christmas Day, some outlets in travel hubs such as airports sometimes remain open, meaning it is advised to check ahead of December 25.
Burger King told Newsweek: “Guests can confirm these hours at their local restaurant or online through the Burger King app.”
Krispy Kreme
The home of the glazed donut’s Christmas Day opening hours vary across the U.S., meaning you are advised to check with your local Krispy Kreme franchise before visiting.
Starbucks
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Starbucks store hours vary by location and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs.
A spokesperson told Newsweek: “We recommend customers look for specific store hours using the Starbucks app or by visiting our website store locator.
“The Starbucks app continues to be the best way for customers to find a store, check store hours, order ahead and use contactless payment.”
Chick-fil-A
A spokesperson for the fast-food restaurant confirmed to Newsweek their outlets will not be opening the doors on December 25.
They said: “Chick-fil-A has always observed the Thanksgiving and Christmas national holidays by closing to give restaurant Team Members time to spend with family and friends.”
Dominos Pizza
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Dominos told Newsweek only some of their outlets will open their doors on Christmas.
The pizza parlor said: “Nationally, we give our franchisees (who operate more than 90 percent of the stores in the U.S.) that day as ‘optional.’ In many smaller, more homogenous communities, the stores will be closed.
“In major urban markets, where the populations are more diverse, they will be open. Historically, for example, December 25 is a busy day in places like New York City. We don’t have a specific number to give you, but some will be open, some will not.”
Dunkin’ Donuts
Those people needing a caffeine and sugar pick-me-up on Christmas morning are likely in luck, as many Dunkin’ Donut outlets will be open.
However, please note store hours vary by location, so check with your local Dunkin’ Donuts before heading out.
KFC
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Fans of the Colonel will discover KFC closed on Christmas Day and outlets open at reduced hours on Christmas Eve.
The restaurant told Newsweek: “Most of KFC’s restaurants across the country will be closed on Christmas Day so our team members can enjoy time with their families. We recommend checking directly with local KFC restaurants to confirm whether they are operating with holiday hours.”
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is closed for Christmas Day, but the world’s largest pizza chain will return to its regular opening hours on December 26.
Pizza Hut told Newsweek: “Holiday hours vary by location, so we recommend checking with your local restaurant.”
Taco Bell
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The fast-food chain famed for its legendary Doritos Taco is shut for business on Christmas Day
Taco Bell spokesperson confirmed to Country Living Taco Bell restaurants are open on Christmas Eve. They said: “Hours of operations vary on Christmas Eve and we recommend fans check with their local Taco Bell directly for their hours.”
Papa John’s
Papa John’s Christmas Day opening hours are understood to vary, meaning it is advised to speak with a member of staff to find out if the pizza restaurant is operating on December 25.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
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The fast-food restaurant is closed on Christmas Day but customers can order their favorite Quesadilla again on December 26.
The restaurant told Newsweek: Nearly all Chipotle restaurants will be closed on December 25th. There are three airport locations that will remain open on December 25th.”
Peet’s Coffee
A spokesperson said: “Peet’s Coffee has confirmed that all Peet’s Coffee owned operated locations will be closed on Christmas Day so that employees may enjoy the day with their family and friends. Some licensed partner locations may be open depending on location/venue (such as airports).”