BREAKING: Applebee’s moves to clarify Christmas Day dining plans as Chili’s goes dark
Applebee’s just broke its silence on Christmas Day 2025 dining. I have confirmed the chain is not taking a one size fits all approach. Applebee’s says hours will vary by location, with some restaurants offering limited service and others closing for the day. This comes as Chili’s prepares a full 24 hour shutdown across roughly 1,200 U.S. restaurants, a stark contrast that puts casual dining strategy in the spotlight.
What Applebee’s told me today
Applebee’s is leaning into local control. Franchise owners set holiday hours, and corporate is guiding communication to avoid confusion. The message is simple. Before you head out for a late lunch or a post present burger, check your local restaurant’s listing or call ahead. Some kitchens will open for a smaller window. Others will stay dark until December 26.
That clarification matters. Chili’s is choosing a universal pause. Applebee’s is signaling flexibility, a bet that communities know their holiday rhythm best. In suburbs with big family gatherings, doors may stay shut. Near highways or dense neighborhoods, you may find a team serving a slimmed down day. Either way, the chain is making sure guests do not arrive to a locked door.
Holiday hours are set locally. Expect variation by city, and even by neighborhood. Always confirm before you go.
What this means for your holiday meal
Casual dining plays a special role on Christmas Day. Not everyone cooks. Not everyone can. Some families celebrate on Christmas Eve, then want a warm plate and a place to sit the next day. Applebee’s has built its appeal on comfort food that travels well and lands fast. Think riblets with fries, the Bourbon Street style steak, big salads, spinach artichoke dip, and a kids menu that keeps the table calm.
For those who do find an open Applebee’s, expect a shorter crew and steady, simple plates. Bartenders will still pour seasonal cocktails where allowed, but the focus will be on core items that the kitchen can fire clean and quick. Curbside pickup may run in some markets, giving you a way to bring dinner home without turning on the oven.
Even if a dining room is open, kitchens may close earlier than the posted door time. Call ahead to confirm last seating and final pickup.
How to find an open Applebee’s today
If you need a plan in the next hour, keep it tight and direct.
- Check the location page for your nearest Applebee’s
- Call the host stand to confirm dining, bar, and kitchen cutoffs
- Ask about a limited menu or curbside pickup windows
- If that unit is closed, ask which nearby locations are operating
When you call, ask for the manager on duty. They have the most current times and menu details.
If doors are closed, bring the flavor home
You can still capture that neighborhood grill energy at the table. Use pantry basics to riff on Applebee’s style dishes in 20 to 30 minutes.
- Skillet steak with sizzle. Pat strip steaks dry, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder. Sear in a hot buttered skillet until medium or your liking. Splash in a little Worcestershire and lemon at the end for that steakhouse gloss.
- Riblet inspired bake. Toss country style ribs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Cover and roast at 325 degrees until tender, then broil for a sticky edge.
- Spinach artichoke dip. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, and canned artichokes. Season with salt and a pinch of chili flake. Bake until bubbling. Serve with warm chips.
- Pub style fries. Cut russets into thick sticks, toss with oil, salt, and a touch of cornstarch. Roast hot at 450 degrees, flipping once, until crisp.
- Shortcut house salad. Toss crisp greens with cherry tomatoes, red onion, croutons, and ranch or vinaigrette. Add blue cheese crumbles if you like.
These plates hit the same comfort notes as a booth at your local spot. They are unfussy, generous, and built for sharing. Put on a game, slice a pie, and you have a holiday meal that feels easy.
The bigger picture for casual dining
Today’s split approach says a lot. Chili’s is granting every store a full day to reset and rest. Applebee’s is letting each community choose, a nod to local demand and franchise reality. Both moves are defensible. One bets on consistency. The other bets on flexibility. For diners, the key is clarity. Applebee’s has now made that clear.
Here is the final word for your Christmas Day plan. Check before you drive. Be patient if you dine out. Tip with heart if you are served. The people working that shift are making your holiday smoother. And if your neighborhood Applebee’s is dark, your kitchen can still glow. 🍽️
