Just in case the dog gets to the turkey, ham, or prime rib before you do – or even if you just want to skip preparing the big holiday meal – it’s good to know you have some alternatives. For whatever reason, if you want to go out on the town to eat on December 25, here are restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day.
A number of chain restaurants are included, which offer moderate and low-cost options.
As always, we urge you to call ahead and confirm, as some independently-operated franchises opt to close on Christmas or limit their hours.
Wichita Restaurants Open Christmas Day
(Note: check back on this post between now and Christmas, as new restaurants may be added as they announce their Christmas plans.)
Saigon Oriental Restaurant on North Broadway will also be open their regular hours of 10 – 8. Eggroll brunch for everyone!
Buffet City Inc will be open on Christmas with their regular hours of 11 am to 10 pm.
China Star Super Buffet: China Star Super Buffet will be open from 11 am to 9 pm on Christmas.
Red Lobster: This is a great option if you want seafood for the holiday. Visit the one by Town East Mall
Denny’s: Christmas is actually the diner chain’s busiest day of the year. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all 24-hours of Christmas Day.
McDonald’s: At least 23 Wichita McDonald’s locations are open, and there may be more. Call ahead to confirm that your nearest Mickey D’s restaurant is open on Christmas day.
Panda Express: Open Christmas Day. They aren’t doing dine-in but will be offering take-out and delivery.
Spaulding’s: Bar and restaurant in Andover, KS. Opens at 5 pm
Side Pockets: Spacious pool hall & sports bar featuring big-screen TVs & a variety of pub fare. Opens at 5pm
IHOP: The International House of Pancakes is open 24 hours per day, and many of their locations will remain open on Christmas Day as well. Because individual locations are primarily owned and operated by franchisees, make sure to call ahead to your nearest IHOP in case their hours are reduced.
Rusty Nail: Laid-back tavern with quirky decor featuring American comfort food, outdoor space & a games room.
Village Inn: Open all day (though hours may vary by location). Be sure to get a slice of Candy Cane pie.
Tuptim Thai Restaurant: Their restaurant will be open on Christmas day from 11 am to 9 pm.
The Hill Bar & Grill: Creative tavern fare & many craft beers are offered in casual surroundings with flat-screen TVs & a patio.Will be open from 5 pm – 11 pm
Hook & Reel: Is a cajun seafood and bar that will be open from 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
Huddle House: is an American casual dining open from 6am – 4pm
Walts East: the kitchen will be open from 5pm – 10pm. This is one of our favorites
Oh Yeah! China Bistro: 11:30 am – 9pm
Pizza is the right choice every day, and Marcos Pizza will be open from 4-9 p.m. for those who want comfort food for Christmas dinner. They are also open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Not in the mood for standard fare such as turkey or ham? Look to your neighborhood ethnic restaurants. Many Wichita Chinese and Indian spots are open on Christmas for lunch and/or dinner.
Looking for a more formal dining experience? Check OpenTable. The online restaurant reservations site lists upscale restaurants (the kind that take reservations) open on Christmas Day. You can search by city.
Where are you planning to feast this Christmas? At grandmother’s house, at one of these restaurants open on Christmas day, or at home?
We will keep updating this post as we get more info. If you know of any restaurants open on Christmas let us know in the comments!
Order Christmas Dinner to Go
Dillons offers a full holiday meal or you can order a la carte. Choose Christmas dinners to go featuring turkey or ham that include 4 sides, gravy, dinner rolls, and pie. $60 (serves 4-6) or $75 (serves 6-8).
Cracker Barrel has a choice of Holiday Ham or Prime Rib heat-n-serve Christmas dinners to go. Each serves 4-6 people. For a bigger crowd, order the Holiday Ham Feast, which serves 8-10 people.
Elderslie Farm has a Christmas family meal that looks delectable and serves 4, or you can pick up a charcuterie board pakcage or family brunch.
Spears Restaurant & Pie Shop has its Christmas family feast to go with a smoked pit ham, three sides, gravy, rolls, and pie. The meal serves 6-8 and comes in at around $75.
Golden Corral also offers holiday meals to go. You can choose ham or turkey. Both come with mashed potatoes and gravy, your choice of side, yeast rolls, and a whole pie. The meals serve 6-8 and will run you about $80.
Restaurants open in the past
We are still waiting on confirmation for these restaurants.
Golden Corral: Some locations in the chain are open and our Wichita location will be among them, according to an employee who answered the phone. Their hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Applebee’s: Seems as though the Wichita-area locations will be closed, but on the Applebee’s website it says the South Broadway store will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight. It would be wise to call ahead and confirm. (dk)
Note: Some Wichita breweries and bars will be open in the evening for drinks. Scroll down the list to see the ones we’ve found.
Norton’s Brewing Company: Their bar will be open from 5 pm to 11 pm, Christmas day.