Is Olive Garden Open On Christmas Day
You want a clear, quick answer about holiday dining so you can plan without surprises. The short version: many restaurants in this chain close on christmas day so team members can spend time with family and friends.
Hours and holiday hours vary by location. Lunch service typically ends mid afternoon on weekdays, while dinner menus run all day on weekends and many holidays. Some locations—especially in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and abroad—use different schedules.
Before you visit, check the Locations page or app for exact hours and menu availability. That way guests can choose dine-in, takeout, or place orders with enough lead time as the year approaches peak travel and dining times.
Is Olive Garden Open On Christmas Day? Here’s the definitive answer
Definitive answer: olive garden is closed nationwide on christmas day. The brand sets this policy so team members and employees can spend time with family and families.
Why the brand closes for major holidays
Management follows a clear staffing and well-being policy. Closing on key holidays supports team members and members by guaranteeing time off. The same rule applies to thanksgiving day and closed thanksgiving day status across most locations.
What “hours may vary by location” means
Some regions—Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international spots—may vary their holiday hours. Management can also elect to close early the day before major holidays. Always check local hours and contact your restaurant for final information.
| Typical Operating Hours | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Day Before Major Holiday | May close early | May close early |
| Thanksgiving / Christmas | Closed | |
| Social Channel | Handle | Use |
|---|---|---|
| @OliveGarden | Announcements, hours | |
| Twitter / X | @OliveGarden | Quick updates |
| @OliveGarden | Promos, images |
- Check the Locations page or app to confirm local hours.
- Call ahead for the scheduled closing time on the day before a holiday.
- Use official information to avoid a wasted trip.
Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day: Holiday hours and what may vary
Many guests find the day before the holiday has shorter service windows than usual. Plan for earlier seating or pickup to avoid surprises.
Early closures on the eve
On christmas eve many locations close early, often by about 8:00 PM. Exact hours depend on local business and staffing.
Management discretion before major holidays
Managers may shorten hours the day before a holiday to give teams time with family. That means a location could close sooner than usual.
- Expect earlier closing on christmas eve at many olive garden locations—verify your local listing.
- Garden restaurants may offer limited evening service; pre-order To Go to avoid lines.
- If you travel this year, hours in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international markets may vary.
- Use the website Locations tool or call your location for exact time and to confirm service.
| Day | Typical hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | Closes ~8:00 PM | May vary by location |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Only limited exceptions in some markets |
| Holiday travel markets | Varies | Check website or call ahead |
Olive Garden holiday hours at a glance: Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Easter, and more
Holiday schedules change fast; knowing what to expect saves time and stress.
Below is a quick snapshot of how major holidays are handled across olive garden locations in the United States. Use this as a planning guide and confirm your local listing before you go.
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day: closed nationwide. This mirrors the closed thanksgiving day policy for the same reason many restaurants close on that date.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve: most locations operate but may reduce hours. New Year’s Day: many restaurants open with regular or slightly adjusted service.
Easter & Federal Holidays
Easter Sunday: many locations stay open, but hours vary. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day: generally open, with local changes possible.
- Plan meals for thanksgiving christmas day and other busy dates by checking hours early.
- Call ahead for large groups or special menu requests.
- Use the Locations page or app for the most current information.
| Holiday | Typical Status | Guest Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Order ahead for nearby dates |
| New Year’s Eve / Day | Open (Eve may reduce hours) | Confirm closing time locally |
| Easter / Federal Holidays | Varies / Generally open | Check your location’s hours |
Regular hours and menu timing to know before you go
Before you head out, a quick look at typical daily hours and menu windows will save you time. Most locations run roughly 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though specific times can shift by restaurant, region, or season.
Lunch is generally served Monday through Friday until 3 PM. On weekends and holidays, the dinner menu is offered all day, which makes late plans easier to manage.
Practical tips for planning
- Most restaurants open near 11:00 AM and close around 10:00 PM; confirm your local listing before you go.
- Weekday lunch can be quieter than the dinner rush, especially during school breaks or holiday weeks.
- For groups or special requests, call ahead to your local location to secure seating or menu info.
- Use online To Go ordering when time is tight to skip pickup lines around meal transitions.
| Day | Typical hours | Menu timing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Lunch until 3 PM; dinner after |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Lunch until 3 PM; dinner may extend later |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Dinner menu all day |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Dinner menu all day |
| Social Channel | Handle | Use |
|---|---|---|
| @OliveGarden | Announcements and hours | |
| Twitter / X | @OliveGarden | Quick updates |
| @OliveGarden | Promos and images |
Hours and menu timing can vary by location. For the most accurate information, check the holiday hours page or the Locations tool before you leave.
How to confirm your local Olive Garden’s holiday hours
A quick online check can tell you if your local spot has adjusted hours for upcoming holidays. Use the brand tools to get the most current information before you plan to visit.
Use the Locations page or app to find accurate hours by restaurant
Open the website or the app and search by city or ZIP. Select your restaurant to see today’s hours and contact details.
- Call the restaurant if you plan to dine the day before a major holiday; managers may close early.
- Bookmark the locations page so you can check holiday hours quickly during peak travel.
- Compare nearby garden locations on the app map if one spot is full or running shorter hours.
- For large parties or accessibility needs, call ahead to confirm seating and special services.
- Need quick answers? See official FAQs for common questions and policies: official FAQs.
| Item | Typical Info | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Today’s hours | Listed per location | Check restaurant page |
| Holiday hours | May vary by market | Call ahead for the day before holidays |
| Contact | Phone and address | Use app or website |
| Social Channel | Handle | Use |
|---|---|---|
| @OliveGarden | Announcements and hours | |
| Twitter / X | @OliveGarden | Quick updates |
| @OliveGarden | Promos and images |
Planning your holiday meal: To Go, catering, and family-style dining
Plan ahead so your meal arrives on time and your group eats with minimal stress. Online To Go ordering is available at most locations and helps lock in pickup slots for christmas eve lunch or dinner.
For larger family gatherings, catering offers family-size pans, salads, and sides. Delivery applies to orders $100 and up: a 10% delivery fee applies up to $500, then 5% beyond that total.
Ordering To Go online for Christmas Eve lunch or dinner
Place your To Go order early to secure a preferred pickup time. If a local restaurant closes early, ordering ahead avoids missed pickup windows.
Catering orders: Delivery availability and fees for larger family gatherings
Catering is ideal when you host many guests. Pickup is available for most catering items. For delivery, confirm fees and timing when you place the order.
Seasonal specials: Check current offers before your visit
Sign up for eClub or visit the Specials page on the website for limited-time menu items and holiday news. Promotions can change as the year ends, so check before you order.
- Use your confirmation email to call the restaurant and adjust or cancel To Go pickup times.
- Combine entrées with salad and breadsticks to speed service at home.
- Review the garden menu online for dietary details and current availability.
| Service | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| To Go Ordering | Most locations | Order online; modify via confirmation email phone number |
| Catering Pickup | Yes | Family-size pans and salads available |
| Catering Delivery | Orders $100+ | 10% fee up to $500; 5% beyond |
| Seasonal Offers | Website / eClub | Check Specials page for limited-time items |
| Social Channel | Handle | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Garden | Announcements, promos | |
| Olive Garden | Seasonal images, offers | |
| X (Twitter) | Olive Garden | Quick updates, news |
| TikTok | Olive Garden | Short promos |
Plan with confidence for the holidays ahead
Confirm hours and pickup times now so your plans stay on track. This chain closes nationwide for christmas day and for Thanksgiving, and some locations may close early the day before major holidays.
Use the Locations page or app to check today’s hours for your nearest restaurant. Weekday lunch runs until 3 PM; dinner service runs all day on weekends and most holidays (except closure dates).
For larger groups, order catering or place a To Go pickup. Call your restaurant if you need exact timing: team members can confirm last seating and best pickup windows. Sign up for eClub to catch garden menu specials and holiday news.
FAQ
Is Olive Garden open on Christmas Day?
Most locations close on December 25 so team members can spend time with family. Nationwide restaurants typically observe the holiday and do not serve dine-in that day, though a few non-U.S. territories or independently operated sites may differ.
Why does Olive Garden close on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving?
The company prioritizes employee time with loved ones and schedules closures on key holidays to support staff well‑being and work‑life balance. Closing also helps maintain consistent staffing and service quality around busy holiday shifts.
What does “holiday hours may vary by location” mean for my nearby restaurant?
It means managers can adjust opening and closing times for local needs. Factors include staffing, regional demand, and local regulations. Always confirm with the specific restaurant before making plans.
How do Christmas Eve hours usually compare to the holiday itself?
Many restaurants close earlier on December 24, often around 8:00 PM, to allow teams time to prepare for the holiday. Exact times vary, so check your local schedule.
Can management close early the day before a major holiday?
Yes. Management has discretion to set earlier closing times the day before big holidays to accommodate staff schedules and local customer patterns.
Do locations in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or international markets follow the same holiday schedule?
Not always. Territories and international sites may follow different hours based on local customs and laws. Verify hours for those locations separately.
What’s the best way to confirm hours before dinner?
Call your restaurant, use the Locations page on the company website, or check the mobile app for the most current hours and any temporary changes.
Is the chain closed on Thanksgiving?
Yes. Restaurants generally remain closed on Thanksgiving so staff can celebrate with family.
Are New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day open?
New Year’s Day is typically open; New Year’s Eve is open but may have reduced or earlier hours depending on the location.
What about Easter and other federal holidays?
Easter Sunday sees many restaurants open with variable hours. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are usually open, though hours can change by site.
What are typical regular hours and when is lunch served?
Many restaurants operate roughly 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though this varies. Lunch service commonly runs Monday–Friday until about 3:00 PM; weekends often feature the full menu throughout the day.
How can I find accurate holiday hours for my local restaurant?
Use the official Locations page, the restaurant app, or call the specific site. These sources provide the most reliable, up‑to‑date hours for holidays and special events.
Can I order To Go for holiday meals like Christmas Eve?
Yes. To Go ordering is available online at many locations for holiday meals. Availability and pickup times differ by restaurant, so place orders early.
Does the restaurant offer catering for family gatherings?
Catering is available for larger groups, with delivery options and fees that vary by area. Contact your local restaurant or the catering team to confirm menus, lead times, and pricing.
Are there seasonal specials or limited‑time menu items during the holidays?
Seasonal offerings often appear around major holidays. Check current promotions on the website or app before visiting to see limited‑time dishes and deals.
