Is Olive Garden Open On Christmas
You came here for one quick answer: most locations close on the big holiday so staff can be with family. Use the chain’s Locations finder to confirm hours at your nearby restaurant.
Keep in mind that holiday hours may vary. Weekday lunch runs until 3 PM, and the full dinner menu serves guests on weekends and most special days. Some regions follow different rules.
Plan ahead: many spots close nationwide for Thanksgiving and the major December date, and some restaurants may shorten hours the evening before. Call before you visit to check current hours, waitlist options, and To Go or catering availability.
Is Olive Garden open on Christmas Day?
For travelers and hosts, the important detail is clear: olive garden locations do not operate on christmas day. The company closes nationwide to let staff spend the holiday with family.
That policy also applies to thanksgiving day; both dates are treated as full closures. Some restaurants may close early the evening before, so check local hours the day prior.
- Plan ahead: arrange dine-in or pickup for another day of the week.
- Consider ordering catering for pickup on December 24 if you want the brand’s menu during the holiday.
- Regional exceptions may exist outside the continental U.S.; always call your local restaurant.
| Operating Hours (Typical Holiday Guidance) | U.S. Mainland | Non-Continental Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Day | Closed | Varies — check local location |
| Christmas Eve | Reduced hours; some close early | Varies by management |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Closed or limited — verify locally |
| Social Media | Handle / Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Updates and-hours posted before holidays | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick holiday notices and specials | |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and seasonal posts |
Christmas Eve hours at Olive Garden
Many locations shorten service on December 24, so plan your meal earlier in the day. Typical closing runs near 8:00 PM, but posted hours may vary by market and management.
Contact your local restaurant the morning of the 24th to confirm last seating. Use the official Locations page for live hours, phone numbers, and waitlist options.
Typical closing time: many locations close by 8:00 PM (hours may vary)
Most spots wrap up dinner service around 8:00 PM. Some managers may push last seating slightly later or earlier based on staff and demand.
If you need later seating for a party, call ahead. For takeout, ask about the last pickup window; it often runs a bit later than dine‑in closing.
How to check your local restaurant’s holiday hours
- Check the Locations page for real-time hours and contact details.
- Call the restaurant directly the morning of the 24th for final confirmation.
- Consider catering pickup or To Go if dine‑in fills early.
| Operating Hours (Dec 24) | Typical Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Many U.S. locations | Close by ~8:00 PM | Call or check Locations page |
| Smaller markets | May vary by management | Confirm same‑day hours |
| To Go / Catering | Last pickup often later than dine‑in | Pre‑order to secure time |
| Social Media | Handle / Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Holiday hour posts and updates | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick notices about hours and closings | |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and seasonal announcements |
Holiday hours 2025: Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Easter, and more
Holiday schedules change each year, so check specific 2025 hours before you plan a meal. Below is a quick guide to typical holiday policies and what to expect at garden restaurants across the U.S.
Thanksgiving Day: closed nationwide
Thanksgiving Day is treated as a full closure at most locations. Plan alternate dates or arrange To Go or catering ahead.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve often runs with reduced hours compared to regular hours. Confirm your local schedule for last seating on year eve.
New Year Day usually follows normal hours at most sites. Still, check hours 2025 to avoid surprises.
Easter Sunday
Many restaurants open for lunch and dinner on Easter Sunday, but hours may vary by market. Call the morning of to confirm service windows.
Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day
These federal holidays generally operate on regular schedules. They are convenient options if you need predictable hours.
- For garden holiday hours: always use the Locations page for live updates.
- Build in extra time for groups, especially around new year and Easter.
| Holiday | Typical Status (U.S.) | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed nationwide | Plan alternate day; consider catering |
| Christmas Day | Closed nationwide | Verify local exceptions if outside continental U.S. |
| New Year’s Eve | Reduced hours | Confirm last seating; arrive early |
| New Year’s Day | Usually normal hours | Double-check hours 2025 locally |
| Easter Sunday | Varies by location | Call morning-of for exact times |
| Social Media | Handle / Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Holiday posts and hour updates | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick notices about hours and closings | |
| @olivegarden | Seasonal menu highlights and announcements |
Regular hours and why hours may vary by location
Most locations follow a predictable daily schedule, but local factors can change closing times. You should treat the posted times as a guide and confirm if you have tight plans.
Typical daily schedule for lunch and dinner service
Expect regular hours to begin around 11:00 AM most days. Lunch service runs Monday through Friday until 3 PM.
After 3 PM, the dining room typically moves to the dinner menu. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays the dinner menu is served all day, which gives you lunch dinner flexibility.
Regional variations and management discretion for early closing
Exact closing times may vary by market: weekdays often close near 10 PM, Friday and Saturday near 11 PM, and Sunday near 10 PM. Local demand, weather, or events can shift those hours.
Store-level management may adjust hours—especially the day before major holidays—to balance guest needs and support team members. If you’re traveling between cities, compare nearby locations since schedules can differ.
- Tip: call ahead or use the regular hours page for live hours and waitlist options.
- Rule of thumb: weekday closings near 10 PM; Fri/Sat near 11 PM; verify your specific location.
| Service | Typical Times | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | About 11:00 AM | Most locations |
| Lunch | Mon–Fri until 3:00 PM | Switches to dinner menu afterward |
| Evening close | Weeknights ~10:00 PM; Fri/Sat ~11:00 PM | Hours may vary by location |
| Weekends & Holidays | Dinner menu all day | Simpler planning for groups |
Plan your visit: tips for dining on busy holidays
Busy holiday days mean you should lock in plans before you leave home. A few quick checks cut stress and keep your group on schedule.
Call ahead or use the locations page to confirm hours
Before you go, check the Locations page for live hours and contact details. If you need a final answer, call the restaurant the morning of your visit.
Arrive early on reduced-hours days to avoid last‑minute closings
On eve new and other shortened days, show up earlier than usual. That helps secure seating and avoids a sudden closing or last seating cutoff.
Consider To Go and Catering for holiday gatherings
If your party is large, order catering pans and pick up when slots are available. Delivery is often offered for orders over $100 with a fee.
- Confirm hours via Locations or a quick call the day of peak holidays.
- Use online ordering and To Go as a fallback when dinner or lunch fills fast.
- Schedule catering pickup early to lock your preferred time slot.
- Check the Kids Menu before you arrive to speed ordering for children 12 and under.
- Preview gluten‑friendly options in the Nutrition Guide for dietary needs.
- For new year day dining, consider off‑peak lunch to avoid long waits.
- If unsure whether a local olive garden open time will change, ask for last seating and kitchen cutoff details.
| Operating Hours (Typical Holiday) | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve / Eve New | Reduced — varies by location | Call morning of; arrive early |
| New Year Day | Often regular or reduced | Consider off‑peak lunch |
| Holidays (general) | Check live hours | Use Locations page or phone |
| Social Media | Handle / Page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Holiday hour updates | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick notices about closings | |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and announcements |
Menus and services on holidays at Olive Garden
When holidays arrive, the menu and service model shift to make group dining easier. You get consistent choices and faster service during busy periods.
The dinner menu is served all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. That simplifies planning when some guests want an early lunch and others plan a late dinner.
If you prefer lighter midday options, review the garden menu before you go. Doing so helps you order quickly when the dining room is busy and keeps wait times down.
Families can rely on the kids menu for ages 12 and under. Each kids meal includes a side and a drink for easier ordering with children.
- Gluten-friendly items and substitutions are listed in the Nutrition Guide for faster decisions.
- Seasonal promos and specials appear in the eClub and on the Specials page; ask team members about limited offers.
- Catering pans feed larger groups; delivery is available for orders $100+ with applicable fees.
- For quick exits, place a To Go order ahead to lock your pickup time during adjusted hours.
| Service | Typical Holiday Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner menu | Served all day | Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays |
| Kids menu | Available | Ages 12 and under; includes side and drink |
| Catering | Pickup and delivery | Delivery on orders $100+; fees may apply |
| To Go | Preorder recommended | Secure pickup time during peak hours |
| Social Media | Handle / Page | How it helps |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Holiday promos and hours | |
| @OliveGarden | Quick notices and specials | |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and seasonal posts |
For alternate dining suggestions during major closures, see this alternate restaurant suggestions.
Is Olive Garden Open On Christmas: what to remember before you go
Before you head out, double‑check local holiday schedules to avoid surprises. Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day are closed at most locations, so plan earlier or pick a different date.
Many spots reduce hours on Christmas Eve and new year eve; New Year’s Day generally follows regular hours. Use the Locations page or call to confirm garden holiday hours for your site. If seating is tight, choose To Go or catering to secure your meal.
Keep family plans simple: aim for midday seating on busy days and respect early closures so team members can observe the holidays. Check eClub specials if you want a deal during an olive garden holiday week.
FAQ
Is Olive Garden Open On Christmas
Most restaurants close on December 25th. Hours can vary by location, so check your local restaurant’s page or call ahead before planning a visit.
Is Olive Garden open on Christmas Day?
Generally closed for the holiday. A few locations might operate limited hours, but the safe assumption is that dining rooms are not available unless your local store confirms otherwise.
Christmas Eve hours at Olive Garden — what should I expect?
Many locations reduce hours on December 24th, often closing earlier than usual. Typical closing times are around 8:00 PM, though this varies by store and market.
Typical closing time: many locations close by 8:00 PM (hours may vary)
That closing time is common but not universal. Franchise owners and regional managers set final schedules, so verify with the specific address you plan to visit.
How to check your local restaurant’s holiday hours?
Use the official locations page, Google Business listing, or call the restaurant directly. Those sources reflect last‑minute changes and manager decisions.
Holiday hours 2025: Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Easter, and more — what are the rules?
Holiday hours differ by date: some days have reduced service, some close fully. Always confirm each holiday with your local restaurant for 2025 specifics.
Thanksgiving Day: closed nationwide — is that accurate?
Yes. Most corporate and franchised locations do not serve dine‑in on Thanksgiving, with stores closed so team members can be with family.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day: will hours be reduced?
Expect reduced or adjusted hours. New Year’s Eve often ends earlier; New Year’s Day may open later or run regular hours depending on the location.
Easter Sunday: is the restaurant open?
Many locations operate on Easter, but hours vary. Some keep regular service while others shorten schedules—call the store to confirm.
Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day: are hours normal?
Those holidays typically follow regular hours, but some locations may adjust for staffing or local demand. Check ahead to be sure.
Regular hours and why hours may vary by location — what causes differences?
Factors include local laws, manager discretion, staffing, and customer demand. Franchise agreements also allow regional adjustments.
Typical daily schedule for lunch and dinner service — what times should I expect?
Lunch service usually starts around 11:00 AM; dinner begins in the late afternoon. Exact times depend on each restaurant’s posted schedule.
Regional variations and management discretion for early closing — can a location close unexpectedly?
Yes. Severe weather, staffing shortages, or special events can lead management to close early. Confirm hours the day you plan to visit.
Plan your visit: tips for dining on busy holidays — any quick advice?
Call ahead, check the locations page, and consider booking online if available. Arrive early on reduced‑hours days to avoid last‑minute closures.
Call ahead or use the locations page to confirm hours — why is that best?
Those channels show real‑time updates and manager changes. They’re the most reliable sources for current opening and closing times.
Arrive early on reduced-hours days to avoid last‑minute closings — how early is recommended?
Try to arrive at least 30–60 minutes before the posted closing time for a smoother experience and full menu availability.
Consider To Go and Catering for holiday gatherings — are those services available?
Many restaurants offer takeout and catering options for holidays. Availability varies; place orders early during peak holiday periods.
Menus and services on holidays at Olive Garden — will full menus be available?
Holidays often feature the regular dinner menu, but some locations may limit offerings. Check with the restaurant for specials or temporary menu changes.
Dinner menu served all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays — is that standard?
Many locations offer dinner items throughout the day on weekends and certain holidays, but confirm locally since practices can differ by store.
Family options: Kids Menu, gluten‑friendly choices, and specials — are these offered on holidays?
Yes. Kids selections and allergen‑friendly options are commonly available, though some special items may be limited during peak holiday shifts.
Is Olive Garden Open On Christmas: what should I remember before you go?
Don’t assume regular hours on major holidays. Always check the specific restaurant’s hours online or by phone to avoid surprises and plan alternatives like takeout or catering.
