Is Olive Garden Open On Thanksgiving
You likely want a quick, reliable answer about holiday service. In the mainland U.S., company policy closes restaurants on Thanksgiving Day and on Christmas Day. That gives the team time with family and friends.
Hours vary by location: lunch is typically served Monday through Friday until 3 pm, and many restaurants offer the dinner menu all day on weekends and holidays. Management may also choose to close early the day before major holidays.
For the most accurate local information, use the restaurant locator or call the location directly a few days ahead. If you want the chain’s food on a holiday, consider Catering pickup or delivery for qualifying orders, or To Go online options where available.
Quick answer: Olive Garden’s Thanksgiving Day status
Quick facts first: the chain’s policy on major holidays is straightforward.
The company confirms that mainland U.S. restaurants are closed thanksgiving day and on Christmas Day. This decision gives each team time to spend with family and friends.
Official policy: Closed on Thanksgiving Day across mainland U.S. locations
Per company policy, most restaurants in the continental United States do not operate on thanksgiving day. That uniform approach helps you plan travel and meals across cities.
Why the doors are closed: Time for team members’ family and friends
The decision prioritizes people: team members get guaranteed time with family during major holidays. Local managers may also set early closing times the day before based on business levels.
| Operating Hours | Holiday Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | All mainland U.S. restaurants per company policy |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Same policy as Thanksgiving Day |
| Day before major holidays | Varies | Local management may close early based on volume |
| Social Channel | Handle / Page | Use |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Hours, promotions, updates | |
| Twitter / X | @OliveGarden | Quick alerts and news |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and announcements |
Holiday hours at a glance: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and more
Below is an at-a-glance summary of seasonal hours and common practices so you can plan meals and travel with confidence.
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day per company policy
Mainland U.S. locations close on both Thanksgiving Day and christmas day each year. That company decision gives team members guaranteed time with family.
Dinner menu practice on holidays and weekends
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays the dinner menu is served all day. You get full dining choices without waiting for evening hours.
Expect early closures before major holidays based on business levels
Local managers may close early the day before big holidays if business is light. Hours vary by location, so check locally before you go.
- Mainland U.S. restaurants closed on Thanksgiving Day and christmas day.
- Dinner menu available all day on weekend and holiday dates when open.
- Day-before closures depend on business and manager discretion.
- Use the restaurant locator and call your specific location for final information.
| Day | Typical Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | All mainland U.S. locations per company policy |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Same company policy applies |
| Saturdays & Sundays | Open | Dinner menu served all day |
| Day before major holidays | Varies | Early closures possible based on business |
Is Olive Garden Open On Thanksgiving: what it means for guests
Holiday travel and family plans often hinge on where restaurants will be open during the season. Since company policy closes most mainland U.S. locations on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, you should build a simple backup plan.
Travelers and families: adjust dining plans and timing
If this restaurant is part of your tradition, move your meal to the day before or earlier in the week. Many locations may close early the day before holidays, so allow extra time for stops.
Confirm local hours by calling ahead. Consider ordering favorites for pickup before the holiday and reheating at home. For families with kids, weekends are handy because the dinner menu runs all day when locations are open.
- Reserve time in your schedule and eat slightly earlier to avoid last-minute changes.
- Bookmark nearby locations and call a day ahead to verify any early closures.
- Share verified hours with out-of-town guests so everyone arrives on time.
| Situation | Typical Status | Guest tip |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed (mainland U.S.) | Plan alternate meal or pickup before the holiday |
| Day before major holidays | May close early | Call the specific restaurant to confirm hours |
| Weekend holidays (when open) | Dinner menu all day | Good option for families and travelers |
Regional variations to know: Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international locations
Regional rules and demand shape holiday service, especially in places like Hawaii and puerto rico. Hours outside the mainland U.S. can differ from the company policy you saw earlier.
Before you travel, verify the exact schedule for each location you plan to visit. Use the official website locator first, then call to confirm any last-minute changes or early closures set by local management.
Holiday hours may vary by location—verify local schedules
- Outside the mainland, hours in Hawaii, puerto rico and Guam may follow different calendars.
- Use the chain’s locator on the website and call the specific location to confirm.
- Local rules, demand, and staffing influence hours; managers can close early the day before major holidays.
- Map several nearby restaurants as backups when you travel or coordinate group plans.
| Region | Typical Variation | Guest tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | Variable hours | Call ahead during local business hours |
| Puerto Rico | May differ from mainland | Use the website locator, then phone to confirm |
| Guam / Intl. | Local schedules apply | Check multiple locations when island-hopping |
For quick verification, start with the FAQs and locator: official FAQs and hours.
How to check your local restaurant’s holiday hours
Confirming local hours ahead makes holiday plans less stressful and more reliable.
Start at the official olive garden locator on the website to find the most current hours for your location. The listing shows today’s hours and any seasonal notes posted by that restaurant.
Use the restaurant locator for the latest hours
Search by city or zip code, then save or screenshot the entry. That gives you quick information to share with friends or family.
Call the location for day-before closing times
For Thanksgiving Eve or Christmas Eve, call directly. Local managers may set early closures when business is light.
Watch for management discretion
If the site shows no holiday notes, a short call gives up-to-the-minute confirmation. Expect the dinner menu to run all day on weekend dates and holidays when the restaurant is open.
- Save the phone number from the locator for last-minute checks.
- Call ahead for large parties or accessibility needs.
| City / State | Today’s Hours | Thanksgiving Eve | Thanksgiving Day | Christmas Eve | Christmas Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example City, CA | Check website | Call to confirm | Closed (mainland U.S.) | Call to confirm | Closed (mainland U.S.) |
| Sample Town, TX | Check website | Call to confirm | Closed (mainland U.S.) | Call to confirm | Closed (mainland U.S.) |
Planning alternatives when the restaurant is closed
When holiday hours change, a simple backup plan saves time and keeps guests happy.
Look for nearby restaurants and chains that stay open
Start by calling nearby restaurants early. Popular chains and local spots may have limited holiday service. Book ahead: demand spikes and lines grow fast.
Order catering for a family-style meal
Consider ordering catering before the holiday. Olive Garden catering offers family-sized pastas, salads, and sides that feed groups with little fuss.
- Delivery is available for eligible catering orders $100+ with a fee: 10% up to $500, then 5% thereafter.
- Splitting a large catering order can save money and keep families on the same menu.
- Mix catering entrees with bakery desserts or grocery sides for a full meal.
Use To Go online ordering for pickup and scheduling
Most locations let you place To Go orders online. Pick up before the holiday, refrigerate, and reheat when needed. If plans change, call the restaurant in your order confirmation to adjust or cancel.
For alternate dining ideas and holiday suggestions, see this helpful holiday dining guide: holiday dining guide.
The company’s holiday decision and brand values
The company frames holiday closures as a people-first decision. Management says team members should have guaranteed time with family on key dates.
This decision supports the chain’s larger identity: hospitality that cares for the people who serve guests. Rested teams deliver better service through the year.
Guests get clear information and consistent news about closures so they can plan ahead. When locations are closed, Catering and To Go remain options for families who want the menu before the holiday.
- People-first decision: team time with family.
- Values alignment: brand identity emphasizes care and hospitality.
- Practical information: clear notices and consistent company news help you plan.
| Operating Hours | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | Mainland U.S. company policy |
| Christmas Day | Closed | Same company policy |
| Weekends (when open) | Dinner menu all day | Full dining options |
| Social Channel | Handle / Page | Use |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Hours, promotions, updates | |
| Twitter / X | @OliveGarden | Quick alerts and news |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and announcements |
What to know about the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve
Managers sometimes shorten service the day before big celebrations to match local demand. For many guests, that means earlier closing times at nearby restaurants.
At some locations, olive garden may close early the day before major holidays. Business levels drive these changes and managers set final hours.
Before you head out, use the website locator and then call the location. A 60-second phone check gives the precise pre-holiday hours and avoids surprises.
- Plan to dine or pick up earlier if your schedule is tight.
- Confirm hours by phone for the day before holidays; crowds and traffic vary by market.
- If you need Catering or To Go, reserve pickup early—demand spikes the eve before holidays.
- Travelers in regions like puerto rico: double-check regional differences that affect pre-holiday hours.
| Day | Typical Status | Guest Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day before holidays | May close early | Call the restaurant to confirm hours |
| Thanksgiving Eve | Variable by location | Use website locator + phone |
| Christmas Eve | May close early | Pick up orders earlier in the day |
| Social Channel | Handle / Page | Use |
|---|---|---|
| OliveGarden | Hours, promotions, updates | |
| Twitter / X | @OliveGarden | Quick alerts and news |
| @olivegarden | Menu highlights and announcements |
Plan ahead for a smooth holiday meal experience
A little planning keeps your holiday meal calm and on schedule. Check hours for your location early, then decide if you should dine earlier the day before the holiday.
Make a short list of backup restaurants and chains that may be open, and choose one with easy parking and pickup windows. If you want the chain’s menu, order Catering or To Go ahead of time and schedule pickup the day before.
Pad travel time for busy days, confirm pre-holiday closing with a call, and write down your order number and pickup time. These steps help families enjoy the meal and avoid last-minute news or surprises about closed thanksgiving or altered service days.
FAQ
Is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving?
Most mainland U.S. restaurants observe company policy and close on Thanksgiving Day so team members can spend time with family. Some non-continental locations and select franchises may set different hours, so check local listings.
Quick answer: What is Olive Garden’s Thanksgiving Day status?
The quick answer: company-operated locations across the continental U.S. are generally closed on the holiday. This applies to Christmas Day as well, per corporate guidelines.
Why are doors closed on that holiday?
The chain closes to give staff the day off for family, rest, and celebration. Management prioritizes team wellbeing and consistent company-wide holiday policies.
Are Christmas Day hours the same as Thanksgiving?
Yes. Company policy typically means closure on both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in the continental U.S., though local exceptions may apply.
Does the restaurant serve a holiday dinner menu on festive days?
On most holidays the regular dinner menu isn’t offered because many locations are closed. Special menus or catering items may be available before the holiday for pickup.
Will locations close early the day before major holidays?
Some restaurants adjust hours and may close earlier on Thanksgiving Eve or Christmas Eve, depending on local traffic and management discretion. Call ahead to confirm.
What should travelers and families know when planning meals?
Travelers should plan ahead: make reservations earlier in the day at other restaurants, verify hotel dining hours, or arrange catering and pickup to avoid last‑minute changes.
Do holiday hours differ in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or international sites?
Yes. Locations outside the continental U.S. and internationally may follow local holiday practices. Always verify hours for those regions via the restaurant locator or direct contact.
How can I check my local restaurant’s holiday hours?
Use the official restaurant locator on the company website, check Google Business listings, or call the location directly for the most up‑to‑date schedule and any special closures.
Should I call the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve?
Yes. Calling the day before helps confirm opening times, early closures, or special pickup windows for catering and To‑Go orders.
What if my local management decides to close early when business is slow?
Management may close early for safety or low demand. If you have plans, place orders earlier in the day or confirm hours by phone to avoid surprises.
What alternatives are available when locations are closed?
Consider local independent restaurants or national chains known to remain open on holidays. You can also order catering or To‑Go family meals from nearby locations before the holiday.
Can I order catering for a family meal before the holiday?
Yes. Catering and family‑style trays are available for advance pickup and some delivery. Place orders early to secure your preferred pickup time and menu items.
Are To‑Go and delivery options available right before the holiday?
Select locations accept advance To‑Go and catering orders for pickup. Delivery availability varies; arrange orders in advance to ensure on‑time service.
What drives the company’s holiday decision and brand values?
Decisions aim to balance guest service with caring for team members. The company emphasizes staff time with family and consistent holiday policies across most U.S. restaurants.
What should I know about the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve?
Expect higher demand, potential earlier closing times, and limited availability for large pickup slots. Order sooner rather than later and confirm times directly with the restaurant.
How can I plan ahead for a smooth holiday meal experience?
Use the restaurant locator to find open options, place catering or pickup orders early, call your local restaurant for last‑minute confirmations, and consider nearby eateries that remain open on holidays.
