Historically many Americans did not eat out on Christmas Day, as evidenced by this famous scene from the 1983 comedy film “A Christmas Story,” in which a Midwestern family enjoys an impromptu Christmas dinner in a Chinese restaurant in the late 1940s. Times, however, have changed.
Whether you’re planning to eat out on Christmas Day for convenience, because you don’t celebrate Christmas, because you’ll be traveling or for other reasons, in 2017 you’re likely to have more dining options than ever.
Although in years past Chinese restaurants (think of the scene in the 1983 film “A Christmas Story”) were sometimes the only place to enjoy a hot meal on a day when most businesses–including restaurants–are closed, more and more chains and franchises are opening to serve customers on Dec. 25.
The following list of eateries that will be open was created by Offers.com, and includes several in the Saucon Valley area that may be open.
According to Offers.com, although these restaurants’ Christmas Day openings have been verified, “exact hours (and whether a restaurant is open) may vary by franchise or individual location.”
“It’s wise to call your nearest location in advance to confirm hours–and to make a reservation if necessary,” the company said in an email.
Note: If you know of another Lehigh Valley area restaurant that will be open to the public on Christmas Day, please feel free to email details about it to josh@sauconsource.com for possible inclusion in this guide.
- Benihana – Restaurants will be open Dec. 25. Reservations strongly encouraged. (Nearest location: Plymouth Meeting)
- Big Woody’s – Sports bar/restaurant with six Lehigh Valley locations is open 365 days a year. (Nearest locations: Bethlehem, Allentown)
- Bob Evans – Open for Christmas Eve dining, but most locations are closed on Christmas Day. Check your local restaurant to confirm hours of operation on Christmas Eve. (Nearest location: Phoenixville)
- Boston Market – Select locations will be open and serving a traditional plated meal on Christmas. The Christmas Menu includes hand-carved ham with two sides, a dinner roll and a slice of Apple Pie for $12.99, in addition to other meal options (see full Christmas Day menu). (Nearest location: Quakertown)
- Buca di Beppo – Open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Day, starting at 11 a.m. Regular menu will be served. Reservations strongly recommended. (Nearest location: Whitehall)
- Buffalo Wild Wings – Most locations will be open on Christmas. Check with your local location for hours. (Nearest location: Easton)
- Chuck E Cheese – Some locations will be open on Christmas day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check your local franchise for its hours. Not all will be open. (Nearest location: Whitehall)
- Denny’s – Denny’s promise to be open 24 hours, 365 days a year extends to Christmas. It will be serving up its regular menu on Christmas Day. (Nearest location: Allentown)
- Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, 3811 Linden St., Bethlehem, is open Christmas and New Year’s days from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Home Town Buffet – Restaurants will be open until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Nearest location: Edison, NJ)
- IHOP – Most locations will be open on Christmas. (Nearest location: Allentown)
- Legal Sea Foods – Participating locations will be open, but hours vary. Most locations will open at 11 a.m. or noon and close between 7 and 9 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended. (Nearest location: King of Prussia)
- McDonald’s – Some locations will be open, but expect hours (and whether a location is open at all) to vary by franchise. (Nearest location: Hellertown)
- Macaroni Grill – Enjoy an Italian feast on Christmas. Reservations strongly encouraged. (Nearest location: Fairless Hills)
- McCormick & Schmick’s – Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Make reservations here. (Nearest location: Philadelphia)
- Morton’s The Steakhouse – Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Morton’s will be serving its standard menu. Reservations strongly encouraged. (Nearest location: King of Prussia)
- Old Country Buffet – Old Country Buffet will be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It will close at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Day. (Nearest location: Whitehall)
- Panda Express – Some–but not all–Panda Express locations will be open on Christmas Day. This varies by restaurant, as many are independently owned, so call ahead. (Nearest location: Trevose)
- Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – Many Perkins will be open on Christmas Day but some franchise owners may choose not to open. Contact your local Perkins before you head out. (Nearest location: Bethlehem)
- Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – Ruth’s Chris will be serving Christmas Dinner on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (at participating locations only) starting at noon. Reservations required. Menu will vary by location. (Nearest location: King of Prussia)
- Starbucks – For those who need a caffeine fix on Christmas Day, Starbucks will be open. Check your location’s hours. (Nearest location: Center Valley)
- Waffle House – Waffle House is open 24 hours, 365 a year, and that includes Christmas. (Nearest location: Hellertown/Bethlehem)