Is Red Lobster Open on Christmas Day Near Me?

The holiday season is a time for comfort food family gatherings and nostalgic traditions. For seafood lovers, part of that tradition is enjoying a meal at Red Lobster over the holidays. With over 700 locations across North America, it’s likely there’s a Red Lobster restaurant right in your neighborhood.

But will it actually be open on Christmas Day? Or will you need to settle for leftovers when that craving for Cheddar Bay Biscuits hits on December 25th?

Here, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Red Lobster’s holiday hours so you can plan accordingly.

Red Lobster Locations Are Closed Nationwide on Christmas

I have definitive news for you – Red Lobster restaurants are closed across the entire country on December 25th for Christmas Day.

This includes all locations in the United States and Canada. It does not matter whether you are in Maine California, Texas or anywhere in between. Every Red Lobster keeps their kitchens closed on Christmas.

This company-wide closure has been their policy for many years now. Christmas is one of only two days all year long when every single location is shuttered completely (Thanksgiving being the other).

So unfortunately, even if there’s a Red Lobster right down the street from your home, you’ll have to look elsewhere for seafood and those Cheddar Bay biscuits this Christmas. The chain wants to ensure all employees can fully enjoy the holiday with friends and family.

Check Hours for Christmas Eve and Day After Christmas

Now, not all hope is lost if you really need your Red Lobster fix over the holidays. While closed on December 25th itself, most locations are open with special hours on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, restaurants normally close a bit early between 4 PM – 8 PM so workers can get home to their families. A few may remain open for regular dinner hours until 9 or 10 PM.

The day after Christmas is almost business as usual. Locations typically open late morning around 11 AM. Closing time is generally 9 PM – 11 PM.

It’s not the same as enjoying shrimp scampi and lobster tails on Christmas Day itself. But you can still get your seafood and biscuit fix on the days immediately surrounding the holiday when cravings strike.

As always, you should verify hours with your nearest Red Lobster before showing up. Holiday schedules can vary by location. But stopping by on Christmas Eve or December 26th is your best bet for Red Lobster around the actual holiday.

Order Red Lobster To-Go for Christmas Gatherings

If you absolutely need Red Lobster for Christmas dinner itself, there is one option – takeout!

Most locations offer call-ahead ordering and takeout service so you can have Red Lobster cater your own holiday gathering.

Simply peruse the online menus, choose your feast, call your local restaurant, and pick up your order to enjoy at home.

From Ultimate Feasts and seafood platters to family meal deals, you can easily order a ready-made Christmas seafood dinner with all the fixings. Just remember to place your order a few days in advance.

Takeout lets you enjoy all your Red Lobster favorites like lobster, snow crab legs, or jumbo shrimp on Christmas Day even when the restaurants are closed.

Why Is Red Lobster Closed on Christmas Day?

The reason behind Red Lobster’s closure on Christmas Day comes down to two main factors:

Allowing Employees Time With Family – By closing all restaurants on Christmas, the company gives their valued staff time off to spend with loved ones.

Lower Customer Demand – Christmas is actually not a hugely popular dining out day. Most people opt for home-cooked meals and family time that day.

Together, these two reasons make it sensible for Red Lobster to go dark on December 25th. Employees appreciate the guaranteed holiday, while the chain likely won’t miss out on significant business.

Of course, die-hard fans still wish they could indulge in a Lobsterita and Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms on the big day. But at least the closure gives Red Lobster’s hard-working crew a well-deserved Christmas break.

Other Dining Options on Christmas Day

If you find yourself really craving seafood on December 25th, don’t worry – you have alternatives! Here are some places potentially open for dining on Christmas Day:

• Local Independent Restaurants – Many owner-operated spots stay open on the holidays. Check out seafood restaurants, diners, or gastropubs in your area.

• Chinese Restaurants – Many are open on Christmas and a great option for seafood dishes like lobster cantonese.

• Hotels – Hotel restaurants frequently serve holiday meals and may offer special Christmas menus with seafood entrees.

• Movie Theater – Large cinema chains like AMC often have limited menus and concession stands open on Christmas.

While not the same as Red Lobster, these provide additional choices when you need a seafood fix on Christmas Day!

Call Your Local Red Lobster to Confirm Holiday Hours

My best advice is always to directly call your own neighborhood Red Lobster for their exact holiday hours.

While the overall chain is closed on Christmas Day every year, hours may vary on other holidays or days around Christmas at certain locations.

Checking in advance ensures you know if your desired restaurant deviates at all from the standard hours – or if they’ve made any last minute changes. You can also ask about placing a takeout order for Christmas dinner.

Find your closest Red Lobster’s phone number and give them a ring for the latest holiday schedules. Then you can stop by another day for your fill of biscuits and bottomless shrimp!

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Lobster on Christmas

Is every single Red Lobster location closed on Christmas Day?

Yes, every Red Lobster across the United States and Canada is closed on December 25th for Christmas Day every year without exception.

What are the hours typically like on Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas?

While closed on the 25th, most locations are open from 11 AM – 4 PM to 9 PM on Christmas Eve, and 11 AM – 9 PM to 11 PM on the day after Christmas. Hours can vary.

Can I order Red Lobster takeout for Christmas dinner?

You usually can order a complete Christmas meal to-go in advance from your local Red Lobster and pick it up before the 25th. This lets you enjoy their seafood at home on the holiday.

Are other chain restaurants open on Christmas Day?

Some fast food chains or movie theaters may be open with limited menus. But most national restaurant chains like Olive Garden, TGI Friday’s, Chili’s, etc. are also closed for the holiday.

What are some good alternatives for dining out on Christmas Day?

Your options include independently-owned restaurants, Chinese spots, hotel restaurants, and movie theater chains that remain open on the holiday.