Planning for holiday meals often leads people to ask which McDonald's is open on Christmas Day. While most locations are closed on December 25, the chain does operate select restaurants in major cities and tourist areas.
Below is a quick reference that shows how McDonald's holiday service options vary by region, what menu items remain available, and how delivery and drive-thru experiences may differ on Christmas Day.
| Region | Typical Christmas Day Status | Key Menu Options | Service Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (major cities) | Select locations open | Limited holiday menu, core items | Drive-thru, delivery, kiosks |
| United States (smaller towns) | Closed | None | None |
| United Kingdom | Many restaurants open | Christmas meal boxes, festive items | In-store, delivery, click & collect |
| Canada | Most locations open | Standard menu with holiday promotions | Drive-thru, in-store, delivery |
| Australia | Mixed, varies by state | Limited festive items | Drive-thru, delivery |
Christmas Day Operating Hours by Location
Because McDonald's corporate policy delegates holiday hours to individual franchise owners, operating hours on Christmas Day can differ dramatically even within the same city. Urban centers and tourist hotspots are far more likely to have at least one location open.
If you need certainty, use the store locator on the McDonald's app or website and filter specifically for holiday hours. These tools usually show which doors will be open, whether drive-thru is available, and if special holiday items are on the menu.
Menu Availability on Christmas Day
On December 25, most open restaurants simplify the menu to speed up service and accommodate reduced staff. You can typically expect core burgers, fries, and select chicken items to remain available, while breakfast menu and specialty items may be absent.
In regions like the United Kingdom, McDonald's often introduces a Christmas meal box or limited-time festive items, so checking the local menu ahead of time helps avoid surprises at the register or kiosk.
Delivery and Takeout on Christmas Day
Third-Party Delivery Services
Delivery availability hinges on both the restaurant and the platform. In many major metropolitan areas, third-party apps still show orders being accepted from McDonald's on Christmas Day, but wait times can be longer due to reduced staffing.
McDonald's App and Curbside Options
If your local McDonald's is open, the company's own app may offer curbside pickup or delivery directly from the restaurant. These options often provide more accurate ETAs during the holiday rush compared to multi-restaurant delivery services.
Regional Differences in Christmas Service
Countries and even states within countries can follow different traditions, which affects whether which McDonald's is open on Christmas Day. McDonald's in the United Kingdom leans toward being open, while many locations in small-town America stay closed.
Travelers and locals alike should verify holiday hours in the specific city or neighborhood, because regional customs, union agreements, and franchise preferences all play a role in final schedules.
Key Takeaways for Christmas Day Dining
FAQ
Reader questions
Will my local McDonald's be open on Christmas Day near downtown?
Check the McDonald's app store locator and filter for holiday hours, because downtown restaurants in many large cities stay open while suburban locations often close.
Can I order through the McDonald's app if the restaurant is closed on Christmas Day? \ If the specific restaurant is closed, the app will not show ordering options, but you may still place orders through third-party delivery services where available. Does the menu change on Christmas Day at McDonald's?
Yes, most open locations offer a simplified menu with core items and, in some regions, holiday meal boxes or limited festive items.
Is breakfast served on Christmas Day at McDonald's?
Breakfast is usually not available on Christmas Day, as holiday hours often follow a reduced lunch or special menu schedule instead of regular breakfast timing.