Is Sizzler Open on Christmas Day? Holiday Hours Explained

So, is Sizzler open on Christmas Day? In most cases, Sizzler restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, as the majority of locations across the United States follow a standard holiday closure policy for major holidays like Christmas. This means that if you're wondering whether your local Sizzler will be serving dinner on December 25th, the answer is likely no. While there may be rare exceptions—particularly in high-traffic tourist areas or select company-operated locations—the overwhelming trend is for Sizzler to remain closed on Christmas Day. To ensure accuracy, customers should always confirm with their specific location using the official Sizzler website, app, or by calling directly, especially since individual franchise owners may make independent decisions based on local demand and staffing.

Quick Summary: Is Sizzler Open on Christmas?

The straightforward answer is: most Sizzler restaurants are closed on Christmas Day. This includes both lunch and dinner service. The chain typically follows a national holiday closure pattern similar to many other casual dining brands such as Applebee’s, Denny’s, and IHOP, which also shut down operations on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, it's important to note that Sizzler operates through a mix of company-owned and franchised locations, meaning that while corporate policy strongly encourages closure on Christmas, some independently owned franchises might choose to open depending on regional customer demand, staffing availability, and local business conditions.

Why Most Locations Close on Christmas

Christmas Day is one of the busiest family-oriented holidays in the U.S., and many employees expect time off to spend with loved ones. As a result, staffing becomes a significant challenge for restaurant chains. Additionally, foot traffic tends to decline on Christmas due to widespread travel, private celebrations, and general holiday closures across retail and dining sectors. For these reasons, Sizzler—and most mid-tier American restaurant chains—opts not to operate on December 25th at most locations.

Sizzler’s Typical Holiday Operating Policy

Sizzler has historically maintained a consistent holiday operating schedule, closing on certain major holidays while remaining open on others. Here's an overview of their usual approach:

Christmas Day (December 25): Closed at nearly all locations
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November): Typically closed
New Year’s Day (January 1): Usually open, often with special brunch or lunch menus
Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day: Generally open with normal or slightly adjusted hours
Easter Sunday: Mixed; some locations open, others closed—varies widely by region
Christmas Eve (December 24): Often open, sometimes with reduced hours
New Year’s Eve (December 31): Frequently open, sometimes offering special dinners

This pattern reflects broader industry norms among full-service casual dining chains. Unlike fast food giants like McDonald's or Taco Bell—which often stay open year-round—brands like Sizzler rely more heavily on table service, kitchen staff, and dining room attendants, making holiday staffing logistically difficult and costly.

Franchise Model and Local Variability

One key factor influencing whether a particular Sizzler location opens on Christmas is its ownership structure. Sizzler USA operates under a hybrid model: some restaurants are owned and managed directly by the corporation, but many are independently operated franchises. Franchisees have some autonomy in setting operational policies, including holiday hours, provided they meet brand standards.

Therefore, while corporate headquarters may recommend closure on Christmas Day, a franchise owner in a busy urban center or tourist destination (such as Las Vegas, Orlando, or San Diego) might decide to remain open to capture last-minute diners or travelers without holiday plans. Conversely, a suburban or rural location may close without hesitation due to lower expected demand and easier employee scheduling.

Factors That Influence Holiday Hours at Individual Sizzler Locations

Several variables can affect whether a given Sizzler restaurant stays open on Christmas. Understanding these helps explain why blanket answers are hard to give and why verification is essential.

Local Laws and Regulations

In some states and municipalities, there are legal restrictions on business operations during major holidays. Known as "blue laws," these regulations can limit or prohibit retail and restaurant activity on Sundays or holidays like Christmas. While few states enforce blue laws strictly today, certain counties still restrict alcohol sales or require premium pay for holiday work, influencing a restaurant’s decision to open.

Location Type: Mall vs. Freestanding

Sizzler locations situated inside shopping malls are often subject to mall management rules. If the mall itself closes on Christmas Day, then the Sizzler within it must also close. On the other hand, freestanding Sizzler buildings on highways or standalone lots have more flexibility and could potentially open even if nearby stores are closed.

Urban vs. Rural Demand

Cities with large transient populations—including tourists, hospitality workers, and individuals who don’t celebrate Christmas—may see higher demand for restaurant services on December 25. In contrast, small towns where community gatherings dominate the day tend to experience lower restaurant traffic, making closure the logical choice.

Staffing and Labor Considerations

Hiring enough servers, cooks, hosts, and managers willing to work on Christmas is a major hurdle. Even with holiday bonuses or incentives, many employees prefer to take the day off. Restaurants must balance customer demand against labor costs and team morale when deciding whether to open.

Holiday	Typical Sizzler Status	Notes
Christmas Day	Closed	Nearly all locations closed; rare exceptions possible
Christmas Eve	Open (reduced hours)	Popular for early holiday meals; check local times
Thanksgiving Day	Closed	Most locations closed; limited carryout options elsewhere
New Year’s Day	Open	Often features special brunch menu
Independence Day	Open	Normal or extended hours in most areas
Easter Sunday	Mixed	Varies significantly by region and ownership

Special Considerations for Christmas Day Dining

Christmas is unique compared to other holidays because it combines religious observance, family traditions, gift exchanges, and home-cooked meals. Many Americans prepare elaborate dinners at home, reducing reliance on restaurants. However, for those traveling, living alone, or seeking a break from cooking, finding an open restaurant on Christmas can be crucial.

Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day

While Sizzler is generally closed on Christmas Day, many locations remain open on Christmas Eve, often with special holiday-themed menus or early-bird specials. This allows families to dine out before returning home for midnight celebrations or overnight guests. Some franchisees report that Christmas Eve is one of their busiest nights of the year, second only to Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

If you’re planning ahead, consider booking a meal on December 24 instead of waiting until the 25th. Not only are more locations open, but seating may be more readily available with advance reservations.

Post-Christmas Trends

After Christmas, many Sizzler locations resume regular operations starting December 26 (Boxing Day). Some even offer post-holiday promotions or discounted buffets to attract shoppers visiting malls during the return period. These days often see increased foot traffic, particularly near shopping centers.

Planning Ahead: What to Do If Sizzler Is Closed on Christmas

If your local Sizzler is closed on Christmas Day, don’t panic. There are several alternatives and strategies to ensure you still enjoy a satisfying meal.

Alternative Options When Sizzler Is Closed

Check Other Restaurant Chains: Some chains like Denny’s, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, and select IHOP locations remain open on Christmas.
Order Delivery or Takeout: Use platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub to order from nearby open kitchens, including pizza places, Asian restaurants, or burger joints.
Prepare a Make-Ahead Meal: Consider preparing a Sizzler-style meal at home using frozen steak dinners, salad bar ingredients, and garlic toast recipes available online.
Visit Hotels or Resorts: Many hotels with on-site restaurants keep dining rooms open for guests on holidays, even if local eateries are closed.

How to Confirm Sizzler’s Christmas Day Hours: A Step-by-Step Guide

Because policies vary and change annually, it’s critical to verify your local Sizzler’s status before heading out. Follow these steps:

Visit the Official Sizzler Website: Go to sizzler.com and use the store locator tool.
Enter Your Location: Input your city, state, or ZIP code to find the nearest Sizzler.
Check Holiday Hours: Look for any posted alerts about Christmas Day operations. Some locations update their hours weeks in advance.
Call the Restaurant Directly: Phone numbers are listed for each location. Call a few days before Christmas to ask about opening status and potential reservation options.
Use Google Maps: Search “Sizzler near me” on Google, select your preferred location, and view real-time updates under “Hours.” Users often report closures in reviews or Q&A sections.
Download the Sizzler App: The mobile app may push notifications about holiday closures or special events.

Remember: Sizzler’s holiday hours can change from year to year. Just because a location was closed in 2024 doesn’t guarantee the same for 2025, and vice versa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sizzler open on Christmas Day 2025?

No, most Sizzler locations will likely be closed on Christmas Day 2025. However, a few select franchises in high-demand areas may choose to open. Always confirm with your local restaurant directly.

Are any Sizzler restaurants open on Christmas?

While extremely rare, a small number of Sizzler franchises—especially in tourist-heavy cities like Las Vegas or Orlando—might remain open on Christmas. These are exceptions, not the norm.

What are Sizzler’s hours on Christmas Eve?

Most Sizzler restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, though hours may be shortened (e.g., closing earlier than usual). It’s best to call ahead or check online for exact times.

Does Sizzler offer takeout or delivery on Christmas?

Since most locations are closed on Christmas Day, takeout and delivery services are typically unavailable. Third-party apps like DoorDash won’t list Sizzler as an option on December 25 if the restaurant is closed.

Will Sizzler be open on December 26?

Yes, Sizzler restaurants usually reopen on December 26 (the day after Christmas) with regular or slightly adjusted hours. This is a common day for post-holiday dining and shopping trips.