Is Zaxby's Open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, most Zaxby's locations are open on Christmas Eve, though many operate on reduced or modified hours. If you're asking is Zaxby's open on Christmas Eve, the general answer for 2025 is yes—but with important caveats. While the majority of Zaxby's restaurants remain open on December 24th, they often close earlier than usual, typically by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM local time. This varies significantly by location, franchise ownership, and regional regulations. Unlike Christmas Day, when nearly all Zaxby's locations are closed, Christmas Eve remains a limited-service day. Customers should always verify the hours of their specific restaurant before visiting, as no universal corporate mandate guarantees consistent availability across all 900+ locations.

Quick Summary: Is Zaxby’s Open on Christmas Eve?

Zaxby’s Chicken restaurants are generally open on Christmas Eve, but not on Christmas Day. Most stores that open on December 24th follow abbreviated operating schedules, often closing several hours earlier than their standard weekday hours. This makes Christmas Eve one of the last opportunities before the holiday weekend to enjoy Zaxby’s signature chicken fingers, wings, salads, and spicy Zapps fries. However, there is no company-wide policy that mandates uniform operation across all franchises. As a result, while the odds are high that your local Zaxby’s will be open, it is not guaranteed. The distinction between franchise-owned and company-operated locations also plays a role in determining whether a particular outlet opens on this day.

Zaxby’s Typical Holiday Operating Policy

Zaxby’s follows a predictable pattern when it comes to major holidays. The chain tends to remain open on most federal and cultural holidays—such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day—with only minor adjustments to hours. However, two major exceptions stand out: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, when nearly all Zaxby’s locations are closed. In contrast, Christmas Eve is treated differently. It is not considered a full holiday closure day, allowing individual store managers and franchise owners discretion over operations.

This decentralized decision-making stems from Zaxby’s mixed ownership model. While some restaurants are directly operated by the corporate entity, the vast majority are independently owned franchises. These franchisees have the authority to set their own holiday schedules based on local demand, staffing availability, and community norms. For example, a Zaxby’s located near a college campus may choose to stay open later on Christmas Eve due to student traffic, while a rural location might opt to close early or not open at all.

The brand does not publish an official nationwide holiday schedule, which reinforces the need for customers to confirm details locally. Historically, Zaxby’s has prioritized customer access during peak dining times leading up to major holidays, recognizing that many people seek convenient takeout meals during busy shopping or travel days. Christmas Eve fits this profile perfectly, making it more likely for stores to remain accessible—even if only for part of the day.

Why Store Hours Vary Across Locations

Several key factors contribute to the inconsistency in Zaxby’s Christmas Eve operating hours:

• Franchise Ownership: Independent franchisees make their own decisions about staffing and scheduling, including whether to open on holidays.
• Local Laws and Ordinances: Some states or municipalities impose restrictions on business operations during certain holidays, particularly late-night closures.
• Store Type and Location: Restaurants inside shopping malls may be required to follow mall hours, which often end early on Christmas Eve. Standalone or drive-thru-focused locations may have more flexibility.
• Urban vs. Rural Demand: High-traffic urban areas may see extended service due to travelers and last-minute diners, whereas smaller towns may experience lower demand.
• Staff Availability: Many employees take time off around Christmas, limiting operational capacity even if the owner wishes to remain open.

These variables mean that two Zaxby’s locations just miles apart could have completely different Christmas Eve schedules. Therefore, relying on general assumptions can lead to disappointment.

How Christmas Eve Differs from Other Holidays

Christmas Eve holds a unique position in the American retail and food service calendar. Unlike Christmas Day, which is widely observed as a family-centered, non-commercial holiday, Christmas Eve still sees significant consumer activity. People are shopping, traveling, hosting gatherings, and preparing meals—many of whom turn to fast-casual dining options like Zaxby’s for convenience.

Compared to other holidays, such as Thanksgiving (when most Zaxby’s close) or Easter (when operations remain largely normal), Christmas Eve occupies a gray zone: it’s festive but not legally recognized as a federal holiday, allowing businesses to operate freely. Additionally, because many traditional sit-down restaurants close early or shut down entirely on Christmas Eve, quick-service chains gain increased relevance as alternative dining solutions.

Another factor influencing Zaxby’s decision to stay open is the popularity of takeout and delivery services during this period. With platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and the Zaxby’s app enabling contactless ordering, even stores with limited dine-in staff can serve customers efficiently. This digital infrastructure supports continued operation without requiring full staffing levels.

In contrast, holidays like New Year’s Eve often see extended hours or special promotions, while Memorial Day or July 4th involve outdoor events and grilling culture that reduce reliance on restaurant takeout. Thus, Christmas Eve stands out as a high-demand occasion where Zaxby’s presence offers both practical value and competitive advantage.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Visit

If you’re planning to visit Zaxby’s on Christmas Eve, here are actionable steps to ensure a smooth experience:

1. Check Hours Early: Don’t wait until December 24th to confirm availability. Begin checking around mid-December, especially if you plan to visit during dinner hours.
2. Use the Official Zaxby’s Website: Go to zaxbys.com and use the store locator tool. Enter your ZIP code or city to find nearby locations and view real-time hours, including any holiday-specific changes.
3. Call Your Local Store: Phone numbers are listed next to each location in the store finder. A quick call takes less than two minutes and provides the most accurate, up-to-date information.
4. Download the Zaxby’s App: The mobile app includes personalized store alerts, push notifications for closures, and integrated ordering—ideal for last-minute meal planning.
5. Consider Delivery Options: Even if a store closes early for walk-ins, it may continue fulfilling delivery orders through third-party apps past its physical closing time.
6. Have a Backup Plan: Identify alternative quick-service restaurants nearby in case your preferred Zaxby’s is closed or running extremely short hours.

Keep in mind that holiday hours can change annually. A location that was open until 8:00 PM in 2024 might close at 5:00 PM in 2025 based on new management or staffing conditions. Always treat previous years’ data as a guideline—not a guarantee.

Holiday	Typical Zaxby’s Status	Notes
Christmas Eve	Mostly open, early closure	Hours vary; usually close by 6–7 PM
Christmas Day	Nearly all closed	Rare exceptions for airport or travel plazas
New Year’s Eve	Open, regular or extended hours	Popular for late-night snacks after celebrations
Thanksgiving Day	Almost all closed	Few exceptions in high-traffic zones
Independence Day	Open, normal hours	No widespread closures reported

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zaxby’s open on Christmas Eve 2025?

Yes, most Zaxby’s locations are expected to be open on Christmas Eve 2025, but typically with shortened hours—often closing between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Always verify with your local store.

What time does Zaxby’s close on Christmas Eve?

Closing times vary by location, but most Zaxby’s restaurants close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve—commonly by 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM local time. Some may close as early as 5:00 PM.

Is Zaxby’s open on Christmas Day?

No, the vast majority of Zaxby’s locations are closed on Christmas Day. There are almost no exceptions, even in airports or highway rest stops.

Can I order Zaxby’s online on Christmas Eve?

Yes, online ordering through the Zaxby’s website or app is usually available on Christmas Eve, even if the store closes early. Delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats may extend beyond in-store closing times.

Do Zaxby’s employees work on Christmas Eve?

Some employees do work on Christmas Eve, particularly in urban or high-demand areas. Franchise owners may offer holiday pay incentives to secure staffing for limited hours.