Applebee’s Holiday Hours 2026: Christmas, Thanksgiving & New Year’s Hours
Applebee’s holiday hours become especially important during major celebrations because the restaurant attracts families, travelers, sports fans, and customers looking for a casual dining experience during busy holiday periods. Unlike fast-food chains that focus primarily on quick service, Applebee’s experiences increased traffic from holiday dinners, family gatherings, takeout orders, and seasonal celebrations throughout the year.
Many Applebee’s locations remain open during major holidays, but schedules can change depending on local demand, staffing levels, and franchise ownership. Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Easter, and New Year’s Day often bring different operating patterns than a typical weekday.
This guide covers Applebee’s holiday hours for 2026, including Thanksgiving schedules, Christmas Eve hours, Christmas Day closures, Easter operations, New Year’s Day availability, holiday takeout services, and the best times to visit during busy holiday periods.
Applebee’s Holiday Hours 2026
| Holiday | Open or Closed | Typical Holiday Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | Regular or Reduced Hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Open | Normal Operations |
| Presidents’ Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Open at Most Locations | Reduced Hours Possible |
| Memorial Day | Open | Regular Business Hours |
| Independence Day | Open | Normal Operations |
| Labor Day | Open | Regular Business Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Many Locations Open | Reduced Hours Common |
| Christmas Eve | Open | Early Closing Common |
| Christmas Day | Most Locations Closed | Full-Day Closure Common |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | Extended Evening Traffic |
Because many restaurants operate under franchise ownership, holiday schedules can vary by location.
Is Applebee’s Open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, many Applebee’s locations remain open on Thanksgiving, although reduced schedules are common.
Searches for “is Applebee’s open on Thanksgiving,” “Applebee’s Thanksgiving,” and “Applebee’s Thanksgiving hours” increase every November because many customers look for alternatives to home cooking or need a restaurant while traveling.
Thanksgiving often creates steady demand from travelers, football fans, smaller family gatherings, and customers who prefer dining out instead of preparing a large holiday meal.
Some locations may shorten operating hours, reduce staffing, or offer limited menu selections depending on local demand.
Is Applebee’s Open on Christmas Eve?
Most Applebee’s locations remain open on Christmas Eve, although many restaurants close earlier than normal.
Searches for “Applebee’s Christmas Eve hours” and “is Applebee’s open Christmas Eve” rise sharply every December because families frequently gather for meals before Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve often generates strong traffic from customers who are:
- shopping
- traveling
- visiting family
- attending holiday events
- planning last-minute dinners
Many locations reduce evening operations so employees can spend additional time with their families.
Is Applebee’s Open on Christmas Day?
Most Applebee’s locations close on Christmas Day.
Searches for “is Applebee’s open on Christmas Day” and “is Applebee’s open on Christmas” continue growing every year because many customers assume casual dining chains remain open throughout the holiday season.
However, Christmas Day is one of the few holidays when most Applebee’s restaurants close completely.
Why Applebee’s Closes on Christmas Day
Christmas Day closures help support employee time off and allow restaurant teams to spend time with their families. While a few travel-based locations may operate with limited service, most customers should expect their local restaurant to remain closed on December 25.
Is Applebee’s Open on New Year’s Day?
Most Applebee’s locations remain open on New Year’s Day.
Searches for “is Applebee’s open on New Year’s Day” increase every January because customers continue holiday celebrations, recover from New Year’s Eve events, and gather with friends and family.
Restaurants often experience steady traffic throughout lunch and dinner periods as customers look for a casual place to relax after holiday festivities.
Is Applebee’s Open on Easter?
Most Applebee’s locations remain open on Easter Sunday, although some restaurants may operate with reduced hours.
Searches for “Applebee’s open on Easter” continue growing every spring because families often choose casual dining restaurants for Easter lunches and gatherings.
Easter typically creates increased traffic during late morning and afternoon hours as families gather after church services and holiday activities.
Is Applebee’s Open on Memorial Day and Labor Day?
Most Applebee’s locations remain open during Memorial Day and Labor Day with normal operating hours.
These holidays create increased traffic from:
- travelers
- shoppers
- families
- sports fans
- weekend gatherings
Holiday Takeout and Carside Pickup Hours
Holiday takeout demand continues growing every year because many families prefer restaurant meals without dining in.
Popular holiday takeout occasions include:
- Christmas Eve dinners
- New Year’s celebrations
- Thanksgiving alternatives
- game-day gatherings
- family parties
Carside pickup and delivery services may experience longer wait times during peak holiday periods because of increased order volume.
Best Time to Visit Applebee’s During Holidays
The best time to visit Applebee’s during holidays is usually before major lunch and dinner rush periods begin.
Most restaurants become busiest during:
- holiday dinners
- football game periods
- Christmas Eve evenings
- New Year’s Eve celebrations
- Easter afternoon gatherings
Popular Holiday Menu Items at Applebee’s
| Menu Item | Why Customers Order It During Holidays |
|---|---|
| Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp | Popular family dinner entrée |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | Frequently ordered during group meals |
| Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs | Holiday favorite for larger appetites |
| Classic Combo | Great for sharing during gatherings |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | Popular appetizer for groups |
| Chicken Tenders Platter | Family-friendly option |
| Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | Comfort-food favorite |
| Triple Chocolate Meltdown | One of the most ordered desserts |
| Mozzarella Sticks | Popular during sports events |
| Boneless Wings | Frequently ordered during holiday games |
How to Check Local Applebee’s Holiday Hours
Because schedules vary between locations, checking local hours before visiting is recommended.
Applebee’s Store Locator
The store locator provides restaurant-specific schedules and location information.
Applebee’s Mobile App
The app displays updated restaurant information, ordering options, and operating hours.
Google Maps
Google Maps often shows temporary holiday schedule changes.
Calling the Restaurant
Calling the restaurant directly remains the most reliable way to confirm holiday hours.
For more dining details, check our Applebee’s Happy Hour guide and Applebee’s Breakfast Hours article.
FAQs
What are Applebee’s holiday hours?
Applebee’s holiday hours vary by location. Most restaurants remain open during Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year’s Day, while Christmas Day often brings closures.
Is Applebee’s open on Thanksgiving?
Many Applebee’s locations remain open on Thanksgiving, although reduced schedules are common.
Is Applebee’s open on Christmas Day?
Most Applebee’s restaurants close on Christmas Day.
What are Applebee’s Christmas Eve hours?
Most locations stay open on Christmas Eve but often close earlier than normal.
Is Applebee’s open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, most locations remain open on New Year’s Day.
Is Applebee’s open on Memorial Day?
Most restaurants operate normally during Memorial Day weekend.
Is Applebee’s open on Labor Day?
Yes, most locations remain open during Labor Day.
Does Applebee’s offer holiday takeout?
Many locations provide takeout, delivery, and Carside Pickup during holidays.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s holiday hours remain customer-friendly throughout most of the year, with many locations staying open during Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. Christmas Day remains one of the few holidays when most restaurants close completely, while Christmas Eve often brings reduced evening schedules.
Because holiday demand can create longer wait times, crowded dining rooms, and increased takeout traffic, checking local Applebee’s holiday hours before visiting is always recommended. Planning ahead can help ensure a smoother dining experience during some of the busiest restaurant periods of the year.
