HOUSTON - While you're making last-minute trips to the store for gifts and other things you need, make sure you also decide where you're eating for dinner on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day if you're skipping cooking.
Many restaurants across Houston will open their doors for dining options this holiday season.
This year, Christmas Eve is on Wednesday and Christmas Day is on Thursday, and hours may vary by location.
Here’s a list of restaurants listed below:
Applebee’s
Applebee’s is open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. and select locations are open on Christmas Day, although hours vary by location. Patrons can visit the restaurant’s website since holiday hours may vary at certain locations.
Bar Louie
Bar Louie is open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed on Christmas Day. Holiday hours may differ by location, so use the Bar Louie website to find more information.
Benihana
Benihana is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and consumers can visit the restaurant’s website or call their local restaurant to confirm their holiday schedule.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings is open on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day. Hours may vary and guests should check the restaurant’s website.
Chili’s
Chili’s is open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours but it is closed on Christmas Day. Guests should visit their website for restaurant hours in their area.
Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel stores are open on Christmas Eve until 2 p.m. and will be closed on Christmas Day. Hours vary by location, and you can learn more by visiting their website.
Fielding's River Oaks
Fielding's will be open with a festive celebration on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The restaurant will offer Chrisrmas dishes and festive cocktails. Their hours are listed on their website as open 4 to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve for dinner and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. for Christmas dinner.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão locations are open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Consumers can visit their website to make a reservation or for more information.
Golden Corral
Golden Corral will be offering a holiday buffet with most locations open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Guests should visit their website for more information on restaurant hours in their area.
Del Frisco’s Grille
Del Frisco’s Grille is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but hours may vary by location, and customers can visit their website for more information.
Hard Rock Café
Hard Rock Café is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and hours vary by location, so guests should visit their website for information on holiday hours.
Hooter’s
Hooter’s is open on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. Customers can visit the restaurant’s website as hours may vary by location.
IHOP
IHOP is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as they generally operate 24/7 year-round, but hours can vary by location, so it's best to check with your local IHOP for specific times.
Juliet
Juliet will be open on Christmas Day offering guests a buffet from noon to 9 p.m. Guests should visit their website for more information and to make reservations.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton's The Steakhouse is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with hours varying by location. Patrons should visit their website for more information or to make a reservation.
Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse is open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is closed on Christmas Day. Patrons should check Outback’s website because restaurant hours may vary by location.
Olive Garden
Olive Garden is open on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day. Guests can visit the restaurant’s website to find out more about the holiday hours.
P.F. Changs
P.F. Changs is open on Christmas Eve and closes on Christmas Day. Patrons can go to their website to learn more about holiday hours, which might vary by location.
Red Lobster
Red Lobster is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but patrons should visit the restaurant’s website to check holiday hours in their area.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but guests should check the website to see the restaurant's holiday hours in their area.
Willie G's Seafood
Willie G's will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but will only be offering a special buffet on Christmas Day. Their holiday hours are listed on their website as open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Day.
Winsome Prime
Winsome Prime will be closed on Christmas Eve, but will open on Christmas Day from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. for dinner. Guests should visit their website for more information on making a reservation.
Major franchise chains open on Christmas
Local perspective:
There are fast food and coffee chains opening on Christmas Day and hours may vary by location, and these eateries are encouraging customers to check their website or app for holiday hours.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day by hours vary by location, but most Customers can use the store locator tool.
Waffle House
Waffle House is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but holiday hours vary by location and patrons should visit the company’s website for more information.
Wendy’s
Wendy's will be open throughout the holidays, but hours vary by location. The restaurant chain recommends that guests check their local restaurant for specific holiday hours.
Denny’s
Denny's will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Reservations aren’t needed at Denny’s, but the company is encouraging guests to check their local Denny’s locations for specific dine-in hours on both days by https://locations.dennys.com.
Starbucks
Starbucks is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Customers can find information on store locations and hours using the Starbucks app or here.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and holiday hours may vary by location. Patrons should check Krispy Kreme’s store locator and website for more information.
Dunkin'
Dunkin' hours vary by location, but customers can find hours for a specific store using the Dunkin' store locator or the Dunkin' Rewards app.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by restaurant websites that list their holiday hours. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.