Applebee’s Holiday Hours 2026: Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter Guide
Planning a holiday meal at Applebee’s? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of diners search for Applebee’s holiday hours to find out if their favorite neighborhood grill is open on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. The good news is that Applebee’s stays open on many holidays, but hours can vary depending on the location and occasion.
Applebee’s flexible schedule makes it a reliable choice for casual dining during the festive season. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite, many locations continue serving guests even on busy holidays. However, some restaurants may open late, close early, or remain closed on certain days like Christmas.
In this guide, you’ll find complete Applebee’s holiday hours for 2026, including which holidays the restaurant is open or closed, how hours change, and how to quickly check your nearest location.
Is Applebee’s Open on Holidays in 2026?
Yes, Applebee’s is open on most major holidays, making it a convenient option for dining throughout the year. However, hours are often adjusted depending on the holiday.
Most locations operate with:
- Slightly reduced hours on major holidays
- Normal hours on public holidays
- Full closure on Christmas Day
Applebee’s Holiday Hours 2026 (Full Schedule)
Below is a general overview of Applebee’s holiday hours across the United States:
| Holiday | Operating Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 10/12 AM |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Presidents’ Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Open (Reduced) | 11:00 AM – 8/10 PM |
| Memorial Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Independence Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 11 PM |
| Labor Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Veterans Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Open (Reduced) | 11:00 AM – 6/8 PM |
| Black Friday | Open | Regular Hours |
| Christmas Eve | Open (Reduced) | 11:00 AM – 6/8 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed | — |
| New Year’s Eve | Open (Extended) | Late Night |
Most Applebee’s restaurants follow this pattern, but individual locations may adjust hours based on local conditions.
What Are Applebee’s Christmas Hours?
Christmas is one of the most searched holidays when it comes to restaurant timings.
Christmas Eve
Applebee’s is open on Christmas Eve, but most locations close early.
- Opening time: Around 11:00 AM
- Closing time: عادة 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
This allows staff to spend time with their families.
Christmas Day
Applebee’s is closed on Christmas Day in most locations.
A few restaurants in airports or travel centers may open with limited service, but this is not common. For most customers, it’s best to assume Applebee’s will be closed on December 25.
Is Applebee’s Open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, Applebee’s is open on Thanksgiving, but hours are shorter than usual.
- Typical timing: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 PM
- Some locations may close earlier
- Limited menu options may be available
Thanksgiving is a busy dining day, so visiting earlier is always a smart choice.
Is Applebee’s Open on Easter?
Yes, most Applebee’s locations are open on Easter Sunday.
- Hours are usually slightly reduced
- Many restaurants follow weekend-style schedules
- Early closing is possible in some areas
Easter is a popular day for family dining, so expect moderate crowds.
Applebee’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Hours
Applebee’s remains open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- New Year’s Eve: Many locations stay open later than usual
- New Year’s Day: Most restaurants return to normal hours
This makes Applebee’s a good option for both celebrations and post-holiday meals.
Applebee’s Hours on Other Major Holidays
On holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day, Applebee’s typically operates with regular hours.
These are some of the best days to visit if you want a normal dining experience without reduced timings.
Why Applebee’s Holiday Hours Vary
Applebee’s does not follow a single nationwide schedule. Hours can change due to:
- Franchise ownership (each location sets its own schedule)
- Staffing availability during holidays
- Local demand and customer traffic
- Mall or airport operating rules
- Weather or community events
How to Check Applebee’s Holiday Hours Near You

Since timings can vary from one location to another, it’s always best to confirm before visiting. Using the right method helps you avoid confusion, especially on busy holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.
Use the Official Store Locator
The easiest way is to visit the official Applebee’s store locator. Simply enter your city or ZIP code to see accurate holiday hours, address, and contact details for nearby locations.
Check on Google Maps
Search “Applebee’s near me” on Google Maps to view real-time updates. Many locations update their holiday hours directly, including early closures or special timings.
Call Your Local Restaurant
Calling your nearest Applebee’s is one of the most reliable methods. Staff can confirm exact opening and closing times for holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas Eve.
Use the Applebee’s Mobile App
The Applebee’s App provides real-time updates, menu details, and location-based information. It’s especially useful if you want quick access while traveling.
Tips for Visiting Applebee’s on Holidays
To make your visit smooth and stress-free:
- Arrive early, especially on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve
- Expect shorter hours on major holidays
- Be prepared for limited menu options
- Call ahead to confirm exact timings
- Avoid last-minute visits close to closing time
If you’re comparing options for holiday dining, you can also check our detailed guide on Burger King holiday hours to see how their schedule differs from Applebee’s.
FAQs
Is Applebee’s open on Christmas Day?
No, most Applebee’s locations are closed on Christmas Day.
What are Applebee’s Thanksgiving hours?
Most locations open around 11:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Is Applebee’s open on Easter?
Yes, Applebee’s is usually open on Easter, but hours may vary by location.
Is Applebee’s open on Memorial Day?
Yes, Applebee’s operates with normal hours on Memorial Day.
Is Applebee’s open on Labor Day?
Yes, most locations follow their regular schedule on Labor Day.
Is Applebee’s open on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, many locations stay open late on New Year’s Eve.
Conclusion
Applebee’s holiday hours are generally flexible, with most locations open on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, and New Year’s Eve. However, hours are often reduced, and Christmas Day remains the one holiday when most restaurants close.
Because schedules can vary by location, the best approach is to check your nearest Applebee’s before heading out. This simple step ensures a smooth dining experience without any last-minute surprises.
