Red Lobster Christmas Hours 2026: Is It Open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve?
Planning a seafood dinner this holiday season? If you’re searching for red lobster christmas hours 2026, you’re probably trying to answer one simple question: will your local Red Lobster be open, and for how long? This guide breaks down everything Christmas Eve hours, Christmas Day hours, other holiday hours around the season, and how to check the exact schedule for your Red Lobster near me before you head out the door.
Restaurant holiday hours change every year, and Red Lobster is no exception. Below, we cover what’s confirmed, what’s expected based on last year’s pattern, and how to avoid showing up to a closed restaurant.
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Red Lobster Christmas Hours 2026 (At a Glance)
Here’s the quick-look table most people want first:
| Day | Expected Hours 2026 | Status |
|---|---|---|
| December 24 (Christmas Eve) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Open, shortened hours |
| December 25 (Christmas Day) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM | Open at most locations (varies) |
| December 26 (Boxing Day) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Regular hours |
| December 31 (New Year’s Eve) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Regular or slightly extended |
| January 1 (New Year’s Day) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Open |
Note: Red Lobster corporate usually releases its official holiday hours list around mid-November. As of this update, the 2026 list hasn’t dropped yet, so the times above are based on last year’s confirmed schedule. We’ll update this page the moment the official 2026 hours are published bookmark this page or check back closer to the holiday.
Is Red Lobster Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Based on how the chain has operated in recent years, most Red Lobster locations are expected to be open on Christmas Day 2026, typically from 11:00 AM until somewhere between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
This is a change from Red Lobster’s older policy, where almost every location closed on December 25 except the flagship Times Square restaurant. In the last holiday season, the company shifted to a company-wide special holiday schedule, keeping dining rooms and takeout counters open for guests who wanted a red lobster christmas menu 2026 meal instead of cooking at home.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Hours can still vary by location. A restaurant in a busy tourist area may stay open later than one in a quiet suburb.
- Franchise-operated locations sometimes set their own hours, separate from corporate-owned stores.
- Kitchens usually close 15–30 minutes before the posted closing time, so don’t cut it too close if you want a full dinner service.
If you’re wondering “is red lobster open on christmas 2026” for your specific city, the safest move is to check your local restaurant directly (we’ll show you exactly how, below).
Red Lobster Christmas Eve Hours 2026
Red lobster christmas eve hours 2026 are expected to follow the same pattern as last year:
- Opening time: 11:00 AM
- Closing time: Around 8:00 PM (some locations may run until 9:00 PM)
Christmas Eve is a popular night for family dinners, so many locations get busy between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you want a table without a long wait, aim for an early dinner around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, right when the lunch crowd thins out.
Red Lobster Holiday Hours 2026: The Full Season
Christmas isn’t the only holiday that affects Red Lobster’s schedule. Here’s the red lobster holiday schedule for the full end-of-year stretch.
Thanksgiving Hours
Red Lobster has historically closed for the full day on Thanksgiving so staff can be with their families. Expect this same red lobster thanksgiving hours policy to continue in 2026 plan for a different restaurant if Thanksgiving dinner out is the plan.
New Year’s Eve Hours
On December 31, Red Lobster typically stays open with regular hours (around 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM), and some locations extend slightly for guests celebrating into the evening.
New Year’s Day Hours
On January 1, most locations open a little later than usual, sometimes starting around noon instead of 11:00 AM, then running a full day of regular service.
Other Holidays
Red Lobster generally stays open on lighter holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day, using standard red lobster operating hours for those dates.
How to Find Red Lobster Hours Near You
Since hours genuinely differ by address, here’s the fastest way to check your red lobster near me christmas hours:
- Use the official Red Lobster location finder on redlobster.com and search your ZIP code.
- Check Google Maps. Search “Red Lobster near me,” tap your closest location, and look at the “Hours” section this usually updates for holidays a few days in advance.
- Call the restaurant directly. This is the most reliable option during the holiday week, since online listings don’t always reflect last-minute changes.
- Check the Red Lobster app or Instagram, which often posts holiday hour reminders in early-to-mid December.
Doing this two- or three-day check before your visit will save you from driving to a closed restaurant.
Red Lobster Christmas Menu 2026: What to Expect
Along with adjusted hours, Red Lobster usually rolls out red lobster christmas specials for the season. Based on past years, expect:
- Seasonal seafood boils with shrimp, snow crab, and sausage
- Holiday-themed shareable platters, good for family tables
- Classic favorites like Walt’s Favorite Shrimp, Ultimate Feast, and of course, warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Limited-time desserts, often featuring peppermint or chocolate flavors
If you’re asking “does red lobster serve christmas dinner” yes, on days it’s open, the full dinner menu runs alongside any holiday specials, not a stripped-down version.
Red Lobster Menu with Prices 2026
Menu prices vary slightly by state and city, but here’s a general price range guide for popular items in 2026:
- Cheddar Bay Biscuits (basket): Free with any entrée
- Walt’s Favorite Shrimp: $19.99–$22.99
- Ultimate Feast: $28.99–$32.99
- Lobster tail entrées: Starting around $24.99, depending on size
- Seafood boils: $22.99–$29.99
For exact, up-to-date pricing at your location, checking the restaurant’s official menu page or calling ahead is best, since prices can shift by region.
Should You Make Red Lobster Christmas Reservations?
Red lobster christmas reservations aren’t always required, but they’re smart to make if:
- You’re dining with a large group (6+ people)
- You’re visiting during peak dinner hours (5:00 PM–7:00 PM)
- Your local restaurant is in a busy shopping or tourist area
Reservations can usually be made through the Red Lobster website or by calling your local restaurant directly a few days ahead.
When Is Lobsterfest at Red Lobster 2026?
A related question a lot of seafood fans ask is “when is lobsterfest at red lobster 2026?” Lobsterfest is Red Lobster’s biggest promotional event of the year, usually running for a limited window between late winter and early spring (historically January through March), separate from the Christmas holiday period. It’s not connected to Christmas hours, but if you’re planning your seafood calendar for the year, it’s worth marking down after the holidays wrap up. Check Red Lobster’s official site in early January for the exact 2026 start date.
FAQ’s
Is Red Lobster open on Christmas Day 2026?
Based on last year’s pattern, most locations are expected to be open with special holiday hours, typically 11:00 AM to 8:00 or 9:00 PM. Confirm with your local restaurant since hours can vary.
What time does Red Lobster close on Christmas Eve?
Most locations are expected to close around 8:00 PM on Christmas Eve, though some may stay open slightly later.
Are Red Lobster hours different during the holidays?
Yes. Hours shorten on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and the restaurant typically closes fully on Thanksgiving. New Year’s Eve and Day usually run close to normal hours.
Does Red Lobster have a special Christmas menu?
Yes, expect seasonal seafood boils, shareable platters, and holiday desserts alongside the regular menu.
Is Red Lobster open on New Year’s Eve and Day?
Yes, most locations stay open on both December 31 and January 1, generally with regular operating hours.
Final Thoughts
To sum up: red lobster christmas hours 2026 are expected to follow last year’s pattern, with most locations open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day using shortened hours, closed on Thanksgiving, and back to normal by New Year’s. Since exact 2026 holiday hours haven’t been officially published yet, always double-check your specific location using the Red Lobster app, Google Maps, or a quick phone call before you head out especially during the busy holiday week. That way, your holiday seafood dinner goes off without a hitch.
Sarah L. James is a meals enterprise researcher and menu analyst with a special recognition on fundamental American seafood chains. She has spent years studying eating place pricing, seasonal specials, and client dining trends.
With a passion for simplifying menu data, Sarah creates clean, useful guides for readers seeking to understand Red Lobster’s latest offers, expenses, and menu updates.