Applebee’s Holiday Hours: Opening & Closing Time 2026
Quick Answer: Applebee’s is generally open on most major holidays in 2026, but hours vary by location always call ahead or check online before visiting.
Planning a holiday outing to Applebee’s but not sure if they’ll be open? You’re not alone thousands of people search this exact question every year, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
That said, Applebee’s holiday hours in 2026 are not one-size-fits-all. Because many locations are independently owned franchises, hours can shift significantly from one restaurant to another.
Applebee’s Holiday Hours: Full Schedule 2026
Here’s a quick-reference table covering the major holidays and what you can generally expect:
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Valentine’s Day | Open | Regular hours |
| Easter | Open (most locations) | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Independence Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Labor Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving | Open (most locations) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Open (reduced hours) | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Open (select locations) | 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| New Year’s Eve | Open (late) | 11:00 AM – Midnight+ |
Important: These are typical hours based on historical patterns. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so always verify directly.
Is Applebee’s Open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, most Applebee’s locations are open on Thanksgiving Day. This is actually one of their busier holidays since many families skip cooking and head out instead. Expect a wait, especially between noon and 3:00 PM.
Applebee’s Thanksgiving hours typically run 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though some locations may open later or close earlier. If you’re planning a post-parade meal or a late dinner, calling ahead is a smart move to avoid surprises.
Applebee’s Thanksgiving Hours
Most corporate-owned and franchise locations participate in Thanksgiving service, but a small percentage do close. Hours may vary by location, so treat the table above as a guide, not a guarantee. Consider making a reservation or placing a To-Go order online to cut down on wait time Thanksgiving crowds can be significant.
Is Applebee’s Open on Christmas Day?
Yes, select Applebee’s locations are open on Christmas Day, but this is where things get trickier. Christmas Day sees the most closures of any holiday on this list — many franchise owners give staff the day off. Don’t assume your nearest Applebee’s will be open.
If you’re counting on Applebee’s for Christmas dinner 2026, call your location a few days in advance. Locations that are open typically run reduced hours, usually 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It’s worth noting that Christmas Eve hours are more predictable, with most restaurants open through at least early evening.
Is Applebee’s Open on Easter?
Applebee’s is open on Easter at most locations. Easter falls on a Sunday in 2026, which is naturally one of Applebee’s busiest days of the week. That combination means plenty of restaurants will be up and running but likely with a crowd.
Expect typical Easter hours to fall somewhere between 11:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Because hours may vary by location, checking Google Maps the morning of Easter is a smart habit. Brunch crowds tend to flow in between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, so plan accordingly if you want a shorter wait.
Is Applebee’s Open on Memorial Day?
Yes, Applebee’s is almost universally open on Memorial Day. It’s a holiday where people are off work, often gathering with family or friends exactly the kind of day Applebee’s thrives on. Expect full service and possibly some seasonal menu promotions.
Memorial Day hours are usually close to normal, running 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM or later. The lunch rush and early dinner window (noon to 6:00 PM) tend to be the busiest stretches. If your party is larger than four people, calling ahead to check on wait times is always a good idea.
Is Applebee’s Open on Labor Day?
Applebee’s is open on Labor Day, and most locations keep normal or extended hours. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and restaurants like Applebee’s often see strong foot traffic as people enjoy one last long-weekend outing.
Typical Labor Day hours run 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with some locations staying open a bit later. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules for this holiday, so a quick phone call never hurts. Weeknight apps and drink specials are often running, which is a nice bonus.
How to Check Applebee’s Holiday Hours Near You
Don’t rely on guesswork when you’re planning a holiday meal. Here are four reliable ways to confirm your local Applebee’s schedule:
Google Search: Type “Applebee’s [your city] hours” and Google will often pull real-time hours directly from the business listing. It’s the fastest method.
Google Maps: Open Maps, search for your nearest Applebee’s, and tap on the listing. Holiday hours often appear as a special note in the hours section.
Official Website: Head to applebees.com and use the restaurant locator to find your location. Many locations update their hours ahead of major holidays.
Direct Phone Call: The most reliable option, especially on a major holiday like Christmas. Call your location directly to get confirmation straight from the staff.
One practical tip: call 30 to 60 minutes before you plan to arrive, not the morning of. Hours sometimes change last-minute, and a quick call saves you a wasted trip.
Why Applebee’s Holiday Hours Vary by Location
If you’ve ever looked up Applebee’s hours and found conflicting information online, here’s why: Applebee’s operates a mix of corporate-owned and independently franchised restaurants. Franchise owners have the flexibility to set their own operating hours, holiday schedules, and staffing decisions.
This means the Applebee’s in one suburb might be open Christmas Day while the location across town is closed. It’s not an error it’s just how the franchise model works. Hours may vary by location year to year as well, so even if your Applebee’s was open last Christmas, don’t assume the same for 2026. Always verify.
Applebee’s Holiday Hours by Location
Urban and suburban locations near shopping centers tend to keep longer holiday hours due to higher foot traffic. Smaller towns or standalone locations may reduce hours or close entirely on slow holidays.
Popular Applebee’s Menu Items to Order on Holidays
Visiting Applebee’s over the holidays? Here are some fan-favorite dishes worth ordering:
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Wings | Crispy, saucy, available in multiple flavors | $12 – $18 |
| Neighborhood Nachos | Loaded with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream | $13 – $16 |
| Classic Riblets | Tender ribs with BBQ sauce | $14 – $20 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | Grilled chicken with lime glaze and pico | $13 – $17 |
| Mozzarella Sticks | Classic appetizer, always a crowd-pleaser | $9 – $12 |
| Dollarita / Holiday Cocktail | Seasonal specialty drinks | $1 – $8 |
The 2-for-$25 or 2-for-$30 deal is often available during the holidays and is one of the best values on the menu if you’re dining with someone. Seasonal cocktail menus also make holidays a fun time to visit.
Best Alternatives If Applebee’s Is Closed
If your local Applebee’s turns out to be closed on the holiday you’re visiting, here are solid backup options:
- Denny’s — Open 24/7 on almost every holiday, including Christmas Day
- IHOP — Typically open on all major holidays with breakfast and lunch options
- Cracker Barrel — A favorite for holiday dining; usually open Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Waffle House — Never closes, ever rain, snow, or holiday
- Local diners — Many independent restaurants stay open on holidays and appreciate the business
It’s always smart to have a backup plan, especially on Christmas Day when closures are most common.
Tips for Visiting Applebee’s on Holidays
A few practical moves can make your holiday Applebee’s visit much smoother:
- Go early or late — The 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM windows are peak times. Arriving at 2:00 PM or 8:00 PM usually means shorter waits.
- Order online for pickup — Applebee’s To-Go is available through their app and website. It’s ideal if you want holiday food without the dine-in wait.
- Check the app for deals — Applebee’s often runs holiday specials and loyalty rewards. Downloading the app before your visit can save you money.
- Call ahead for large groups — Walk-in seating for parties of 6+ on a holiday can mean a long wait. Calling ahead gives the host team a heads-up.
- Tip generously — Staff working on Thanksgiving or Christmas deserve recognition. A little extra goes a long way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Applebee’s holiday hours in 2026 are mostly encouraging the chain stays open across most major holidays, making it a reliable choice for a festive meal out. Your safest move is always to confirm your specific location’s schedule using Google, their website, or a quick phone call before heading out this holiday season.
