Panda Express Holiday Hours: Opening & Closing Time 2026
Quick Answer: Panda Express stays open on most holidays in 2026 with reduced hours typically 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM, varying by location.
You’re planning a holiday meal and wondering if Panda Express is going to save the day when everything else is closed. In 2026, Panda Express holiday hours are more reliable than most fast-casual chains but reduced hours and occasional closures can still catch you off guard.
This covers every major holiday in 2026, drive-thru and delivery availability, city-specific hours, and expert tips for visiting during peak holiday periods. You’ll also find alternatives if your nearest location happens to be closed.
Panda Express Holiday Hours 2026: Full Overview
Panda Express stays open on most major U.S. holidays in 2026, typically operating with reduced hours rather than closing entirely.
Hours may vary by location individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so your nearest Panda Express may differ.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open (reduced) | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Easter | Open (reduced) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Open | 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Independence Day | Open | 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Labor Day | Open | 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving | Open (reduced) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Open (reduced) | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Varies | Closed or very limited |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
Is Panda Express Open on New Year’s Day 2026?
Yes — most Panda Express locations stay open on New Year’s Day with reduced hours, typically 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Hours may vary by location mall-based and airport Panda Express restaurants often operate on slightly different New Year’s schedules.
Is Panda Express Open on Easter 2026?
Panda Express is generally open on Easter 2026, though many locations run shortened hours starting around 11:00 AM.
Some franchise-owned locations close on Easter always call ahead or check the Panda Express app before making the trip.
Is Panda Express Open on Memorial Day 2026?
Yes — Panda Express typically stays open on Memorial Day with standard or near-standard hours, often closing by 10:00 PM.
Memorial Day is one of Panda Express’s busier holiday periods expect higher-than-normal foot traffic from mid-afternoon onwards.
Is Panda Express Open on the 4th of July 2026?
Yes — most Panda Express locations are open on Independence Day, typically running 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM without major changes.
The 4th of July is actually one of Panda Express’s highest-volume days arrive before 12:00 PM to beat the rush effectively.
Is Panda Express Open on Labor Day 2026?
Panda Express is open on Labor Day at most U.S. locations, maintaining standard or near-standard operating hours throughout the day.
Hours may vary by location — individual franchise locations set their own Labor Day schedules based on local demand and staffing.
Is Panda Express Open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Yes — most Panda Express locations are open on Thanksgiving 2026, though with significantly reduced hours at the majority of restaurants.
Panda Express Thanksgiving Hours 2026 (Predicted)
Thanksgiving Panda Express hours typically run from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at most U.S. locations nationwide.
Call your local Panda Express before Thanksgiving some franchise-owned locations close entirely or open for only a few hours.
Is Panda Express Open on Christmas Eve 2026?
Yes — most Panda Express locations are open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours, typically closing between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Panda Express Christmas Eve Hours 2026
Expect most Christmas Eve Panda Express hours to run from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM — the kitchen transitions to holiday mode early.
Arrive before 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve for the most reliable service and the best menu item availability across all locations.
Is Panda Express Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day is the most variable day of the year for Panda Express some locations close, others operate on skeleton hours.
Do not assume your nearest Panda Express is open on Christmas Day always verify directly through the app or a phone call first.
Panda Express Drive-Thru Holiday Hours
Panda Express drive-thru holiday hours generally mirror the in-store hours at locations that have a drive-thru lane.
Hours may vary by location — some drive-thru locations stay open 30 to 60 minutes later than the dining room on holidays.
Key things to know about Panda Express drive-thru service on holidays:
- Drive-thru stays open later at select locations especially near highways and shopping centers during holiday seasons
- Thanksgiving and Christmas see some of the highest drive-thru volume expect 15 to 30 minute waits at peak times
- Mobile ordering via the Panda Express app works with drive-thru pickup order ahead to skip the holiday line entirely
- Holiday closures affect drive-thru too if the restaurant is closed, the drive-thru will not be operating independently
Panda Express Delivery Holiday Hours
Panda Express delivery is available on most holidays through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub — but availability depends on your location.
Delivery windows on holidays may be shorter than standard order early to avoid running into kitchen cutoff times on reduced-hour days.
Delivery tips for Panda Express holiday orders:
- Order by 7:00 PM on reduced-hour holidays delivery apps stop accepting orders when the kitchen begins closing down
- Check the Panda Express app for direct ordering sometimes faster than third-party apps on busy holiday evenings
- Expect longer delivery times on holidays drivers are busier and kitchens are moving slower than on regular days
- Order ahead where available the Panda Express app lets you schedule holiday pickup orders in advance
Panda Express Catering Holiday Hours
Panda Express catering is available for holiday events orders should be placed at least 24 hours in advance for all holiday dates.
During Thanksgiving and Christmas periods, catering lead times extend to 48 to 72 hours plan well ahead for any group orders.
Why Panda Express Holiday Hours Change by Location
Panda Express operates both corporate-owned and franchise-owned locations individual franchise locations set their own schedules independently.
Mall-based, airport, stadium, and standalone restaurants all follow different holiday protocols based on their specific lease and traffic model.
Factors that most commonly affect Panda Express holiday hours at specific locations:
- Ownership type — corporate locations follow headquarters guidelines; franchise owners set hours based on local judgment
- Location format — airport, casino, and mall Panda Express restaurants often stay open longer on holidays than street locations
- Staffing availability — holiday staffing shortages can force some franchise locations to reduce or eliminate holiday service
- Local laws — some states or municipalities restrict certain business operations on major holidays, affecting schedules directly
Panda Express Holiday Hours in Major U.S. Cities
Most major metro Panda Express locations follow the reduced holiday schedule 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM on key dates.
Hours may vary by location even within the same city always verify your specific restaurant rather than relying on general guidance.
| City | Thanksgiving Hours | Christmas Eve Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| New York, NY | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Chicago, IL | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Houston, TX | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phoenix, AZ | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Las Vegas, NV | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit Panda Express During Holidays
The best time to visit Panda Express on any major holiday is 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM right at open, before the crowd builds.
Avoid 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Thanksgiving and the 4th of July those are peak holiday hours with the longest wait times.
Popular Panda Express Holiday Menu Items
The Orange Chicken is Panda Express’s all-time best seller and the go-to holiday order crispy, sweet, tangy, and always available.
The Beijing Beef is a strong second crispy beef strips in a sweet and spicy sauce that holds up well during busy holiday service.
Other popular Panda Express items worth ordering on holiday visits:
- Honey Walnut Shrimp — a premium option not available at all locations, best ordered early before it sells out on busy days
- Broccoli Beef — a lighter option that pairs well with fried rice and is consistently available at every Panda Express location
- Chow Mein — the most popular side by a wide margin, always freshly prepared and a reliable pairing for any entree
- Super Greens — the steamed vegetable side that makes holiday meals feel slightly more balanced without sacrificing flavor
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | Crispy chicken in sweet citrus sauce | $8.99 – $11.99 |
| Beijing Beef | Crispy beef in sweet-spicy sauce | $8.99 – $11.99 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Shrimp with honey melon sauce & walnuts | $9.99 – $12.99 |
| Broccoli Beef | Tender beef with fresh broccoli | $8.99 – $10.99 |
| Chow Mein | Stir-fried noodles with vegetables | $4.99 – $6.99 |
Best Alternatives If Panda Express Is Closed
If your nearest Panda Express is closed on a holiday, Panda Express delivery through DoorDash or Uber Eats may still be an option.
Other reliable fast-casual and fast-food alternatives open on most holidays in 2026 include:
- McDonald’s — open 365 days a year at nearly all locations, including Christmas Day
- Denny’s — famous for staying open 24/7, including on Thanksgiving and Christmas at most locations
- Waffle House — never closes, including on Christmas and New Year’s, a genuine holiday fallback
- Subway — many franchise locations stay open on holidays with standard or near-standard operating hours
- Chinese takeout restaurants — many independently owned Chinese restaurants stay open on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving
How to Check Panda Express Holiday Hours Near You
Confirming Panda Express holiday hours before heading out takes under two minutes using any of these reliable methods.
Hours may vary by location always check your specific restaurant rather than assuming standard holiday hours apply everywhere.
Google Search: Type “Panda Express near me” today’s holiday hours appear in the right-side results panel immediately.
Google Maps: Search Panda Express, tap your nearest location pin, and current hours display with directions automatically.
Official Website: Visit pandaexpress use the restaurant locator, and view location-specific holiday hours and menus.
Direct Phone Call: Call the restaurant directly the most reliable holiday confirmation method every single time.
Expert Tips for Visiting Panda Express on Holidays
Use the Panda Express app to order ahead — mobile ordering skips the holiday line entirely and guarantees your items are reserved.
Visit before noon on any major holiday kitchens are fully stocked, wait times are minimal, and food is always freshest early.
More tips for a smooth Panda Express holiday visit:
- Check the app first — live hours and item availability are shown in real time, more accurate than any other source
- Call for catering lead times — holiday catering orders need 48 to 72 hours notice; don’t leave this until the day before
- Order family meals — Panda Express holiday family bundles offer better per-person value than individual plate orders
- Avoid last-minute visits — arriving in the final 30 minutes of holiday service means limited item availability and rushed service
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Panda Express holiday hours in 2026 are generally reliable most locations stay open with reduced schedules rather than closing completely. Always confirm your nearest restaurant’s hours through the app or a quick call before heading out on any major holiday.
