McDonald's answers a major question for Christmas 2025

25 Dec 2025, 10:30 · The Fresno Bee

Fast food has long been a defining part of American culture, and McDonald's remains the leader in the category.

With breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that appeal to nearly every palate, the iconic chain has earned the loyalty of generations of fans and remained a go-to destination for more than 85 years.

That's why even the slight suggestion of a McDonald's closure, especially during the holiday season, can spark major concern and uncontrollable cravings for its salty French fries, Quarter Pounders, and beloved Happy Meals.

Because Christmas is such a widely celebrated holiday, many businesses temporarily close locations to allow employees to spend time with loved ones or enjoy an extra day off. Still, some essential services remain open or operate on reduced hours, making it especially important to check ahead before heading out.

However, the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, not stressful.

To ease any uncertainty, McDonald's has shared all the details customers need to know about its holiday schedule for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's.

McDonald's confirms its restaurant hours for the 2025 winter holiday season.

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Is McDonald's closed on Christmas 2025?

McDonald's has built a reputation as one of the most reliable fast-food chains during the holidays, and 2025 is no exception. The company has confirmed that all U.S. McDonald's restaurants will be open nationwide on Christmas Day 2025.

While the fast-food giant will be open during the holiday, hours may vary by location, since most of its restaurants are independently franchised.

More McDonald's News:

Still, as the world's largest fast-food chain, operating over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries, finding a nearby open location won't be a challenge.

To avoid any surprises, customers are encouraged to check the McDonald's restaurant locator on the company's website to confirm their local store's holiday hours.

Will McDonald's be open New Year's Day 2026?

McDonald's will also be open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.

However, as with Christmas Day, hours may be reduced and vary by location, so customers are encouraged to check the McDonald's restaurant locator ahead of time to avoid any mishaps.

For those hosting Christmas gatherings and hoping to avoid spending the entire day in the kitchen, McDonald's can offer a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional meal, or even serve as the perfect option for a Christmas brunch.

McDonald's 2025 holiday menu

To keep the festivities going, McDonald's has unveiled its winter holiday menu, featuring beloved seasonal items available nationwide for a limited time. Among the returning highlights are the fan-favorite Holiday Pie and the McRib.

This year, McDonald's partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to launch The Grinch Meal in the U.S., a festive bundle inspired by the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" movie. Although this marked a first time for the U.S., it was introduced last year across select international markets, including Canada, Ireland, Australia, and the UK.

The Grinch Meal includes:

New Dill Pickle McShaker Fries
A choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
A medium drink
A pair of holiday-themed Grinch socks in one of four designs
Grinch-themed Happy Meal packaging

And the holiday fun doesn't stop there.

McDonald's has also rolled out an exclusive winter merchandise collection just in time for the gift-giving season, featuring apparel, accessories, beanies, socks, slippers, mugs, Christmas décor, and even branded gift wrap, now available through its Smilemakers and Golden Arches Unlimited online stores.

TheStreet

This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 2:30 AM.