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Many people search for McDonald’s holiday hours when planning meals around busy holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s Day. Since McDonald’s operates thousands of locations across the United States, holiday hours can change depending on the day, city, and store type.
Some locations stay open with reduced hours, while others may close early or remain open only through the drive-thru.
This guide explains what are McDonald’s holiday hours for 2026, how schedules vary by location, and the best ways to check McDonald’s holiday hours near me so you never arrive at locked doors.
McDonald’s Holiday Hours 2026: Quick Overview
McDonald’s follows a flexible holiday schedule rather than a fixed timetable. Most restaurants remain open on major U.S. holidays, but hours may be reduced. Breakfast service often starts earlier, while evening hours may end sooner than usual.
Because McDonald’s includes both company-owned and franchise-owned restaurants, McDonald’s holiday hours 2026 USA can differ even within the same city. Airport, highway, and 24-hour locations are the most likely to stay open during holidays.
Key takeaway: McDonald’s is open on most holidays, but holiday hours for McDonald’s vary by location.
McDonald’s Holiday Hours Table (USA 2026)
Below is a general reference for McDonald’s hours on holidays in the United States. These times reflect common patterns, not guarantees.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Opening | Typical Closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | 6:00–8:00 AM | Regular hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Open | Regular hours | Regular hours |
| Presidents’ Day | Open | Regular hours | Regular hours |
| Memorial Day | Open | 5:00–6:00 AM | 9:00–11:00 PM |
| Independence Day | Open | 5:00–6:00 AM | 8:00–10:00 PM |
| Labor Day | Open | 5:00–6:00 AM | 9:00–11:00 PM |
| Veterans Day | Open | Regular hours | Regular hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Open (Reduced) | 5:00–6:00 AM | 2:00–6:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Open (Reduced) | 5:00–6:00 AM | 6:00–9:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Limited | Select locations only | Varies |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | 5:00–6:00 AM | 9:00–11:00 PM |
Always confirm McDonald’s holiday hours today with your local restaurant.
Is McDonald’s Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Many people ask if McDonald’s is open on Christmas Day. The answer is sometimes.
Most traditional McDonald’s locations close on Christmas Day so employees can spend time with their families. However, select locations—especially those in airports, travel centers, and major cities—may open for limited hours, often between 6:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Because McDonald’s Christmas holiday hours vary by location, checking your nearby store is essential before visiting.
McDonald’s Christmas Eve Hours
McDonald’s is usually open on Christmas Eve with shortened evening hours. Most locations open early in the morning and close between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Drive-thru service often remains available until closing time, making it a popular option for quick meals before holiday gatherings. Expect heavier traffic during breakfast and lunch hours.
McDonald’s Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
Yes, McDonald’s is open on Thanksgiving at many locations. Thanksgiving hours are usually reduced, with restaurants opening early—around 5:00 or 6:00 AM—and closing between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Airport and highway McDonald’s locations tend to operate longer due to travel demand. If Thanksgiving meals are part of your travel plans, checking McDonald’s holiday hours near me ahead of time is recommended.
McDonald’s New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Hours
On New Year’s Eve, McDonald’s typically follows near-regular hours, opening early and closing between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Busy city locations may stay open later.
New Year’s Day hours often start later, with many restaurants opening between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Evening hours usually return to normal.
McDonald’s Hours on Other Major Holidays
McDonald’s remains open during most federal holidays, including:
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Independence Day
- Veterans Day
- Presidents’ Day
During these holidays, McDonald’s hours holiday schedules usually stay close to normal, though closing times may be slightly earlier in some areas.
Why McDonald’s Holiday Hours Vary by Location
There is no single nationwide holiday schedule because McDonald’s operates under different ownership models. Holiday hours change based on:
- Franchise vs. company ownership
- Local customer demand
- Staffing availability
- City regulations
- Mall or airport operating rules
This is why two restaurants in the same city may follow different McDonald’s holiday hours.
McDonald’s Holiday Hours by Location Type
24-Hour McDonald’s
Some 24-hour locations stay open during holidays, though dining rooms may close while the drive-thru remains open.
Drive-Thru Locations
Drive-thru McDonald’s restaurants are often the most reliable on holidays, especially Thanksgiving morning and Christmas Eve.
Mall & Food Court Locations
These usually follow mall holiday schedules and may close earlier or remain closed on major holidays.
Airport & Travel Centers
These locations are most likely to stay open with extended hours due to travel traffic.
McDonald’s Drive-Thru Holiday Hours
Drive-thru service often stays open longer than dine-in areas during holidays. Many customers rely on drive-thru access on Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving morning, and New Year’s Eve.
If dining rooms are closed, the drive-thru may still serve breakfast, lunch, and drinks.
McDonald’s Holiday Menu Availability
Holiday hours do not usually affect menu availability. You can still order:
- McCafé coffee and seasonal drinks
- Breakfast sandwiches during breakfast hours
- Regular lunch and dinner items
However, limited-time items and seasonal desserts may vary by location.
How to Check McDonald’s Holiday Hours Near You
The best ways to confirm McDonald’s holiday hours near me include:
- McDonald’s Store Locator – Search by ZIP code or city
- McDonald’s Mobile App – Shows live hours and ordering availability
- Google Maps – Displays updated holiday schedules
- Calling the Restaurant – Best for Christmas and Thanksgiving hours
These methods provide the most accurate McDonald’s holiday hours today.
Tips for Visiting McDonald’s on Holidays
- Visit early in the day
- Expect reduced evening hours
- Use mobile ordering to save time
- Choose airport or highway locations for better availability
- Confirm hours before leaving home
Related McDonald’s Hours Guides
To plan your visit more easily, you can also check our detailed guide on McDonald’s Hours, which covers regular opening and closing times throughout the year.
People also ask
What are McDonald’s holiday hours?
McDonald’s holiday hours vary by location. Most stores open early and close earlier than usual on major holidays.
Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, many locations open with reduced hours, typically closing in the afternoon.
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day?
Some locations are open with limited hours, but many close completely.
Do all McDonald’s locations follow the same holiday hours?
No. Franchise ownership and location type affect holiday schedules.
Can I order McDonald’s through the app on holidays?
Yes, mobile ordering usually remains available during holiday hours.
Final Words
McDonald’s remains one of the most accessible fast-food options during the holiday season. While most locations stay open on major holidays, McDonald’s holiday hours 2026 can change based on location, ownership, and demand.
Christmas Day and Thanksgiving often have reduced hours, while New Year’s Eve and federal holidays remain close to normal schedules.
To avoid surprises, always check your local restaurant through the app or store locator. Planning ahead ensures a smooth visit during the busiest times of the year.
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