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Many diners search for Applebee’s holiday hours to find out whether their favorite neighborhood restaurant is open during major holidays. From Thanksgiving dinner plans to Christmas Eve meals and Easter gatherings, Applebee’s remains a popular choice for casual dining across the United States.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Applebee’s holiday hours 2026, including Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day schedules.
Because Applebee’s locations are mostly franchise-owned, holiday hours can vary by city and restaurant, so planning ahead is always recommended.
Applebee’s Holiday Hours 2026 Overview
Applebee’s is a popular choice for casual dining during holidays, but it’s important to know that hours often change on major celebrations. Most locations remain open, but opening and closing times can be adjusted for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Easter. Some locations may close earlier or offer limited service, so planning ensures you don’t miss out on your favorite meals.
Here’s a quick overview of Applebee’s holiday hours for 2026. This table provides typical hours for popular U.S. holidays, but keep in mind that exact times can vary depending on the city or franchise.
Applebee’s Holiday Hours 2026 Table:
| Holiday | Date | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Open | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Easter Sunday | Varies (March/April) | Open | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Columbus Day | Second Monday in October | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Day Before Thanksgiving | Wednesday before Thanksgiving | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Open (limited) | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Black Friday | Friday after Thanksgiving | Open | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Open (limited) | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Closed | — |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Open (limited) | 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Pro Tip: While this table gives a general overview, we recommend checking your local Applebee’s or using Google Maps for the most accurate holiday hours near you. Some franchise locations may adjust hours based on local demand or staffing.
Is Applebee’s Open on Thanksgiving?
Yes, Applebee’s is open on Thanksgiving at many locations across the United States. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for casual dining, and Applebee’s often remains available for guests who prefer dining out or ordering takeout.
Typical Thanksgiving Hours
Most Applebee’s restaurants open around 11:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day. Some high-traffic locations may stay open slightly later, while smaller or suburban locations may close earlier.
Dine-In vs Takeout
- Dine-in service is usually available
- Takeout and curbside pickup may operate with limited hours
- Bar service may close earlier than the kitchen
If you’re wondering, “Is Applebee’s open on Thanksgiving near me?”, it’s best to confirm your local hours ahead of time.
For those planning multiple holiday meals, you can also check out our guides on McDonald’s Thanksgiving Hours and McDonald’s Holiday Hours to see when your favorite locations are open.
Applebee’s Thanksgiving Hours by Location
Thanksgiving hours can vary widely depending on:
- City size
- Local demand
- Staffing availability
- Franchise owner decisions
Urban locations and restaurants near highways or shopping areas often maintain longer hours. Smaller towns may see earlier closings.
To find accurate Thanksgiving hours:
- Visit Applebee’s official website
- Check Google Maps
- Call your local Applebee’s directly
| Location Type | Typical Opening Time | Typical Closing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban & Downtown | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | High foot traffic; may stay open longer for travelers |
| Suburban Restaurants | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Early dinner cut-off is common |
| Highway / Travel Hub Locations | 11:00 AM | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Longer hours to serve travelers |
| Small Town / Neighborhood | 11:00 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | May close earlier due to lower demand |
Is Applebee’s Open on Easter?
Yes, Applebee’s is open on Easter at most locations. Easter Sunday is considered a popular dining day, especially for families looking for a casual lunch or dinner.
Typical Easter Hours
Most Applebee’s locations operate with:
- Regular opening times
- Normal lunch and dinner service
- Slightly reduced evening hours at some locations
Because Easter is not a federal holiday, many restaurants keep standard schedules, making Applebee’s a reliable option for Easter dining.
Applebee’s Christmas Eve Hours
Applebee’s Christmas Eve hours are usually shorter than on regular days. Many locations stay open to serve lunch and early dinner guests before closing in the evening.
Common Christmas Eve Schedule
- Opening time: 11:00 AM
- Closing time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Some locations may close even earlier to allow staff to spend time with family. Bar service often ends before the kitchen closes.
If you’re planning a Christmas Eve visit, it’s usually best to arrive earlier in the day.
Applebee’s Christmas Hours (Christmas Day)
Christmas Day is the one holiday when many Applebee’s locations are closed. However, not all restaurants follow the same policy.
What to Expect on Christmas Day
- Many locations are closed all day
- Some franchise-owned restaurants may open for limited hours
- Urban and travel-area locations are more likely to be open
If you’re searching for Applebee’s Christmas Hours, confirming with your local restaurant is necessary, as Christmas schedules vary more than any other holiday.
Applebee’s Holiday Hours for Major U.S. Holidays
Beyond Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas, Applebee’s typically follows adjusted schedules on several other holidays:
| Holiday | Typical Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | Most locations open; slightly later opening times possible |
| Memorial Day | Open | Regular hours at most locations |
| Independence Day (July 4) | Open | May close earlier in the evening at some locations |
| Labor Day | Open | Regular hours in most areas |
| Veterans Day | Open | Standard service at most locations |
Applebee’s Holiday Hours Near Me
Holiday hours can vary even within the same city. To find Applebee’s holiday hours near me, use one of these methods:
- Applebee’s Restaurant Locator
Enter your ZIP code or city to see updated holiday schedules. - Google Maps
Search for your local Applebee’s and view holiday hour adjustments. - Call the Restaurant
Speaking directly with staff provides the most accurate information.
Checking early helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Why Applebee’s Holiday Hours Vary
Several factors influence why Applebee’s holiday hours are not the same everywhere:
- Franchise ownership decisions
- Local dining demand
- Employee availability
- City regulations and holiday policies
- Weather conditions
Because of these factors, two Applebee’s locations in the same city may operate on different holiday schedules.
Tips for Visiting Applebee’s on Holidays
To make your holiday visit smoother, consider these tips:
- Visit earlier in the day on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve
- Expect longer wait times during peak hours
- Call ahead for takeout availability
- Choose locations in busy areas for longer hours
- Confirm bar service hours if planning drinks
Planning ahead ensures a better dining experience during busy holiday periods.
People also ask
Is Applebee’s open on Thanksgiving near me?
Many locations are open on Thanksgiving, but hours vary. Always check your local restaurant.
Is Applebee’s open on Easter Sunday?
Yes, most Applebee’s locations are open on Easter with regular or slightly reduced hours.
Does Applebee’s close early on Christmas Eve?
Yes, most locations close earlier than usual, typically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Is Applebee’s open on Christmas Day?
Many locations are closed, but some franchise-owned restaurants may open with limited hours.
Are Applebee’s holiday hours the same every year?
No, holiday hours can change yearly based on staffing and local decisions.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s holiday hours in 2026 offer flexibility for diners, but schedules are often adjusted on major holidays. Thanksgiving and Easter are usually safe bets for dining out, while Christmas Eve features early closures and Christmas Day sees the most variability.
To avoid inconvenience, always confirm your local Applebee’s hours before visiting. With proper planning, you can enjoy your favorite meals and holiday moments without stress.
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