In Texas, alcohol sales are strictly regulated by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). If you are planning a holiday celebration, it is important to know that liquor stores (also known as package stores) are legally required to close on specific major holidays.
Holiday Hours for Texas Liquor Stores
Under state law, liquor stores are permitted to operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and must remain closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Holiday
Date
Liquor Store Status
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025
OPEN (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Christmas Day
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
CLOSED
New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025
OPEN (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
New Year’s Day
Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
CLOSED
Important Rules for Beer and Wine
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While liquor stores are closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, you can still purchase beer and wine at grocery and convenience stores if they are open. Standard sales hours for these retailers are:
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. to midnight.
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. (Sunday morning).
Sunday: 10 a.m. to midnight.
Note: Many major grocery chains like H-E-B and Target close entirely on Christmas Day, so you may need to visit a convenience store for last-minute beer or wine.
On-Premise Consumption
If you prefer to celebrate at a bar or restaurant, these establishments can continue to serve mixed drinks, beer, and wine on holidays, provided they have the necessary TABC permits and follow standard operating hours.
Christmas Day in Houston doesn’t mean the city shuts down. While some kitchens take the day off, plenty of restaurants keep the lights on, the ovens hot and the welcome warm for anyone looking to skip cooking or keep a tradition alive.
Whether you’re craving a classic holiday meal, comfort food, steak and seafood, something globally inspired or a quick bite from your favorite burger joint, Houston’s dining scene delivers. From upscale spots perfect for a special occasion to casual favorites ideal for a low key day, there’s no shortage of options across the city.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up 35 restaurants open on Christmas Day in Houston. Hours and menus can vary, so it’s always smart to check ahead, but if you’re hungry on Dec. 25, these spots have you covered.
Afuri Ramen
Located in the Heights and open from 11AM to 10PM, Afuri Ramen will offer ramen bowls and sushi, along with craft cocktails.
Applebee’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Arby’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Babin’s Seafood House
Christmas feast service (Katy & The Woodlands).
Baso
Located in the Heights, this Basque-influenced restaurant will be open from 4PM to 10PM.
Brenner’s on the Bayou
Evening dinner on Christmas Day.
Brenner’s Steakhouse
Open with regular menu and holiday prime rib to-go options.
Burger King
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Cleburne Cafeteria
Open from 11AM to 8PM over in West University, this restaurant will be serving classic Christmas staples.
Davis Street
Offering a $75 prefix menu, Davis Street lets you select from an assortment of appetizers, entrees and deserts. Make your online reservation here.
Denny’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Domino’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Duck N Bao
All three locations will be open from 11AM to 9:30PM.
Dunkin’
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Italian restaurant open midday/early evening with holiday menu features.
IHOP
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Jack-in-the-Box
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
King Ranch Texas Kitchen
Christmas Day buffet.
Mala Sichuan Bistro
Mastro’s
Open with signature menu and holiday cocktails.
McDonald’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Nobu
Nobu will be open to serve Christmas dinner from 5PM to 10PM.
North China
Ojo de Agua
The Mexico City-based restaurant in River Oaks will be serving from its regular menu between 9AM and 4PM.
Qdoba
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Red Lobster
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Starbuck’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
The Burger Joint
All three locations will be open on Christmas.
The Palm Houston – Downtown
The Palm Houston – Downtown will be open from 12PM to 8PM with its exclusive holidays menu. The menu is available through Dec. 31.
Toulouse Cafe & Bar
This French River Oaks District restaurant will be serving brunch and dinner.
Waffle House
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Wendy’s
Most locations will be open. Confirm hours with your local store.
Willie G’s
This seafood restaurant near the Post Oak Hotel in the Galleria will be offering a $69 Christmas dinner for adults and $29 for children, with a variety of options on its Christmas buffet, including prime rib.
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