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King Ranch Texas Kitchen in Uptown is open on Christmas. Photo courtesy of King Ranch Texas Kitchen

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Houston 2025

1. Cleburne Cafeteria – West University

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: Cafeteria style

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 11 am - 8 pm

This local favorite has been open in Houston since 1941. The homey, comfortable environment is perfect for a family Christmas Day celebration with traditional fare, and you can even get takeout if you like. Sample the yummy range of pies, including Lemon Chess and Chocolate Ice Box, or get red, blue, or green Jell-O! 

2. King Ranch Texas Kitchen – Uptown

Price Range: $$$
Menu Type: Holiday buffet

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 12 pm - 4 pm

Feast at this unique restaurant with a ranching history and saddle shop that's full of classic Texan dishes. The restaurant's Texas-sized Christmas Buffet costs $59 an adult and $25 a child.

3. Black Bear Diner – Various locations

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: All day breakfast and homestyle favorites

Hours vary by location

Enjoy breakfast all day long at Black Bear Diner for dine-in or pickup. You can go the breakfast route with bacon, eggs, and pancakes, or from 11 am onward choose traditional meals like roasted turkey, prime rib, or ham. You can order the holiday meals a "Little Less" or "Cub-sized" for smaller appetites.

4. Luby's – Various locations

Hours vary by location

Price Range: $ to $$
Menu Type: Cafeteria-style classics with holiday specials

If you're looking for a relaxed family dining experience this Christmas Day, you'll want to take the family to Luby's. Guests can enjoy all of the standard buffet favorites as well as a few holiday specials. Luby's offers family packs to-go to dine at home without the stress of cooking for a crowd.

5. House of Pies – Various locations

Price Range: $ to $$
Menu Type: Large all day menu and bakery

Open 24 hours

Enjoy home-cooked flavors up to 24 hours a day at this Houston landmark establishment – there are six locations around Houston. All breakfast, lunch, and dinner options will be available all day on Christmas Day. For dessert, choose from one of the largest selections of pies and cakes. Don't forget that there are no call-ahead pie orders Christmas week, it's turn up and buy. Try a seasonal favorite like pumpkin cheesecake, or a Southern staple like Texas pecan pie. Seating on Christmas Day is also first come, first served.  

6. Fogo de Chao – Various locations

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Brazilian churrasco service with Market Table

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 11 am - 9 pm

For a fun Brazilian twist on traditional Christmas dinner fare, try dining churrasco-style at Fogo de Chao. The restaurant offers unlimited servings of various cuts of different types of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Also included is a fresh salad bar and Brazilian side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas, and crispy polenta. It's advisable to make a reservation during the holiday season.

7. Denny's – Various locations

Price Range: $
Menu Type: All day diner menu

Hours vary by location

When it comes to being kid-friendly, Denny's is a slam dunk in the restaurant arena, with 24 locations around Houston. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing Christmas Day meal with the family, and the breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Try the choconana (chocolate and banana) pancakes for a sweet treat!

RELATED: 31 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston

 
Try the Christmas volcano at Galveston's Rainforest Cafe. Photo courtesy of the Rainforest Cafe

8. Rainforest Cafe – Galveston

Price Range: $$ to $$$
Menu Type: Prix fixe holiday menu

Open on Christmas Day 2025 from 11 am - 8 pm

On Christmas Day, have the ultimate kid-friendly experience at Rainforest Cafe in Galveston, the only Rainforest Cafe with a Rainforest River Adventure Ride (the Katy location is not open on Christmas Day). Enjoy holiday classics on their prix fixe Christmas menu – it's $28.99 for adults and $18.99 for kids. Explore one of Galveston's Best Family-Friendly Beaches to work up an appetite or burn off calories afterward!

9. Waffle House – Various locations

Price Range: $
Menu Type: Breakfast all day

Open 24 hours a day

Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Waffle House is a restaurant serving up your favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The kids' menu is sure to please, with options like grilled cheese, burgers, and, of course, waffles.

10. Katz's Deli – Various locations

Price Range: $ to $$$
Menu Type: Deli classics and comfort foods

Open 24 hours a day

Katz's never closes...even for Christmas! Enjoy some casual New York street-style fare to celebrate the holidays this year. With a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, and pasta to choose from, Katz's Deli has something for everyone in your family. The kids' menu includes classic favorites such as cheese pizza and spaghetti and meatballs. Open 24 hours on Christmas Day with regular menu pricing. 

11. The Aquarium – Kemah and Downtown

Price Range: $$ to $$$
Menu Type: Three-course holiday menus

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 12 pm - 8 pm

The Aquarium in Kemah and Downtown will be offering three-course dinners to celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Kids will enjoy the fish tanks as they munch through the menu options. Reservations are required.

12. Saltgrass Steakhouse – Various locations

Price Range: $$ to $$$
Menu Type: A la carte

Open 24 hours a day

Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Saltgrass Steakhouse. Saltgrass is an easy choice for families that want familiar steakhouse dishes. Kids and adults can choose from chicken, steaks, seafood, and salads.

13. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – Kemah

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: A la carte

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 12 pm - 7 pm

Spend Christmas day taking in a seaside view when you dine at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on the Kemah Boardwalk. Bubba Gump has an extensive kid's menu and offers good value, including 99-cent sodas. The Boardwalk attractions are also open so you can enjoy the Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids. Note that the Galveston location does not open on Christmas Day.

14. Romano's Macaroni Grill – The Woodlands

Price Range: $$
Menu Type: Full Italian dinner menu

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 12 pm - 8 pm

Romano's Macaroni Grill in The Woodlands will be serving an authentic Italian feast on Christmas Day this year. The full dinner menu is available, and you can dine in or take it to go.

15. Bloom and Bee - The Post Oak Hotel – Uptown

Price Range: $$$$
Menu Type: Three-course Christmas menu

Open Christmas Day 2025 from 12 pm to 2.30 pm

Bloom and Bee at The Post Oak Hotel offers one of the most elegant Christmas dining experiences in Houston. The three-course 2025 Christmas menu includes elevated seasonal dishes. The beautiful decor and attentive service make it a special experience for kids and parents sharing a holiday meal. Reservations required.

What to Know Before Dining Out on Christmas Day in Houston

Make Reservations Early

Holiday reservations often fill up several weeks ahead, especially at popular Christmas brunch spots and upscale restaurants.

Expect Special Menus and Holiday Pricing

Many restaurants use smaller holiday menus or prix fixe options on Christmas Day. Call ahead if your child has allergies or specific preferences.

Check Parking Before You Go

Uptown, Downtown, and Kemah can be crowded. Confirm parking or valet availability.

Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal With Kids

• Pick a more casual restaurant if your kids are very active.
• Bring holiday coloring sheets, stickers, or small toys to keep kids busy.
• Make early reservations to avoid long waits and late night meltdowns.
• Bring a small backup snack for picky eaters.
• Take a short walk between courses if the restaurant space allows.

FAQ - Dining Out on Christmas Day With Kids in Houston

Q: What restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Houston in 2025?
Options include Cleburne Cafeteria, Bloom and Bee, King Ranch Texas Kitchen, Fogo de Chao, House of Pies, The Aquarium, and more.

Q: Do Christmas restaurants offer kids menus?
Yes. Many places offer kids menu items on Christmas Day, but more upscale places can have fixed menus. Check websites in advance.

Q: Do I need reservations for Christmas Day dining?
Most sit-down restaurants require or strongly recommend reservations.

Q: Are fast casual restaurants open on Christmas?
Yes. Restaurants such as Waffle House, Denny's, and House of Pies remain open.

Q: Which restaurants have the most festive atmosphere for children?
Rainforest Cafe, The Aquarium, and Bloom and Bee offer standout Christmas experiences for families.