Cracker Barrel Christmas Hours
Surprising fact: every company location in the U.S. closes on christmas day so staff can spend the holiday with family, a nationwide pause that affects millions of diners planning a meal out.
You want a quick answer so you can plan. Most stores run regular hours—7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., with late nights on Fridays and Saturdays—yet the holiday timeline changes that routine.
On christmas eve expect an early close. Most dining rooms shut by 2:00 p.m. so employees can get home. If you’re traveling, check local posted times or call the locations finder to confirm same‑day timing.
If you prefer eating at home, pre‑order a Heat n’ Serve meal for your family. This guide gives the essentials: when dining rooms are open christmas eve, why christmas day is closed, and how to plan takeout ahead.
Plan Your Holiday Visit: What to Expect at Cracker Barrel This Christmas
Holiday visits take a little more planning—here’s what to expect at your nearby location. Regular store times run most days from morning into the evening, but the schedule shifts around the holidays.
On Christmas Eve, expect an early close; most dining rooms finish service by 2:00 p.m. Breakfast and early lunch run as usual that morning, but kitchens wind down well before the doors close. Christmas Day is closed so staff can spend the day with family.
If you prefer a take-home option, pre-order Heat n’ Serve meals 1–2 weeks ahead. These kits serve four to ten people and make family dinner simple. Use online ordering or call your local restaurant to reserve pickup and avoid long waits.
- Check local posted times or use the locations finder to confirm your store’s schedule.
- Call ahead when traveling—posted hours can vary by location and region.
- Plan pickup in the morning on peak days; pickup windows fill fast.
For quick confirmation, view the official holiday page or check local hours and locations before you go. A short call takes the guesswork out of your family’s holiday plans.
Cracker Barrel Christmas Hours
If you’re heading out on December 24, expect a trimmed day with breakfast and early lunch as the focus.
Most locations are open christmas eve for the morning crowd and close by 2 p.m. Service usually stops earlier than the posted close, since kitchens cut off orders 15–30 minutes before p.m. This means last seating and takeout windows end ahead of that final time.
Christmas Eve: typically open half day
Plan for a half day on christmas eve. Dining rooms cover breakfast and early lunch only. Evenings are not available, so arrive early if you need a seat or pickup.
Christmas Day: closed nationwide
Every location is closed christmas day so employees can be with family. There’s no dine-in or retail on the 25th. For a holiday alternative, preorder a Heat n’ Serve meal earlier in the week to avoid last-minute rushes.
- Quick snapshot: short on the 24th, closed on the 25th, back to regular hours afterward.
- Hours can vary by city — check posted times and call ahead before you leave.
Regular Operating Hours the Rest of the Year
Most of the year, store doors open early and follow a predictable daily schedule. That makes it easy to plan a quick stop on a road trip or a weekday morning meal.
Standard schedule:
Weekly times you can expect
Monday–Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. These days cover breakfast through late supper.
Friday–Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Weekend nights stay open later for evening plans.
Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The same early morning start returns to a 10 p.m. close.
- Most days the doors open at 7:00 a.m., so a morning breakfast is easy to grab.
- Breakfast favorites are served all day at many locations.
- Hours may vary slightly by city; check your local restaurant page before you go.
If you need a quick confirmation for special dates, visit the official holiday page or use the locations finder. The standard schedule resumes after the holiday period with only a few exceptions posted by each store.
Holiday Hours Overview for the Season
The holiday season brings a few predictable changes to regular restaurant times. Use this quick guide so you can plan meals and pickups with confidence.
Thanksgiving Day
Many locations open around 11 a.m. to serve a traditional Thanksgiving plate. Expect an early close that same day.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
Both typically follow regular hours. You can plan breakfast and evening meals as usual on these dates.
Easter and Other Federal Holidays
Easter usually sees the regular menu plus seasonal dishes. Other federal holidays tend to run standard hours but check local times.
“Verify posted times before you go — holiday menus and service windows can vary by location.”
| Holiday | Typical Open Time | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | ~11:00 a.m. | Special holiday meal; early close |
| New Year’s Eve / Day | Regular hours | Full menu; normal service windows |
| Easter / Federal | Regular hours (varies) | Seasonal dishes; check local times |
Remember that christmas eve has a half-day schedule and is treated differently from most other holidays. When hosting, consider seasonal meals or a special plate to simplify your plans.
Christmas Eve at Cracker Barrel: Timing, Last Seating, and Kitchen Cutoff
Christmas Eve brings a shorter rhythm: morning meals and a midday close. Most locations are open christmas eve in the morning for breakfast and early lunch. Expect the restaurant to close by 2:00 p.m.
Typical last orders 15-30 minutes before posted close
Kitchens commonly stop taking new orders 15–30 minutes before the posted closing time. That means last seating often ends earlier than the 2:00 p.m. mark.
If you arrive late in the morning, hosts may quote an earlier last call when the lobby fills. Servers aim to finish meals comfortably before doors close.
Open morning for breakfast and holiday meals before early close
Service begins in the morning, so breakfast favorites are a safe choice on the 24th. Arrive with time to spare for seating and parking.
- Expect a brisk pace; kitchens close new tickets 15–30 minutes before 2:00 p.m.
- Plan takeout pickups earlier than posted close to avoid delays.
- If you prefer a late dinner, consider ordering Heat n’ Serve instead.
| What | Typical time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dining open | Morning–2:00 p.m. | Breakfast served; early lunches available |
| Kitchen cutoff | 15–30 minutes before 2:00 p.m. | Last orders end before posted close |
| Pickup suggestion | Midday | Schedule pickup ahead to avoid rush |
Closed on Christmas Day: Dining Room and Store Policy
On December 25 every store shuts its doors so teams can be home with loved ones. There is no dine-in service, no retail, and no curbside on christmas day.
If you want a cracker barrel meal at home, plan ahead and preorder Heat n’ Serve pickup earlier in the week. Guests who pre-order can reheat and serve on their own schedule at home.
Closing on Christmas supports employees and their family traditions. Regular hours resume after the holiday unless a location posts a different schedule.
“Every location is closed on December 25 so teams can be home with loved ones.”
- Every location is closed on December 25 so teams can be home with loved ones.
- No dining room service or retail shopping operates that day.
- Preorder a Heat n’ Serve pickup earlier in the week to avoid last‑minute runs.
| What | On December 25 | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Dining room | Closed christmas day | Bring prepared meal from home or preorder |
| Retail/shops | Closed christmas | Buy pantry staples before the 24th |
| Support | Online/phone (limited) | Confirm hours for Dec 24 and 26 |
Thanks to early planning, your holiday table will still feel complete. Confirm your local times and enjoy the day with family.
Heat n’ Serve Holiday Meals: Pre‑Order, Pickup, and Reheating
Pre-ordering a Heat n’ Serve meal takes the stress out of holiday cooking and keeps dinner simple. These fully prepared meals arrive ready to heat and serve at home. They feed 4–10 people and focus on homestyle comfort.
The holiday menu centers on turkey breast or ham with made‑from‑scratch sides and seasonal pies. Clear reheating instructions come with each order so every dish reaches the table warm.
- Choose turkey or ham with classic sides like cornbread dressing, mac & cheese, and green beans.
- Pre‑order 1–2 weeks before the holiday to lock in pickup time and menu options.
- Meals arrive fully prepared—minimal cooking: heat, plate, and serve.
- Morning pickup helps you beat crowds and get items chilled and ready to reheat.
- This option is ideal when you’re juggling travel, guests, or a tight schedule.
Ordering early ensures popular dishes and pies won’t sell out. With a Heat n’ Serve meal, you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family around the table.
Holiday Menu Highlights for Your Table at Home
Plan your at-home spread by choosing a few standout mains and easy sides that reheat well. Pick items that feel familiar and keep prep simple.
Seasonal favorites and made-from-scratch sides
Roasted turkey breast and country ham headline the menu. Savory cornbread dressing pairs with both mains.
Sweet potato casserole, mac & cheese, and green beans add warm, homestyle comfort. Cranberry relish and warm buttermilk biscuits bring bright and cozy notes.
If you stop in earlier on the 24th, breakfast items like pancakes remain available during open hours. Portions are sized for sharing, so building plates for kids and grandparents is easy.
| Item | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted turkey breast | Lean main with pan juices | Traditional holiday meal |
| Country ham | Salty, glazed option | Great for variety |
| Sides & desserts | Cornbread dressing, mac & cheese, pies | Family-style sharing |
The food focus stays straightforward: hearty, homestyle dishes with reliable flavors. Use this holiday menu to mix savory mains and bright sides for a low-stress table.
For a quick option, order Heat n’ Serve meals to reheat at home and save time. That way you spend more moments with family and less time over the stove.
How to Check Your Local Cracker Barrel’s Christmas Eve Hours
Not every spot follows the same schedule; a fast look-up clears up any guesswork before you go. Start with the locations finder to pull up your nearest store and see posted christmas eve hours.
Use the locations finder and call ahead to confirm times
Open the locations page and enter your city or zip to view the exact location and posted hours. If the page lacks an update, call the store phone number or customer support at +1-800-333-9566 to confirm the time windows for dining and takeout.
Tourist and rural areas may vary from standard schedules
Tourist corridors and small towns sometimes adjust hours. The regular 7 AM–10 PM schedule (11 PM weekend) is a baseline, but holiday hours often override it. Ask about kitchen last‑call; many restaurants stop orders 15–30 minutes before close.
- Confirm pickup slots early—morning windows fill fast.
- For larger groups, ask about peak times to avoid waits.
- Use the app where available to join a waitlist or place an order before you leave home.
Open Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day: Quick Reference
A simple snapshot helps you plan: morning service on the 24th and a full closure on the 25th.
Most locations are open christmas eve for breakfast and early lunch. Plan to arrive well before the early afternoon close so you can enjoy a relaxed meal.
Expect a kitchen cutoff 15–30 minutes before posted closing on the 24th. That means last orders and pickup windows end sooner than the posted time.
Every location is closed on christmas day. There is no dine‑in, retail, or curbside service that day. Regular hours resume the following day unless your local page lists a change.
“Aim for earlier hours to enjoy a relaxed meal without rushing the table.”
- Open christmas eve for breakfast and early lunch; arrive early.
- Kitchen cutoff is 15–30 minutes before posted close on the 24th.
- Closed on christmas day nationwide; no service that day.
- Check your location page the week of for any local adjustments.
- Schedule pickup before midday on the 24th if you need dinner later.
- Barrel open timing on the 24th supports morning and mid‑day service.
- Keep Heat n’ Serve in mind to enjoy the same flavors at home on the 25th.
| Day | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| December 24 | Open christmas eve (morning–midday) | Arrive early; expect kitchen cutoff before posted close |
| December 25 | Closed christmas day | Preorder Heat n’ Serve or plan a home meal |
| December 26 | Regular schedule resumes | Check local page for any exceptions |
Tips to Save Time on Busy Holiday Days
Smart timing and a few tech tricks will help you beat long waits on crowded dates. Use the tools below to spend less time in line and more time with family.
Join the waitlist via phone or app where available
Before you drive, add your name to the waitlist. That shortens lobby time on peak holidays and on the 24th.
Save nearby locations in your map app so you can detour if traffic builds. Text alerts let you return just in time to be seated.
Avoid last‑minute arrivals to ensure seating and service
Pick a morning window for pickup or dine‑in to skip the lunchtime rush before the early close. Kitchens often stop new orders 15–30 minutes before closing, so plan arrival 45–60 minutes ahead of posted hours.
Check local pages and call your store if weather or delays might change plans. If you need flexibility, takeout options give you more control over time and pace.
- Keep the group ready when the text arrives to speed seating.
- For large parties, split orders into simple items to move service faster.
- A little planning preserves that relaxed, homestyle pace at the table.
Planning for Families: Breakfast, Brunch, and Early Holiday Meals
Start the day with a warm table and a simple plan to keep holiday mornings calm. Breakfast favorites run all day during open hours, so you can pick a slow morning or a quick stop before travel.
All‑day breakfast favorites available during holiday hours
The menu keeps pancakes, eggs, and hand‑rolled biscuits available for early meals. Families can split plates and sides so everyone finds something they like at the table.
If you’re feeding a crowd, consider a Heat n’ Serve take‑home meal. Order 1–2 weeks ahead; each serves 4–10 people and saves time on prep and cleanup.
- All‑day breakfast means simple choices for busy mornings.
- Pick a pickup window that works around naps, travel, or church.
- Kids’ favorites pair well with seasonal mains to keep the meal familiar.
- Confirm posted times so grandparents and guests arrive on the same day.
- Keep reheating instructions handy to time dishes in the oven and stovetop.
“A short plan makes the holiday feel cozy and unrushed for everyone.”
How Cracker Barrel Compares to Other Restaurants on Christmas
Many restaurants stay open on the 25th, but this chain takes a different approach. You often find Applebee’s, Denny’s, IHOP, Buffalo Wild Wings, and some steakhouses serving guests on holiday days.
Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: what to expect
This brand is open on Christmas Eve for morning and early lunch service, typically closing around 2:00 p.m. It is closed on Christmas Day and promotes Heat n’ Serve meals for at‑home comfort.
Other restaurants may offer limited menus, shorter service windows, or full seating on the 25th. That can be handy if you want to dine out. Still, this chain leans into country comfort food and simple take‑home options so teams can be with family.
| Chain Type | Typical status on 25th | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Casual chains (Denny’s, IHOP) | Often open | Limited or full service |
| Steakhouses / grills | Varies by location | Call ahead for seating |
| Cracker Barrel | Closed on 25th | Open on 24th morning; Heat n’ Serve pickup |
Official Links and Contact to Confirm Holiday Hours
Use official channels to lock in exact holiday times before you leave the house. That helps you avoid surprises and keeps family plans on track.
Website and locations
Check the main site to view posted times and menu notes. Visit the locations page to find your nearest location and see local schedule updates.
- Official website: https://www.crackerbarrel.com/
- Locations finder: https://www.crackerbarrel.com/locations
- Save a few nearby locations so you can compare store availability while traveling.
Support, app, and customer service
The support page has contact forms and details if you need help. The mobile app also shows current times, menus, and pickup windows.
- Customer service phone: +1-800-333-9566 — call to confirm a specific location’s schedule.
- Support page: https://www.crackerbarrel.com/connect
- Confirm Heat n’ Serve pickup slots early — they can sell out before the holiday.
“Use official links and a quick call to confirm your local posted times and kitchen cutoff windows.”
| What | Where to check | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Nearest location | /locations page | Save a few options for travel |
| Confirm store hours | Main website or app | Call if page seems outdated |
| Customer help | +1-800-333-9566 / connect page | Ask about kitchen cutoff and pickup slots |
Be Ready for the Holidays: Check Local Hours and Reserve Your Heat n’ Serve Today
Confirming store times and reserving a Heat n’ Serve early keeps the day relaxed. Check if your nearby location is listed as cracker barrel open and note the posted hours for open christmas eve.
If you need evening service, plan a Heat n’ Serve meal you can reheat at home. Reserve 1–2 weeks ahead—popular sides and pies sell out late in the year.
Pick a morning pickup to beat crowds and set a reminder for the kitchen cutoff, usually 15–30 minutes before posted closing. Map two nearby stores if you’re traveling, and remember regular hours return quickly after the holiday.
