One rival goes dark for a full day, and diners start doing the math. Red Lobster just made its position clear after a splashy “24 hour blackout” announcement. The internet speculates about mass shutdowns, yet the seafood chain says it is not copying the move. Customers can still expect doors open, with some tweaks. The safest plan stays simple: check your local listing, then call ahead. That small step can save a ruined meal plan.
Why Red Lobster stays open on December 25
Olive Garden says it will shut every location for a full 24 hours. Red Lobster says it will not follow that playbook. The seafood brand expects to serve guests on December 25, Christmas Day. Most of its 500-plus U.S. restaurants should operate across the country, even if hours shift.
Holiday schedules often run shorter than normal. Many sites aim for about 11 a.m. to 8 or 9 p.m. local time. Hours can change by city and staffing levels. Each market differs, so the company urges diners to use its locator tool. A quick phone call confirms the final window.
The message matters because online chatter can snowball fast. Some readers assumed a chainwide shutdown was next. This update flips that expectation. People planning a late lunch or early dinner still have a reliable option. A quick check before leaving also avoids wasted travel and long waits.
Holiday hours vary by ownership and location
A key detail sits behind the holiday plan. The brand uses a hybrid setup, mixing company-run dining rooms with franchised ones. That structure gives local operators flexibility. Corporate sites may follow the standard playbook. Some franchisees could still close, or trim hours, based on demand and staffing.
Across the United States, the chain has a long habit of keeping doors open on Christmas Day, year after year. That pattern, according to a 2024 press release, extends to Canada as well. Because of that consistency, Red Lobster often becomes a fallback for families who eat out.
The holiday approach also leans on seasonal food. The company tends to roll out limited-time menu items around the period, sometimes for just weeks. Diners might see specials alongside familiar seafood plates. Each restaurant sets its own schedule, so checking the locator and calling remains the smartest move.
What Red Lobster said about early closings
The US Sun said it asked the company for more details. Red Lobster pointed to local conditions on the day before big holidays, especially in slower markets. When business runs light, managers may close early. That approach keeps staffing practical while still serving guests who plan ahead.
The chain said it leaves that call to each management team. Customers should contact the restaurant directly to confirm closing times before making plans at the nearest location. The note applies to the day before Thanksgiving and to Christmas Eve. Those windows can shift fast in a busy dining season.
Olive Garden framed its full-day shutdown differently. The chain says the 24-hour closure is not a cost move. It describes the blackout as values-led, so staff can be with loved ones and recharge. The message echoes a wider holiday trend across food and retail. That framing also resets customer expectations.
Five restaurant chains planning permanent closures in 2025
Closures also shape the wider backdrop for 2025 at several major chains:
- Denny’s – Up to 150 U.S. locations set to close by year-end; many are unprofitable.
- Red Lobster – Over 100 stores set to close this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
More brands list closures, or shift formats.
- TGI Friday’s – Closures continue after a bankruptcy filing, including 30 locations in April alone.
- Applebee’s – The chain projects 20 to 35 closures in 2025. It is pairing with IHOP on dual-branded sites and a curated menu.
- Noodles & Company – The chain expects 17 to 21 closures in 2025 after a difficult 2024.
These moves show brands trimming costs and testing new formats. Holiday plans can look steady, yet the footprint still shifts. Checking updates often beats relying on last year’s routine.
Retailers join the shutdown wave
The ripple reaches beyond restaurants. Many big retailers will shut doors on December 25 for the same family-first reason. Target and Walmart will be unavailable to shoppers that day. The trend leaves fewer quick options for travelers. For last-minute diners, Red Lobster staying open can feel like a rare exception.
Other closures span home, grocery, and department stores in many cities. Lists include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Costco, Aldi, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and even Whole Foods. With so many signs on locked doors, shoppers should plan pickups early. A store locator still helps, yet calling can confirm final hours.
IKEA also confirmed it will close all 52 U.S. stores on December 25. Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls have said the same. Some chains are using pricing tactics to keep holiday items affordable. Decorations can also slow Wi-Fi, so moving routers away from lights may help.
How the 24-hour blackout shifts holiday plans overall
A one-day blackout sounds simple, yet it ripples through meal plans and shopping runs. Olive Garden’s pause highlights a values-first message that many brands now repeat. The safer approach stays practical: confirm hours, then adjust your route. When most stores go dark, a few dining rooms still switch the lights on. Red Lobster says most locations will do just that, though local choices can differ. Planning beats frustration, especially on tight schedules.