Applebees Holiday Hours 2026: Full Schedule & Everything
Quick Answer: Applebee’s stays open on most 2026 holidays with reduced hours, but closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day at most locations. Hours may vary by location.
You’re standing in your kitchen on a holiday morning, wondering if Applebee’s is even open today. You don’t want to drive over and find locked doors, so let’s clear up Applebees Holiday Hours 2026 right now.
This guide breaks down exactly when Applebee’s opens, closes, or stays shut for every major 2026 holiday. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so treat these as reliable estimates.
Happy Hour Appetizer Specials
Applebee’s runs Happy Hour most weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM, featuring discounted appetizers and drinks. On holidays, though, this schedule often shifts or disappears entirely depending on the location.
Some restaurants suspend Happy Hour on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Call ahead if a discounted appetizer run is part of your holiday plan this year.
Is Applebees Open on Holidays?
Yes, Applebee’s is open on most holidays in 2026, though hours often run shorter than a typical day. The two major exceptions are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Applebee’s operates as a franchise chain, meaning individual franchise locations set their own schedules. A location in a busy suburb might stay open later than one in a quiet small town.
Applebees Holiday Hours Table 2026
Here’s a quick reference table for planning your visits around Applebees Holiday Hours 2026. Hours may vary by location, so use this as a general guide.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Valentine’s Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Easter Sunday | Open (some closed) | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| 4th of July | Open | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Labor Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Thanksgiving Day | Open (some closed) | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Christmas Eve | Open | 11:00 AM – 6:00-8:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Mostly Closed | Closed, some 12 PM – 8 PM |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Is Applebees Open on Easter?
Yes, most Applebee’s locations open on Easter Sunday, though hours often run shorter than usual. Many restaurants close a few hours earlier than their normal Sunday schedule.
Easter tends to be less disruptive than Thanksgiving or Christmas for most chains. Still, individual franchise locations set their own schedules for this holiday.
Tip: Book a table in advance since Easter brunch crowds can build up fast after church services let out.
Is Applebees Open on Thanksgiving?
Many Applebee’s locations stay open on Thanksgiving Day, though a noticeable percentage close entirely. Hours typically run shorter, often from 11 AM to 8 PM.
Staffing shortages on this holiday push many franchise owners to trim hours or close for the day. Hours may vary by location, so a call beforehand saves you a wasted trip.
Tip: Place a To-Go order online before 3 PM to dodge the dinner rush between 5 and 7 PM.
Is Applebees Open on Christmas Day?
No, most Applebee’s locations are closed on Christmas Day 2026. A small number of locations may open with limited hours, roughly noon to 8 PM.
Christmas Day sees the most closures of any holiday on this list. Many franchise owners give their entire staff the day off entirely.
Don’t assume your nearest Applebee’s opens just because it did last year. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules, and that changes annually.
Applebees Christmas Eve Hours
Applebee’s typically stays open on Christmas Eve, closing earlier than a normal day. Most locations wrap up service somewhere between 6 PM and 8 PM.
Malls and airport locations sometimes follow different, longer schedules than standalone restaurants. Hours may vary by location, especially in tourist-heavy areas near shopping centers.
What Time Does Applebees Close on Christmas Eve?
Most Applebee’s locations close between 6 PM and 8 PM on Christmas Eve. A handful of urban locations may stay open until 10 PM instead.
Staff generally want to get home early on this particular night. Calling ahead confirms your exact local closing time before you drive over.
Applebees Christmas Week Hours
Applebee’s runs mostly normal hours throughout Christmas week, aside from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself. Boxing Day typically returns to a standard schedule.
The days surrounding the 25th usually see standard 11 AM to midnight service. Hours may vary by location depending on local staffing and holiday travel patterns.
Applebees New Year’s Hours
Applebee’s stays open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2026. New Year’s Eve often sees extended hours, sometimes until 1 or 2 AM.
Bar areas tend to get busy with late-night celebration crowds on December 31st. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules for how late they’ll stay open.
Is Applebees Open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, Applebee’s operates on regular hours on New Year’s Day, typically 11 AM to midnight. Some locations open slightly later to accommodate exhausted staff.
Expect a quieter dining room compared to New Year’s Eve the night before. Hours may vary by location, particularly for brunch-style openings.
Is Applebees Open on Labor Day and 4th of July?
Yes, Applebee’s stays open on both Labor Day and the 4th of July, running standard hours. These are two of the least disruptive holidays on the calendar.
Most locations serve from 11 AM to midnight with no reduced schedule. Hours may vary by location during weekend-adjacent summer holidays with heavier foot traffic.
What Holidays Is Applebees Closed?
Applebee’s closes primarily on Christmas Day, with occasional full closures on Thanksgiving. Nearly every other major holiday sees at least partial operation.
- Christmas Day — closed at most locations
- Thanksgiving Day — closed at some locations, reduced hours elsewhere
- All other major holidays — open, often with standard or slightly reduced hours
Individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so a few outliers exist beyond this general pattern.
Applebees Holiday Hours by Store Type
Corporate-owned Applebee’s locations tend to follow more consistent holiday schedules than independently franchised ones. Franchise owners have far more flexibility to adjust.
A franchise near a highway exit might stay open late for travelers. A standalone suburban location might close entirely if the owner wants the day off.
Applebees Holiday Hours in Major Cities
Applebee’s locations in major cities often extend holiday hours compared to small-town or rural locations. Urban foot traffic near shopping centers supports longer service windows.
- New York City — later closing times, especially New Year’s Eve
- Los Angeles — extended hours near entertainment districts
- Chicago — standard hours with some downtown exceptions
Hours may vary by location even within the same city, so always verify before driving across town.
Popular Holiday Menu Items at Applebees
Holiday visits often mean seasonal specials alongside Applebee’s regular lineup. Here’s what regulars tend to order during the festive season.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 for $25 Deal | Appetizer plus two entrees | $25 |
| Riblets Platter | Fall-off-the-bone ribs | $14–$18 |
| Holiday Cocktail Menu | Seasonal spiked drinks | $6–$9 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | Classic Applebee’s favorite | $13–$16 |
Tip: The 2 for $25 deal is often available during holidays and remains one of the best values if you’re dining with a partner.
Why Applebees Holiday Hours Vary
Applebee’s holiday hours vary because the chain operates on a franchise model. Corporate sets general guidelines, but individual franchise locations set their own schedules.
A tourist-area owner may stay open until midnight on New Year’s Eve. A suburban owner nearby might close by 8 PM the same night.
How to Check Applebees Holiday Hours Near You
The fastest way to confirm hours is a quick Google search for your specific location. Automated listings update frequently but can occasionally lag behind real schedule changes.
- Google Search — type “Applebee’s hours near me” for an instant snapshot
- Google Maps — check the listing directly for holiday-specific notices
- Official Website — use the location finder for store-specific hours
- Direct phone call — the most reliable method for confirming holiday exceptions
Calling your nearest Applebee’s remains the most reliable method for holidays like Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving. Staff can confirm the exact hours for that specific day.
Tips for Visiting Applebees on Holidays
A little planning goes a long way on busy holiday dining days. These small habits save you time and frustration.
- Call ahead to confirm your specific location’s holiday schedule
- Order To-Go online to skip long dine-in wait times
- Avoid peak windows like 12–2 PM and 6–8 PM on major holidays
- Book a table in advance for Easter or New Year’s Eve if possible
How to Check Applebees Hours Near You
Confirming hours takes less than two minutes using any of the methods above. Doing this before you leave home prevents a wasted trip on a holiday.
Franchise-specific quirks mean the listed hours online aren’t always guaranteed. A quick phone call settles any doubt within seconds.
Popular Applebees Menu Items
Beyond holiday specials, regulars keep coming back for a handful of staples year-round. These dishes remain steady sellers across most locations.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Bacon Cheeseburger | Signature burger with fries | $11–$14 |
| Boneless Wings | Choice of sauce, served with sides | $10–$13 |
| Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | Creamy pasta favorite | $12–$15 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Knowing Applebees Holiday Hours 2026 ahead of time saves you a wasted trip and a hungry family. Most holidays keep the doors open with shorter hours, except Christmas Day. Always confirm your local schedule with a quick call before heading out this year.
