Olive Garden Holiday Hours 2026: Full Schedule & Everything
Quick Answer: Olive Garden is open on most holidays with normal or adjusted hours, but closes fully on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day at most locations.
You’re planning a family dinner out, but it’s a holiday and you’re not sure if Olive Garden is open near you. Coordinating a group meal around store hours can be stressful fast.
That’s why we put together this complete Olive Garden holiday hours 2026 guide. Whether you’re wondering about Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s, you’ll find clear answers before you head out.
Is Olive Garden Open on Holidays?
Yes, Olive Garden is open on most holidays, though a few major dates bring full closures or adjusted dinner hours.
Most locations run normal hours for smaller holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day weekends. Remember that hours may vary by location, so a quick call ahead saves you disappointment.
Tip: Olive Garden dinner rushes get busy fast on holidays, so an early reservation is worth making.
Olive Garden Holiday Hours Table 2026
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect at most Olive Garden locations throughout the year.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Easter Sunday | Open | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Open | Normal hours |
| 4th of July | Open | Normal hours |
| Labor Day | Open | Normal hours |
| Thanksgiving | Closed | N/A |
| Christmas Eve | Open (limited) | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed | N/A |
| New Year’s Eve | Open | Normal hours |
Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, always treat this table as a general starting point rather than a guarantee.
Is Olive Garden Open on Easter?
Yes, Olive Garden is open on Easter Sunday, and most locations run their normal lunch and dinner hours.
Expect restaurants to run from around 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Easter. Since hours may vary by location, checking your nearest restaurant beforehand is always smart.
Tip: Easter dinner is one of Olive Garden’s busiest nights, so book a reservation well in advance.
Is Olive Garden Open on Thanksgiving?
No, most Olive Garden locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day so employees can spend the holiday with family.
This closure applies almost universally across the chain each year, with very few exceptions nationwide. Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, always confirm before making holiday plans.
Tip: Book a Thanksgiving-week reservation earlier or later in the week if the actual holiday won’t work.
Is Olive Garden Open on Christmas Day?
No, nearly all Olive Garden locations are closed on Christmas Day nationwide, similar to their Thanksgiving closures.
This is one of only two holidays where closures are almost universal across the chain. Since hours may vary by location, always double-check rather than assume your local spot is closed.
Tip: Call your regular restaurant around December 23rd to confirm their exact Christmas Day plans.
Olive Garden Christmas Eve Hours
Yes, Olive Garden is open on Christmas Eve, but most locations close several hours earlier than their typical schedule.
Restaurants generally wrap up service by early evening so staff can head home for the holiday. Because hours may vary by location, some locations close as early as 5:00 PM.
What Time Does Olive Garden Close on Christmas Eve?
Most Olive Garden locations close between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve, though exact timing shifts by store.
Locations in smaller towns tend to close earlier than those in busier metro areas. Always confirm since individual franchise locations set their own schedules for this specific day.
Olive Garden Christmas Week Hours
During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Olive Garden generally returns to normal business hours fairly quickly.
The main exception within that stretch is Christmas Day itself, which stays closed nearly everywhere. Outside of that, hours may vary by location, but full dinner service resumes right after.
Tip: Expect a busier dinner rush the days right after Christmas as families gather for group meals out.
Olive Garden New Year’s Hours
Yes, Olive Garden stays open for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, usually with only minor schedule shifts.
Some locations extend hours on New Year’s Eve to serve late dinner celebrations before midnight. Since hours may vary by location, always confirm your specific restaurant’s plan.
Is Olive Garden Open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, most Olive Garden locations open on New Year’s Day, though hours sometimes start later than usual.
Typical hours run from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM at many locations nationwide. Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, some open earlier with a full lunch menu.
Is Olive Garden Open on Labor Day and 4th of July?
Yes, Olive Garden operates on normal or near-normal hours for both Labor Day and the 4th of July.
These summer holidays rarely change restaurant schedules the way winter holidays typically do. Since hours may vary by location, it’s still worth a quick check before heading out with the family.
Tip: 4th of July dinners get crowded fast, so arrive before 5:30 PM or book ahead online.
What Holidays Is Olive Garden Closed?
Olive Garden closes company-wide on very few days each year. Here’s what to expect:
- Thanksgiving Day — closed at nearly all locations
- Christmas Day — closed at nearly all locations
- Easter Sunday — open with normal hours
- Christmas Eve — open, but closes early evening
Outside of these two major closures, Olive Garden holiday hours 2026 stay fairly consistent with normal daily operations.
Olive Garden Holiday Hours by Store Type
Not every Olive Garden location follows the same holiday schedule, since regional ownership plays a big role.
Larger metro locations tend to stay open longer on holidays than smaller-town restaurants with limited staffing. Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, some locations extend evening hours during peak holiday travel weeks.
Tip: If your regular location is closed on a holiday, check a nearby city location instead.
Olive Garden Holiday Hours in Major Cities
Olive Garden hours can shift depending on which city or region your local restaurant is located in.
Locations in busier metro areas, like Orlando or Chicago, often keep more consistent holiday hours than rural stores. Since hours may vary by location, always check your specific city rather than assuming a national standard.
Tip: Locations near shopping centers tend to stay busiest and open longest during holiday weekends.
Popular Holiday Menu Items at Olive Garden
Olive Garden regularly rolls out seasonal dishes and desserts around major winter holidays.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Marsala Winter Special | Seasonal wine-sauce chicken dish | $16 – $20 |
| Pumpkin Cheesecake | Seasonal holiday dessert slice | $6 – $8 |
| Herb-Crusted Salmon | Limited-time holiday seafood entrée | $18 – $22 |
| Peppermint Chocolate Cake | Seasonal holiday-flavored dessert | $6 – $8 |
Tip: Holiday menu items typically appear starting mid-November and run through early January.
Why Olive Garden Holiday Hours Vary
Olive Garden hours differ from location to location because restaurants adjust staffing based on local demand and regional management.
Each location decides staffing, hours, and holiday closures based on customer traffic and their team’s availability. That’s why hours may vary by location even between two Olive Garden restaurants in the same city.
How to Check Olive Garden Hours Near You
The most reliable way to confirm hours is checking directly with your specific location before visiting.
- Google Search — Type “Olive Garden hours near me” for a quick snapshot
- Google Maps — Search the location to see live and holiday hours
- Official Website — Visit Olive Garden’s restaurant locator for listed hours
- Direct Phone Call — Call the restaurant directly for same-day confirmation
Since individual franchise locations set their own schedules, calling ahead remains the most accurate option on major holidays.
Tips for Visiting Olive Garden on Holidays
A little planning goes a long way when visiting Olive Garden during busy holiday periods.
- Book a reservation online ahead of time for major holidays
- Arrive early, ideally before 5:30 PM, to beat dinner crowds
- Confirm hours the day before for any major holiday visit
- Have a backup location in mind in case your usual spot is closed
Tip: Weekday holiday visits, like Labor Day, tend to be less crowded than weekend holiday visits.
Popular Olive Garden Menu Items
Beyond holiday specials, these everyday favorites remain popular at Olive Garden locations year-round.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fettuccine Alfredo | Classic creamy pasta dish | $14 – $18 |
| Breadsticks | Warm signature unlimited breadsticks | Included with meal |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Breaded chicken with marinara and cheese | $16 – $20 |
| Zuppa Toscana | Sausage and potato soup | $6 – $9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Knowing Olive Garden holiday hours 2026 ahead of time saves you a wasted trip, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas closures. Always double-check with your local restaurant, book a reservation early, and plan your visit ahead to skip the holiday rush entirely.
