Panda Express Holiday Hours 2026: Full Schedule & Everything
Quick Answer: Panda Express is open on most holidays with normal or slightly shortened hours, but closes fully on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day at most locations.
You’re craving Orange Chicken, but it’s a holiday and you’re not sure your local Panda Express is open. Planning a quick meal around store hours can be frustrating fast.
That’s why we put together this complete Panda Express holiday hours 2026 guide. Whether you’re wondering about Christmas, New Year’s, or Labor Day, you’ll find clear answers before you head out the door.
Is Panda Express Open on Holidays?
Yes, Panda Express is open on most holidays, though many locations run shortened hours depending on the specific date.
Most Panda Express restaurants stay open with normal hours for smaller holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day. Remember that hours may vary by location, so a quick check saves you a wasted trip.
Tip: Mall-based locations often follow mall hours, which can differ significantly from standalone restaurants.
Panda Express Holiday Hours Table 2026
Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect at most Panda Express locations throughout the year.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Easter Sunday | Open (limited) | 10:00 AM – 8:00 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) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 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 Panda Express Open on Easter?
Yes, Panda Express is typically open on Easter Sunday, though many locations run reduced hours compared to a regular weekend.
Expect restaurants to run from around 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Easter. Since hours may vary by location, checking your nearest restaurant beforehand is always smart.
Tip: Easter dinner rushes hit hard between 5 and 7 PM, so an earlier visit means shorter lines.
Is Panda Express Open on Thanksgiving?
No, most Panda Express locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day so employees can spend the holiday with their families.
A very small number of standalone or travel-hub locations may stay open with limited hours. Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, some exceptions do exist near highways.
Tip: Order family-style meals the day before if you’re hoping for Panda Express as part of your Thanksgiving spread.
Is Panda Express Open on Christmas Day?
No, the vast majority of Panda Express locations are closed on Christmas Day across the country.
This is one of only two holidays, alongside Thanksgiving, where closures are nearly universal. Since hours may vary by location, a small number of travel-plaza spots might open briefly.
Tip: Call your specific location on December 23rd to confirm their Christmas Day plan before making any assumptions.
Panda Express Christmas Eve Hours
Yes, Panda Express is open on Christmas Eve, but nearly every location closes several hours earlier than usual.
Most restaurants wrap up service by mid-afternoon so staff can get home to their families. Because hours may vary by location, some locations close as early as 2:00 PM.
What Time Does Panda Express Close on Christmas Eve?
Most Panda Express locations close between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Christmas Eve, though timing shifts by store.
Mall-based locations tend to close earlier than standalone or highway restaurants on this specific day. Always confirm times directly since individual franchise locations set their own schedules for this day.
Panda Express Christmas Week Hours
During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Panda Express generally runs on normal business hours across most locations.
The only real exception within that stretch is Christmas Day itself, which stays closed. Outside of that, hours may vary by location, but service returns to normal fairly quickly.
Tip: Expect slightly longer wait times the days right after Christmas due to holiday travel traffic.
Panda Express New Year’s Hours
Yes, Panda Express stays open for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, usually with only minor hour adjustments.
Some locations open slightly later on January 1st to accommodate staffing after New Year’s Eve shifts. Since hours may vary by location, opening times can range from 10 AM to 11 AM.
Is Panda Express Open on New Year’s Day?
Yes, most Panda Express locations open on New Year’s Day, though often an hour later than their usual weekday schedule.
Typical hours run from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM at many restaurants nationwide. Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, some open right on their normal time.
Is Panda Express Open on Labor Day and 4th of July?
Yes, Panda Express operates on normal or near-normal hours for both Labor Day and the 4th of July.
These summer holidays rarely affect restaurant schedules the way winter holidays typically do. Since hours may vary by location, it’s still worth a quick check if you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar.
Tip: 4th of July dinner rushes get busy early, so arrive before 5:30 PM to avoid the longest lines.
What Holidays Is Panda Express Closed?
Panda Express 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, but with shortened hours
- Christmas Eve — open, but closes mid-afternoon
Outside of these two major closures, Panda Express holiday hours 2026 stay fairly consistent with normal operations.
Panda Express Holiday Hours by Store Type
Not every Panda Express location follows the same holiday schedule, since store type plays a big role.
Standalone drive-thru restaurants tend to stay open longest, while locations inside malls or food courts follow the host site’s hours. Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, some highway locations stay open even on Christmas Eve.
Tip: If your regular Panda Express is closed on a holiday, check a nearby standalone location instead.
Panda Express Holiday Hours in Major Cities
Panda Express hours can shift noticeably depending on which city or region you’re in.
Cities across California, Texas, and the West Coast, where the brand has deep roots, tend to have more locations with extended holiday hours. Since hours may vary by location, always check your specific city rather than assuming a national standard.
Tip: Locations near shopping centers generally offer the most holiday flexibility and longer operating windows.
Popular Holiday Menu Items at Panda Express
Panda Express often rolls out limited-time holiday menu items and combos around major winter holidays.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Beef Holiday Bowl | Seasonal crispy beef bowl special | $8 – $11 |
| Firecracker Chicken Breast | Limited-time spicy holiday entrée | $8 – $11 |
| Chicken Egg Roll Combo | Family-style holiday combo meal | $20 – $30 |
| Apple Pie Roll | Seasonal fried dessert roll | $2 – $3 |
Tip: Holiday family feast bundles typically launch in November and run through late December.
Why Panda Express Holiday Hours Vary
Panda Express hours differ from store to store because most locations are independently owned franchises, not corporate-run.
Each franchise owner decides staffing, hours, and holiday closures based on local demand and their team’s availability. That’s why hours may vary by location even between two Panda Express restaurants just a few miles apart.
How to Check Panda Express Hours Near You
The most reliable way to confirm hours is checking directly with your specific location before visiting.
- Google Search — Type “Panda Express hours near me” for a quick snapshot
- Google Maps — Search the location to see live and holiday hours
- Official Website — Visit Panda Express‘ restaurant locator for listed hours
- Direct Phone Call — Call the location 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 Panda Express on Holidays
A little planning goes a long way when visiting Panda Express during busy holiday periods.
- Arrive early, ideally before 11:30 AM, to beat holiday crowds
- Use the Panda Express app to mobile order and skip the line
- Confirm hours the day before for any major holiday visit
- Have a backup location in mind in case your usual spot is closed
Tip: Mobile ordering through the Panda Express app is especially helpful on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day when lines run longest.
Popular Panda Express Menu Items
Beyond holiday specials, these everyday favorites remain popular at Panda Express locations year-round.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | Signature crispy chicken in tangy sauce | $5 – $8 |
| Chow Mein | Stir-fried noodles with vegetables | $3 – $5 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts | $5 – $8 |
| Cream Cheese Rangoons | Fried wontons with cream cheese filling | $2 – $4 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Knowing Panda Express holiday hours 2026 ahead of time saves you a wasted trip, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas closures. Always double-check with your local restaurant, use the app for mobile ordering, and plan your visit early to skip the holiday rush entirely.
