These restaurants are open on Christmas Day in the Fresno area
Don’t want to cook on Christmas Day?
We already told you where to find a takeout Christmas meal in Fresno, but if you want someone else to do all the work, there are some restaurants open that day.
Most locally owned places will be closed, however, as workers – especially ones who have been working shorthanded during the labor shortage – are home with their families.
As for those restaurants that are open, be sure to check their hours before heading out. Many have special hours and sometimes special menus for the day.
Here’s a look at which restaurants are open on Christmas Day. This is not an exhaustive list, so if you’re wondering if your favorite place is open, check their social media or give them a call.
Chain restaurants
Black Bear Diner in Fresno is open Christmas Day from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving a selection of favorite menu items. It’s at Shaw and Marty avenues.
Marie Callender’s has a tradition of staying open on Christmas Day. The recently reopened location at Cedar and Shaw avenues will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It has a limited menu of six favorite dishes, most costing $24.99. They include turkey or ham plates, beef stroganoff, and Cajun salmon.
TGI Friday’s is open on Christmas too. The only Fresno location is on Herndon Avenue near First Street.
High-end restaurants
As of our deadline, these restaurants still had reservations available, but they’re filling up fast.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is open Christmas Day. Several times during the dinner hour were still available. Make reservations online or call 559-490-0358 for help.
Erna’s Elderberry House in Oakhurst has some reservations left for Christmas Day.
As the Valley’s only restaurant to win the Forbes Travel Guide’s four-star award, this is not a pop-in-for-dinner type of place. You definitely want to have a reservation and dress appropriately.
The five-course Christmas dinner features beef Wellington and costs $145 per person.
Reserve online or call 559-683-6860.
Breakfast spots
If you’re traveling to see family on Christmas Day and trying to find something that’s open, breakfast restaurants are good option.
Denny’s restaurants are open on Christmas Day, most them open 24 hours.
IHOP restaurants are also open, many open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day.
Chinese restaurants
Imperial Garden Restaurant, a favorite Chinese place of many Fresnans, will be open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Christmas Day.
Many other Asian restaurants are likely be open too. Call your favorite to see if they are.
Tamales, etc.
CDT Cocina, formerly Casa de Tamales, will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Day. It’s now next to the Tower Theater at 805 East Olive Ave.
See its full menu, including vegan options, online. Big orders of tamales can be pre-ordered. Details: 559-541-4656.
