McDonald’s Holiday Hours 2026
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s — what’s open and what’s not, updated October 2026
Last checked: Oct 14, 2026~13,500 US locationsIndependent guide
See holiday hours
Related: Thanksgiving Dinner To Go (2026) · Christmas Dinner To Go (2026)
Quick answer
🎄 Most McDonald’s locations are open on holidays — Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Day — though hours vary and some restaurants close early. Christmas Day is the one real question mark: it varies by franchise; many locations open, some close.
📋 There is no national holiday schedule — individual franchisees set their own hours (McDonald’s, via Parade, Sep 2026). Always confirm with your local restaurant on major holidays.
📍 The honest truth about McDonald’s holiday hours: roughly 95% of US McDonald’s restaurants are independently owned franchises, and each owner decides their own holiday hours (McDonald’s corporate via Parade, Sep 2026). That means no single answer exists for any holiday — the table below shows what’s typical based on recent coverage, not a company policy.
McDonald’s Holiday Hours 2026
| Holiday | 2026 date | Typical status |
|---|
| Thanksgiving | Thu, Nov 26 | Open at most locations; hours vary |
| Black Friday | Fri, Nov 27 | Open, regular hours |
| Christmas Eve | Thu, Dec 24 | Open at most locations; often closes early (6–9 PM) |
| Christmas Day | Fri, Dec 25 | Varies — many open, some closed; check locally |
| New Year’s Eve | Thu, Dec 31 | Open at most locations; often closes early |
| New Year’s Day | Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | Open at most locations; some reduced hours |
| Halloween | Sat, Oct 31 | Open, regular hours |
| Memorial Day | Mon, May 25 | Open, regular hours |
| Independence Day | Sat, Jul 4 | Open at most locations; possibly reduced hours |
| Labor Day | Mon, Sep 7 | Open, regular hours |
| MLK Day | Mon, Jan 19 | Open, regular hours |
| Presidents Day | Mon, Feb 16 | Open, regular hours |
Sources: Parade (Sep 2026, Dec 2025); Hindustan Times / Economic Times (Nov–Dec 2025 holiday coverage); Times Now / Livemint (Dec 2025); foodnear.blog holiday chart (~Jan 2026); eathealthy365 2026 guide; PrimeTimer (Dec 2025). Minor-holiday statuses are the consistent year-round pattern.
Most locations stay open through the holidays
Regular menu on most holidays — hours may shrink
Christmas Day: The Honest Answer
🎄 We won’t guess on Christmas Day. There is no 2026-specific Christmas Day announcement yet (it’s October), and December 2025 coverage was split: mainstream outlets (Times Now, Economic Times, Livemint) reported many/most locations open, while some trackers claimed most closed. The truth: it comes down to each franchise owner — many open, some close, some run morning-only hours. Call your local restaurant before heading out on December 25.
How to Check YOUR Local Restaurant
✅ Three reliable ways
1. McDonald’s restaurant locator (mcdonalds.com) — search by city, state, or ZIP for individual restaurant hours.
2. The McDonald’s app — check your local store before heading out.
3. Call the restaurant directly — the safest option for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving, where franchise discretion dominates.
Note: drive-thru and dining-room hours can differ on holidays (Parade, Sep 2026).
Holiday mornings: breakfast hours may shift — check locally
McDonald’s Holiday Hours FAQs
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Day 2026?
It varies by location — there is no national Christmas Day schedule. December 2025 coverage reported many locations open, but some franchisees close. Check your local restaurant before going.
Is McDonald’s open on Thanksgiving?
Most locations are open on Thanksgiving (Thu, Nov 26, 2026), though hours vary by restaurant and some may close or run reduced hours.
Who decides McDonald’s holiday hours?
Individual franchisees and co-ops — roughly 95% of US McDonald’s restaurants are independently owned, and McDonald’s confirms local hours are set by each owner (Parade, Sep 2026).
Is McDonald’s open on Christmas Eve?
Most locations are open on Christmas Eve but typically close early — often between 6 and 9 PM.
What time does McDonald’s close on Christmas Day?
There’s no single answer — it varies by franchise. Some locations that open may run reduced hours (e.g., morning only). Call ahead.
Is McDonald’s open on New Year’s Eve?
Most locations are open on New Year’s Eve, though many close early. Check local hours.
Is McDonald’s open on New Year’s Day?
Most locations are open on New Year’s Day (Jan 1, 2027), some with reduced hours.
Is McDonald’s open on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and July 4th?
Yes — most locations run regular hours on Memorial Day and Labor Day, and most are open on July 4th with possibly reduced hours.
Is McDonald’s open on Black Friday and Halloween?
Yes — both are normal operating days with regular hours.
How can I check if MY McDonald’s is open on a holiday?
Use the McDonald’s restaurant locator on mcdonalds.com, the McDonald’s app, or call the restaurant directly — drive-thru and dining-room hours may differ.
