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King Ranch Texas Kitchen in Uptown is open on Christmas. Photo courtesy of King Ranch Texas Kitchen

Restaurants Open on Christmas in Houston

1. Cleburne Cafeteria – West University

This local favorite has been open in Houston since 1941 and is open Christmas Day 2023, from 11am-8pm. The homey, comfortable environment is perfect for a family Christmas Day celebration with traditional fare, and you can even get takeout if you like! Sample the yummy range of pies, including Dutch Apple and Coconut Meringue. 

2. King Ranch Texas Kitchen – Uptown

Feast at this unique restaurant with a ranching history and saddle shop that's full of classic Texan dishes. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 12 pm- 7pm, with a Texas-sized Christmas Buffet on Christmas Day.

3. Black Bear Diner – Various locations

Enjoy breakfast all day long at Black Bear Diner for dine-in or pickup. You can go the breakfast route with bacon, eggs, and pancakes, or from 11am onward choose traditional meals like roasted turkey, and sample Texan favorites such as chicken fried steak. There is a separate Cubs menu for the kids.

4. Luby's – Various locations

If you're looking for a relaxed family dining experience this Christmas Day, you'll want to take the family to Luby's. Guests can enjoy all of the standard buffet favorites as well as a few holiday specials. Luby's offers family packs to-go to dine at home without the stress of cooking for a crowd. Holiday hours vary by location, so be sure to call ahead to your local restaurant.

5. House of Pies – Various locations

Enjoy home-cooked flavors up to 24 hours a day at this Houston landmark establishment – there are six locations around Houston. All breakfast, lunch, and dinner options will be available all day on Christmas Day. For dessert, choose from one of the largest selections of pies and cakes. Don't forget that there are no call-ahead pie orders Christmas week, it's turn up and buy. Try a seasonal favorite like pumpkin cheesecake, or a Southern staple like Texas pecan pie. Seating on Christmas Day is also first come, first served.  

6. Fogo de Chao – Uptown, Friendswood, and The Woodlands

For a fun Brazilian twist on traditional Christmas dinner fare, try dining churrasco-style at Fogo de Chao. The restaurant offers unlimited servings of various cuts of different types of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Also included is a fresh salad bar and Brazilian side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, caramelized bananas, and crispy polenta. It's advisable to make a reservation during the holiday season.

7. Denny's – Various locations

When it comes to being kid-friendly, Denny's is a slam dunk in the restaurant arena, with 27 locations around Houston. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing Christmas Day meal with the family, and the breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Try the new salted caramel banana pancakes for a sweet treat! Christmas Day hours vary by location.

RELATED: 31 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston

 
Try the Christmas volcano at Galveston's Rainforest Cafe. Photo courtesy of the Rainforest Cafe

8. Rainforest Cafe – Galveston

On Christmas Day, have the ultimate kid-friendly experience at Rainforest Cafe in Galveston, the only Rainforest Cafe with a Rainforest River Adventure Ride (the Katy location is not open on Christmas Day). Enjoy holiday classics on their prix fixe Christmas menu – it's $26.99 for adults and $15.99 for kids. 

9. Waffle House – Various locations

Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Waffle House is a restaurant serving up your favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The kids' menu is sure to please, with options like grilled cheese, burgers, and, of course, waffles.

10. Katz's Deli – Montrose, The Woodlands, Uptown, and The Heights

Katz's never closes...even for Christmas! Enjoy some casual New York street-style fare to celebrate the holidays this year. With a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers, and pasta to choose from, Katz's Deli has something for everyone in your family. The kids' menu includes classic favorites such as cheese pizza and spaghetti and meatballs. Open 24 hours on Christmas Day with regular menu pricing. 

11. The Aquarium – Kemah and Downtown

The Aquarium in Kemah will be open for regular service on Christmas Day, so you can enjoy a delicious meal as well as the attractions! The Downtown location is hosting a prix fixe Christmas dinner with a three-course menu of traditional holiday fare priced at $15.99 for children under 10 and $27.99 for adults. Kids will enjoy the fish tanks as they munch through the menu options. Reservations are required.

12. Saltgrass Steakhouse – Various locations

Enjoy a special Christmas Day meal at Saltgrass Steakhouse. A bone-in cowboy rib eye is among the full menu offerings. If your kids have a sweet tooth, they will love the seasonal special pecan pie bread pudding. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Opening hours vary by location, so call ahead to check.

13. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – Kemah

Spend Christmas day taking in a seaside view when you dine at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on the Kemah Boardwalk. Menu highlights include the rib eye with crab-stuffed shrimp.

14. Romano's Macaroni Grill – The Woodlands

Romano's Macaroni Grill in The Woodlands will be serving an authentic Italian feast from 11-8pm on Christmas Day this year. The full dinner menu is available. You can dine in or carry out.