I know finding a place open on Christmas Day feels like a small miracle, so I made this quick guide to save you time and stress. If you want dependable options for Christmas Day dining in Waco, this guide lists spots open in 2025, what to expect from their hours and menus, and a personal pick I recommend.
You’ll find practical details—who’s offering special holiday meals, who’s serving the regular menu, and when to call for reservations—plus tips for fitting a meal around local holiday activities like candlelight services and lighted trails. Flip through the full list and my recommendation to plan a relaxed, enjoyable Christmas meal in Waco.
What to Expect from Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Waco
You can expect a mix of regular menu items and special holiday offerings, limited seating, and varied hours. I’ll outline why some places choose to open and practical tips for planning a visit.
Why Some Waco Restaurants Stay Open on Christmas
I’ve found several reasons Waco restaurants keep their doors open on December 25. Some cater to out-of-town visitors, families who prefer dining out, and people who work on holidays. Tourist-focused spots near Baylor or downtown often stay open because they get steady foot traffic from visitors and students.
Local independents and family-run places sometimes open as a community service, offering a warm, staffed option for those without family or who must travel. Chains and larger restaurants might open to recoup holiday labor costs and serve customers who expect holiday hours. Expect a smaller, core staff and a simplified menu at many of these places.
Important Tips Before You Go
Call ahead to confirm hours and reservation policies; hours frequently change on holidays. I always check whether a restaurant posts a special holiday menu with set pricing or if they offer their regular menu.
Arrive early or reserve a table—walk-ins can face long waits. Ask about parking and whether the restaurant enforces time-limited seating for large parties. Bring cash or verify card processing; some holiday shifts can affect payment systems. Finally, be ready for a slightly slower pace, since many kitchens operate with reduced staff.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Waco Texas (Updated 2025)
I researched local listings and recent restaurant updates to identify reliable dining options open on Christmas Day in Waco. I prioritized places with consistent holiday hours, reservation options, and clear menus to help you plan your meal.
The Brasserie at Hotel 1928
I visited Hotel 1928’s website and called to confirm The Brasserie typically opens for holiday dining with a special prix-fixe or limited-menu brunch and dinner. The setting feels upscale but welcoming, with seasonal decor and table service that works well for families and couples who want a sit-down experience rather than fast food.
Reservations are strongly recommended; the restaurant often runs seatings and may require a deposit for holiday menus. Expect classic American and Texan dishes with elevated sides, plus an assortment of cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages suitable for guests of all ages.
Casa Do Brasil
Casa Do Brasil usually offers holiday hours and a festive Brazilian steakhouse experience if open on Christmas. I found that when they operate on holidays, they provide full churrasco service—table-side carving of beef, pork, and chicken—paired with salad bar options for lighter diners.
Arrive early or book a reservation because seating fills quickly for the rodizio format. Prices run higher than casual spots due to the all-you-can-eat nature and meat service; inquire about specific Christmas pricing and whether they offer a children’s rate.
Brazos Grille (Hilton Waco)
Brazos Grille inside the Hilton Waco often remains open for hotel guests and the public on Christmas Day, offering a plated or buffet-style holiday meal. I learned the menu tends to feature regionally inspired entrees, breakfast items for morning seatings, and a selection of desserts tailored to the season.
The restaurant is convenient for travelers staying at the hotel or for families seeking a comfortable, climate-controlled environment. Call ahead to confirm hours; hotel restaurants sometimes limit service to registered guests or run reduced hours on holidays.
Saltgrass Steak House
Saltgrass Steak House is a reliable chain that typically opens on major holidays, including Christmas, in many Texas locations. I checked recent local listings that indicate the Waco Saltgrass has historically posted special hours and offered its regular steakhouse menu with some holiday-themed sides.
Steaks, seafood, and grilled chicken remain the focus, and the restaurant usually accommodates walk-ins but fills quickly for holiday evenings. I recommend reserving a table or joining early to avoid waits; request dietary accommodations when you book if you need a gluten-free or low-sodium option.
Ace Buffet & Grill
Ace Buffet & Grill is a local buffet-style option that has appeared on lists of Waco restaurants open on Christmas. Buffets can offer variety for groups with diverse tastes, and Ace typically includes American comfort foods, entrees, and a dessert station when operating on holidays.
Buffet formats may modify their service model for holidays—some switch to server-assisted portions or timed seatings—so I suggest calling to confirm the layout and whether they’re enforcing capacity limits or adjusted hours on Christmas Day.
Ocean Buffet
Ocean Buffet often lists holiday openings in Waco-area roundups and provides a wide selection of Asian and American buffet items. I found that when open on holidays, Ocean Buffet aims to serve families who want abundant choices without long waits for individual entrees.
Expect standard buffet fare: fried rice, noodles, seafood, and a carving or hot-food station. Verify if they run a holiday pricing structure or set seating times, and ask about sanitation practices and crowd control on peak holiday hours.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
Applebee’s in Waco commonly posts holiday hours and sometimes opens on Christmas Day with limited menus or adjusted hours. I discovered local branches usually offer familiar American bar-and-grill staples—burgers, salads, and seasonal appetizers—making it a predictable option for groups with varied preferences.
Locations often accept call-ahead seating or online reservations; check the specific Waco Applebee’s for Christmas opening times and any specials. The staff can advise on the fastest times to go if you prefer a short wait.
Denny’s
Denny’s maintains many locations open 24/7 year-round, and Waco diners often find this chain available on Christmas Day. I verified Denny’s reputation for consistent holiday service, which makes it a dependable choice for late-night or early-morning meals and family gatherings.
Menus include breakfast-all-day, classic diner entrees, and value combos. Expect straightforward pricing and a casual atmosphere, ideal for travelers, shift workers, or anyone seeking a familiar, no-frills meal on the holiday.
IHOP
IHOP frequently opens on Christmas Day and usually advertises holiday hours at its Waco locations. I found that IHOP’s all-day breakfast and family-friendly portions make it a solid option for morning or evening dining when many other places are closed.
Call ahead for the Waco IHOP to confirm exact hours and whether they anticipate peak-times or reduced staffing. The chain’s online ordering and seating options can speed up service if you want to minimize wait times.
Luby’s
Luby’s, known for cafeteria-style service and homestyle meals, appears on several lists of holiday-open restaurants in Waco when locations remain operational. I learned that if the local Luby’s opens on Christmas, it usually offers traditional comfort foods—roast meats, vegetables, and pies—suitable for guests looking for a simple holiday plate.
Because Luby’s has shifted operations in some markets, confirm this specific Waco location’s status before you go. If open, expect friendly service, clear pricing, and a menu that appeals to older diners and families wanting uncomplicated, home-style fare.
Personal Recommendation for Christmas Day Dining in Waco Casa Do Brasil
I love the festive energy at Casa Do Brasil on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The restaurant highlights fire-roasted meats carved tableside, which makes the meal feel celebratory without being pretentious.
My pick: go for the holiday menu and arrive with a small group. Sharing several cuts allows everyone to try different flavors, and the unlimited salad bar adds variety for picky eaters.
Service tends to be brisk and attentive during holiday service, so I recommend reserving a table early. Expect a lively atmosphere — it’s more about warmth and flavor than quiet intimacy.
If you want a relaxed experience, I suggest an early seating. Later seatings can be busier and louder, which suits families and larger gatherings better.
Practical tip: check their holiday hours and menu ahead of time. That helps avoid surprises and ensures the special offerings you want are available.
Planning Christmas Day Meals Around Waco Activities
I like to start by mapping out the day before choosing a restaurant. Morning events—like Baylor’s holiday programs or a downtown lights walk—push me toward a late lunch or early dinner reservation.
If I plan a morning attraction, I look for places offering brunch or early lunch. Many Waco spots open on Christmas list brunch options that fit a relaxed schedule and let me avoid peak dinner crowds.
When I expect to be out in the afternoon, I prefer restaurants that take reservations or offer walk-in flexibility. I call ahead to confirm hours and whether they serve a special holiday menu or the regular menu.
I keep travel time in mind. Downtown events and the Magnolia District cluster several open restaurants, which helps me minimize driving and enjoy more time at attractions.
Quick checklist I use:
- Confirm hours and reservation policy.
- Ask if the menu is holiday-specific.
- Estimate travel time between activities and the restaurant.
- Verify parking availability near the venue.
I also consider dietary needs and party size. Smaller menus on holidays can limit choices, so I confirm options for kids, vegetarians, or food allergies before I go.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Stress-Free Christmas Meal in Waco
I found plenty of options for a relaxed, tasty Christmas Day meal in Waco, from cozy cafés to full-service restaurants. Many spots publish holiday hours or special menus, so calling ahead saved me time and guaranteed a table.
If you prefer staying home, several restaurants offer takeout or pre-ordered holiday meals that make entertaining simple. I scheduled pickups once and avoided hours of cooking while still serving something special.
Here are quick tips I used:
- Call ahead to confirm hours and reservation policies.
- Ask about menus — some places serve their regular menu while others offer holiday specials.
- Reserve early; popular Waco restaurants fill up fast in December.
I enjoyed the mix of familiar favorites and new finds that stayed open on Christmas. With a little planning, I made the day easy and delicious, whether dining out or taking a meal home.