If you’re planning to grab a plate of Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef before Christmas Day, you’re likely wondering Panda Express Christmas Eve hours for 2025. As of December 25, 2025, verified information confirms that most Panda Express locations across the United States were open on Christmas Eve (December 24) but operated with reduced holiday hours.
While the exact closing time varied by location, most restaurants closed between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time, giving both customers and employees time to prepare for Christmas Day. The popular fast-casual chain also confirmed that all company-owned Panda Express restaurants were closed on Christmas Day (December 25), with regular business hours set to resume on December 26.
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Overview of Panda Express Christmas Eve Schedule 2025
Panda Express operates more than 2,500 restaurants across the U.S., and its hours can vary based on region, ownership, and location type (such as standalone stores, mall food courts, or airports).
For Christmas Eve 2025, Panda Express followed its typical holiday schedule: open during the day but closing early.
Here’s a general breakdown based on verified updates from company communications and major retail data platforms:
| Date | Operating Status | Typical Hours (Local Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) | Open (Reduced Hours) | 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Dec 25 (Christmas Day) | Closed | — |
| Thursday, Dec 26 | Open (Regular Hours) | 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
Because Panda Express locations include both corporate and franchise-owned stores, some may have remained open slightly later, especially in airports or high-traffic city centers.
Typical Christmas Eve Operations by Location Type
Not all Panda Express restaurants operate on the same schedule. Here’s what customers across the U.S. experienced on Christmas Eve 2025:
- Standalone Restaurants: Most standalone Panda Express locations were open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
- Mall Food Court Locations: These typically closed earlier, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on each mall’s holiday schedule.
- Airport Locations: Select airport Panda Express restaurants remained open until 8:00 p.m. to accommodate holiday travelers.
- Drive-Thru Locations: Drive-thru service was available until each store’s closing time, though mobile orders stopped roughly 30 minutes before closing.
To confirm local hours, customers were encouraged to use the Panda Express store locator or the official app, which reflected real-time updates throughout Christmas Eve.
Holiday Menu Favorites Still Available
Even with shorter hours, Panda Express continued to serve its full menu on Christmas Eve. Most customers reported regular availability of top menu items, including:
- Orange Chicken – the chain’s signature sweet and tangy dish.
- Honey Walnut Shrimp – a holiday favorite for many families.
- Beijing Beef – spicy-sweet beef with red peppers and onions.
- Teriyaki Chicken – grilled chicken with savory teriyaki glaze.
- Fried Rice and Chow Mein – classic side staples available throughout the day.
Many stores also featured holiday family feast bundles, allowing customers to order large entrees for gatherings and family dinners before Christmas Day. Online ordering and delivery remained active through both DoorDash and the Panda Express mobile app during open hours.
Was Panda Express Open on Christmas Day 2025?
No. All verified corporate announcements confirmed that Panda Express was closed on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025). This closure aligns with the chain’s long-standing tradition of allowing its team members to spend the holiday with family.
While most locations were closed, a few airport and international Panda Express outlets operated limited hours to serve travelers. However, U.S.-based community and shopping center restaurants remained closed nationwide.
Regular business resumed on December 26, with full menus and standard operating hours.
How Panda Express Handles the Holiday Season
Panda Express has built a strong reputation for celebrating cultural holidays and major U.S. traditions. The company typically adjusts hours for the following holidays:
| Holiday | Typical Status | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Open (Most Locations) | Regular Hours |
| Memorial Day | Open | Regular Hours |
| Independence Day | Open | May close early (varies) |
| Thanksgiving Day | Closed | — |
| Christmas Eve | Open | Reduced Hours |
| Christmas Day | Closed | — |
This schedule is consistent across both company-owned and franchise locations unless otherwise posted by local management.
Why Panda Express Is Popular During the Holidays
For many families, Panda Express has become a convenient choice during the holiday rush. Its fast service, variety of options, and easy takeout model make it a reliable stop for travelers and busy shoppers.
Reasons why Panda Express sees strong traffic during Christmas week include:
- Convenience: Quick service for last-minute meals during hectic shopping days.
- Group Meals: Family-style entrees and large portions are ideal for gatherings.
- Delivery Access: Easy online ordering for takeout and home delivery.
- Consistent Menu: Familiar options available nationwide with minimal variation.
Panda Express’s combination of affordability and speed makes it a favorite for Americans preparing for Christmas celebrations while still wanting a hot meal.
Tips for Visiting Panda Express on Christmas Eve
If you plan to visit Panda Express next Christmas Eve, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Check Local Hours Early: Use the official app or website for the most accurate hours.
- Order Online Before Rush Hours: Midday (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) tends to be busiest.
- Expect Early Closures: Many stores begin shutting down between 6 and 8 p.m.
- Use Drive-Thru or Pickup: This helps avoid long dine-in waits during lunch hours.
- Confirm Delivery Availability: Some third-party apps stop accepting orders 30 minutes before closing.
- Plan Ahead for Christmas Day: Since all U.S. locations close on the 25th, order extra the day before if you want leftovers.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your favorite Panda Express meal without running into holiday-hour surprises.
Employee Schedules and Holiday Pay
Panda Express gives team members reduced work hours during Christmas week to allow family time while still serving customers. Employees working on Christmas Eve typically receive holiday pay incentives, depending on location and employment status.
While franchise policies vary, company-owned restaurants follow the brand’s standard guidelines for holiday scheduling. This includes voluntary shift sign-ups and earlier closing times to ensure that team members can spend the evening celebrating Christmas.
Community Involvement During the Holidays
Panda Express has long been known for its community contributions through the Panda Cares Foundation, which supports youth education, healthcare, and disaster relief. During the 2025 holiday season, Panda Cares continued its nationwide initiative to provide meals and donations to local charities and children’s hospitals.
Many stores featured donation boxes throughout December, and a portion of proceeds from holiday orders helped fund the foundation’s charitable programs.
This consistent outreach has strengthened the company’s reputation as one of the most community-oriented restaurant chains in the U.S.
Customer Reactions and Holiday Demand
Across social media platforms, many customers praised Panda Express for staying open on Christmas Eve. Posts shared on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the chain’s ability to serve fresh meals even as other restaurants closed early.
Some users shared videos of long drive-thru lines around dinnertime on December 24, showing how popular the restaurant remains during the holidays. Others appreciated the reliable service and quality food as a quick option before family celebrations.
The consistency in Panda Express’s schedule each year helps customers plan ahead, especially those traveling or working on Christmas Eve.
Looking Ahead to Panda Express Christmas Eve 2026
Based on Panda Express’s historical operating pattern, customers can expect a similar holiday schedule in 2026 — open on Christmas Eve with shortened hours and closed on Christmas Day.
Holiday schedules are typically released two weeks before Christmas through the official Panda Express app and store locator. Customers are encouraged to verify times locally, as some franchise owners may adjust closing hours depending on business demand and staffing.
Summary of Panda Express Christmas Eve Hours 2025
To recap the verified information:
- Panda Express was open on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2025) with reduced hours.
- Most restaurants operated from 10:30 a.m. to between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. local time.
- All locations were closed on Christmas Day (December 25, 2025) across the United States.
- Normal business hours resumed on December 26, 2025.
- Store hours varied by location, so customers were advised to check their nearest branch before visiting.
This consistent schedule aligns with the company’s tradition of balancing customer service with employee well-being during the holidays.
