The question many chicken lovers ask each holiday season is simple: is Zaxby’s open on Christmas? As of December 2025, the answer is clear—Zaxby’s restaurants across the United States are closed on Christmas Day. The company continues its long-standing tradition of giving employees the day off to celebrate with family and friends.
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Zaxby’s 2025 Holiday Operating Schedule
Zaxby’s, known for its chicken fingers, wings, and signature Zax Sauce, typically adjusts its hours during major holidays. While many fast-food chains operate with limited hours on certain holidays, Zaxby’s corporate guidance for 2025 confirms that all company-owned and franchised locations remain closed on December 25.
Most Zaxby’s locations resume regular operating hours on December 26, the day after Christmas. In 2025, that means doors reopen at usual local hours, often between 10:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., depending on each store’s region.
Why Zaxby’s Stays Closed on Christmas
Zaxby’s has positioned itself as a brand that values its employees and community culture. Christmas Day closure reflects the company’s employee-first approach. Management emphasizes that the holiday break allows staff to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones.
This decision aligns with many other U.S. restaurant chains that prioritize family time during the holidays. While the company benefits from high traffic during the week before Christmas—when customers order platters, catering boxes, and gift cards—it keeps Christmas Day itself free from business operations.
What About Christmas Eve?
For 2025, most Zaxby’s restaurants operate with shortened hours on Christmas Eve, which fell on Wednesday, December 24. Typical closing time ranged from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., depending on local demand. Customers planning holiday gatherings or road-trip meals are encouraged to order ahead earlier in the day to avoid last-minute rushes.
The company’s digital ordering system, drive-thru service, and third-party delivery options also follow these adjusted hours. After the Christmas closure, all services resume on the morning of December 26.
Comparing Zaxby’s Christmas Policy to Other Fast-Food Chains
Many fast-food brands make their own decisions about Christmas operations. Here’s how Zaxby’s compares in 2025:
| Restaurant Chain | Christmas Day 2025 Status | Typical Reason for Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Zaxby’s | Closed | Observes full-day holiday for staff |
| Chick-fil-A | Closed | Faith-based closure for all locations |
| KFC | Limited hours in select locations | Franchise-based decisions |
| McDonald’s | Some open 24 hrs | Operates on franchise discretion |
| Wendy’s | Mostly closed | Reduced holiday staffing |
| Raising Cane’s | Closed | Focus on family time for employees |
Zaxby’s consistent closure on Christmas places it alongside other southern-inspired chains that emphasize people over profit during holidays.
What Customers Can Expect Before and After Christmas
Leading up to Christmas week, Zaxby’s experiences one of its busiest times of the year. Customers often stop in for group meals, catering trays, and holiday gift cards. The brand’s 2025 “Zalads and Zappetizers” winter menu has been especially popular, featuring limited-time flavors like Honey Buffalo Boneless Wings and Toasted Ranch Chicken Sandwiches.
Many locations promote digital gift cards and drive-thru combo discounts through the Zaxby’s app in December. Customers can redeem these offers after Christmas when restaurants reopen.
If you plan to visit on December 26, expect steady lunch traffic and full menu availability. Some stores may open earlier than usual to accommodate post-holiday travelers.
Zaxby’s Corporate Commitment to Holiday Balance
Founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, Zaxby’s has grown to over 900 locations across 17 states. Despite its growth, the company maintains a regional, family-style culture. Keeping restaurants closed on Christmas is part of this philosophy.
The brand also closes on Thanksgiving Day each year, giving employees two major holidays free from work. While not all fast-food chains provide these breaks, Zaxby’s has made it part of its operational identity.
Holiday hours can vary slightly for franchise-owned stores, but corporate guidance in 2025 was unified: no Zaxby’s locations are open on Christmas Day.
How to Confirm Hours at Your Local Zaxby’s
Although national policy covers most restaurants, local variations sometimes occur in smaller markets or near travel hubs. To confirm hours:
- Check the Zaxby’s app or website. Each location lists daily hours that automatically update during holidays.
- Use Google Maps. Verified business listings display whether a restaurant is open or closed on specific dates.
- Call ahead. Local staff can confirm if any special operating times apply for Christmas Eve or December 26.
However, as of December 2025, all confirmed listings show closures for Christmas Day.
Tips for Planning Meals Around the Closure
If Zaxby’s is your go-to spot for wings or chicken sandwiches, consider planning ahead before December 25. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Order catering on December 23 or early Christmas Eve. Zaxby’s Party Packs and Big Zax Snak Meals are popular for holiday gatherings.
- Store leftovers properly. Zaxby’s chicken can be refrigerated for up to three days if sealed in an airtight container.
- Try reheating using an air fryer. This keeps the chicken crispy without drying it out.
- Redeem loyalty points after the holiday. The Zax Rewardz program continues uninterrupted after December 26.
These small steps ensure fans don’t miss their favorite flavors during the brief closure.
Employee and Community Reactions
Each year, employees express appreciation for the day off. The company often highlights holiday messages on its social media platforms, thanking customers for their support. Franchise owners across the South and Midwest share similar sentiments—stating that the closure strengthens morale and loyalty.
Communities also respond positively. Many Zaxby’s fans post photos and comments online showing their Christmas meals made with Zaxby’s catering ordered earlier in the week. The closure hasn’t negatively affected customer loyalty; instead, it reinforces the brand’s image as respectful and family-focused.
Is Zaxby’s Open on Christmas in Future Years?
Zaxby’s has not announced any plans to change its Christmas Day policy in the coming years. The 2025 closure continues a more than decade-long pattern. Based on this consistent record, it’s reasonable to expect that the chain will also remain closed for Christmas 2026 unless an official update is released before then.
However, as the brand continues expanding into new states and airports, individual franchise owners may petition for unique holiday hours in select locations. For now, those are the exception rather than the rule.
The Takeaway for 2025 Diners
For customers asking is Zaxby’s open on Christmas, the factual answer for this year is no. Every restaurant remains closed nationwide on December 25 2025. The next opportunity to enjoy Zaxby’s meals comes on December 26, when normal hours resume.
The closure is part of a thoughtful holiday policy centered on people—not profits. While it may briefly inconvenience hungry travelers, it underscores a positive company culture that prioritizes rest and family connection.
If you’re craving wings, chicken fingers, or Zalads this holiday season, make sure to plan ahead before the 25th. Zaxby’s will be waiting to serve you again the day after Christmas.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, let us know in the comments how you celebrate the holidays with your favorite Zaxby’s meal!