Every December, fried chicken lovers across the country ask the same seasonal question: is Zaxby’s open on Christmas? As of December 25, 2025, the answer is definite—Zaxby’s restaurants are closed nationwide on Christmas Day. The brand maintains this long-standing policy to give employees time off with family, a tradition that continues across all its U.S. locations.
Zaxby’s Official Holiday Hours for 2025
Zaxby’s, headquartered in Athens, Georgia, operates more than 900 restaurants across the United States. Most locations are in the South and Midwest, including states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Each December, customers anticipate holiday schedule updates, and in 2025, Zaxby’s confirmed that all locations remain closed on December 25.
Restaurants resume normal business hours on December 26, 2025, typically between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., depending on regional demand. For customers planning meals around the holiday, these times are crucial. Many people stock up on Zaxby’s favorites—like Chicken Finger Plates, Zalads, and Signature Sandwiches—on Christmas Eve to enjoy leftovers during the closure.
Why Zaxby’s Remains Closed on Christmas Day
The company’s decision to stay closed on Christmas aligns with its culture of valuing employee well-being. Zaxby’s leadership has emphasized that Christmas Day is an opportunity for workers to enjoy the season with loved ones rather than serve customers.
This approach has become part of the brand’s identity. Unlike some chains that operate on limited hours during holidays, Zaxby’s consistently places family and community first. The closure reinforces the restaurant’s image as a people-oriented brand, not just a fast-food outlet.
Zaxby’s also closes every year on Thanksgiving, allowing employees two major holidays away from work. These closures are well-communicated across local franchises, ensuring customers can plan ahead.
Christmas Eve Operations
While Zaxby’s closes for Christmas Day, Christmas Eve hours vary slightly by location. In 2025, most restaurants shut their doors earlier than usual—typically between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Some locations near shopping centers or busy travel routes may extend hours slightly to accommodate travelers picking up last-minute orders.
Online and drive-thru orders follow these same holiday-adjusted hours. The Zaxby’s mobile app and website reflect real-time changes to help customers confirm closing times before heading out.
Customer Trends Leading Up to Christmas
December has become one of the busiest months of the year for Zaxby’s. With holiday gatherings, sports events, and family road trips, the brand experiences a noticeable uptick in orders for catering boxes, wings platters, and chicken finger trays.
The 2025 winter menu features seasonal favorites such as the Honey Buffalo Boneless Wings Meal and the Ranch-Loaded Chicken Sandwich, both of which have gained popularity among holiday customers. Gift cards and digital rewards have also become top sellers, as many people use them as stocking stuffers.
Customers often take advantage of promotions through the Zax Rewardz program, earning points for every order that can be redeemed later—especially once restaurants reopen on December 26.
Zaxby’s in the U.S. Fast-Food Landscape
To understand Zaxby’s position during the holidays, it helps to compare its approach with other major fast-food chains operating across the U.S.:
| Chain | Christmas Day Status (2025) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Zaxby’s | Closed | Family-first company policy |
| Chick-fil-A | Closed | Faith-based tradition |
| KFC | Partially open | Franchise discretion |
| McDonald’s | Some open | 24-hour franchise model |
| Wendy’s | Mostly closed | Reduced staffing |
| Raising Cane’s | Closed | Family and employee focus |
This comparison shows that Zaxby’s fits within the category of brands prioritizing time off for their workforce. It’s a choice that aligns with southern hospitality values—placing family, faith, and rest above business operations during major holidays.
The Day After Christmas: Reopening Details
When Zaxby’s restaurants reopen on December 26, customers can expect a full return to regular menu offerings. The day after Christmas often sees strong sales, as families head out for shopping trips, movie outings, or post-holiday meals.
Many stores also roll out post-holiday specials. These include combo discounts, digital coupon offers, and limited-time deals exclusive to app users. While Zaxby’s doesn’t typically promote a nationwide Boxing Day event, individual franchise owners may offer local promotions to attract guests back after the break.
If you plan to visit, it’s best to check your local store’s opening time. Some may open earlier than usual on December 26, while others resume standard hours.
Employee Perspectives on the Christmas Closure
Inside the company, the Christmas Day break is seen as more than a scheduling policy—it’s a cultural cornerstone. Employees express appreciation for the day off, especially those who work extended shifts during the holiday rush.
Franchise operators also report positive feedback from staff. The closure allows them to maintain a more motivated workforce throughout the year. Many Zaxby’s teams share messages on social media thanking loyal customers for understanding the tradition of staying closed on Christmas.
Community and Customer Reactions
Over the years, Zaxby’s loyal fans have embraced the closure as part of the brand’s character. Customers know the policy is consistent, so they plan around it. Many families order Zaxby’s meals the day before Christmas and reheat leftovers for holiday gatherings.
Social media discussions around Christmas often include photos of Zaxby’s platters alongside homemade dishes, showing that even when the restaurant is closed, its flavors are still part of the celebration.
Communities in Zaxby’s core regions—particularly Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas—appreciate the brand’s emphasis on family and tradition. The closure, rather than frustrating customers, strengthens the emotional bond between the restaurant and its base of loyal diners.
How to Verify Local Store Hours
Though the closure applies nationally, franchise ownership means small variations in timing are possible. To verify your location’s holiday schedule:
- Use the Zaxby’s app. It updates in real time to display accurate hours for each restaurant.
- Check local business listings. Google Maps typically shows “Closed on Christmas Day” notifications for participating stores.
- Call your restaurant directly. Staff can confirm if Christmas Eve hours differ locally or if any unique promotions are available before the closure.
Still, as of December 2025, every verified location across the country is confirmed closed on December 25.
Zaxby’s Corporate Philosophy
Zaxby’s founding principles emphasize southern hospitality, respect for employees, and quality service. The decision to remain closed on Christmas Day aligns with this philosophy. By offering staff a guaranteed day off, the company strengthens internal morale while maintaining its reputation as a people-first brand.
Even as the chain expands into new markets—including Midwest and Central U.S. states—Zaxby’s leadership has shown no intention of changing its Christmas closure policy. The consistency of this decision helps maintain brand trust among both employees and consumers.
Preparing for Zaxby’s Closure
If Zaxby’s is part of your holiday tradition, planning ahead can help you avoid disappointment on Christmas Day. Here are a few tips for 2025 diners:
- Order ahead on December 23 or early December 24. Catering trays and family meals can feed groups of any size.
- Keep leftovers fresh. Store cooked chicken in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat properly. Use an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave to preserve crispiness.
- Use the Zax Rewardz app. Earn points before the closure and redeem them after December 26.
- Plan a visit after Christmas. Post-holiday deals often appear right after reopening day.
The Broader Impact of Holiday Closures
Zaxby’s decision to stay closed for Christmas mirrors a broader shift in the food service industry. Many companies now emphasize work-life balance and employee appreciation. The trend has gained traction since the early 2020s, when customer attitudes began favoring brands that demonstrate social responsibility.
Closing on Christmas may cost short-term revenue, but it often builds long-term customer loyalty. In Zaxby’s case, this policy contributes to its image as a community-oriented company rooted in respect and hospitality.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the 2025 schedule is firmly set, Zaxby’s has not announced any changes for upcoming years. Based on a consistent record, it is expected that Christmas Day closures will continue in 2026 and beyond.
Franchisees remain aligned with corporate direction, emphasizing that maintaining employee rest days is more valuable than limited holiday sales. Unless a future corporate statement indicates otherwise, the nationwide closure will remain part of Zaxby’s brand tradition.
Final Takeaway for 2025
For anyone wondering is Zaxby’s open on Christmas, the answer for this year is an unequivocal no. All locations across the United States are closed on December 25, 2025, with normal business resuming on December 26. Customers are encouraged to plan meals in advance, place catering orders early, and enjoy Zaxby’s again the day after Christmas.
This consistent holiday closure reflects more than just a business decision—it represents the company’s respect for its people, its culture of southern hospitality, and its ongoing dedication to serving communities with heart and balance.
Celebrate the season your way—share your favorite Zaxby’s holiday meal memories in the comments and join the conversation about how you spend Christmas with family, food, and flavor!