Olive Garden Holiday Hours: 2025 Schedule & Tips (Updated 2025)
Planning a visit to Olive Garden during the holidays? Knowing their holiday hours can save you time and avoid any unexpected closures. Whether you’re craving classic Italian dishes for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s, having the right information ensures your dining experience goes smoothly.
Holiday hours often differ from regular schedules, so it’s important to check ahead. You’ll want to know when Olive Garden opens and closes during special occasions to make the most of your meal without any hassle. Keep reading to get all the details on Olive Garden’s holiday hours and make your festive dining plans stress-free.
Overview of Olive Garden Holiday Hours
Understanding Olive Garden holiday hours helps you plan your visits without surprises during busy festive seasons. This section breaks down why these hours matter and what you can usually expect.
Importance of Knowing Holiday Hours
Knowing Olive Garden’s holiday hours prevents inconvenience caused by unexpected closures or reduced service times. You avoid wasted trips and can schedule meals around the restaurant’s availability. Holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving often feature altered hours, affecting opening and closing times. Checking these hours ahead guarantees a smooth dining experience during peak celebration days.
Typical Operating Hours During Holidays
Olive Garden generally adjusts its schedule on major holidays.
| Holiday | Typical Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Limited hours or closed |
| Thanksgiving | 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| New Year’s Eve | Regular hours, occasionally reduced |
| New Year’s Day | Regular hours |
Most locations operate reduced hours on holidays or close entirely to allow staff time with family. Hours vary by location, so confirm local store timings before planning your visit.
Olive Garden Holiday Hours for Major Holidays
Knowing Olive Garden’s specific holiday hours helps you plan your festive meals without surprises. Hours often vary during major holidays to accommodate both guests and staff.
Christmas and Christmas Eve
Olive Garden typically opens from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Christmas Eve, allowing you to enjoy an early dinner. On Christmas Day, most locations either close completely or operate with very limited hours, so check your local restaurant’s schedule before making plans.
Thanksgiving Day and Thanksgiving Eve
On Thanksgiving Eve, Olive Garden usually follows its normal business hours, making it a convenient choice for last-minute dinners. Thanksgiving Day hours generally run from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though some locations may reduce hours or close to let staff spend time with family, so verify your nearest location’s timing in advance.
New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve hours mostly stay consistent with regular operating times, ensuring you can celebrate with your preferred Olive Garden menu. New Year’s Day also tends to maintain normal hours, offering a relaxed dining option after holiday festivities.
Other Holidays (Easter, Labor Day, etc.)
On holidays such as Easter and Labor Day, Olive Garden may adjust hours slightly, often opening around 11:00 AM and closing earlier than usual in the evening. Since variations exist by location, confirming holiday hours directly with your local restaurant guarantees the most accurate information.
How to Check Olive Garden Holiday Hours
You can confirm Olive Garden’s holiday hours easily to avoid any scheduling issues during festive seasons.
Official Website and Mobile App
Visit Olive Garden’s official website or download their mobile app for the most accurate holiday hours. Both platforms often update the schedule for major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s. You can use the location finder feature to view hours specific to your nearest restaurant.
Calling Local Restaurants
Call your local Olive Garden directly to verify holiday hours. This method provides the most reliable and up-to-date information, as some locations may alter hours independently based on staff availability and local policies.
Social Media Updates
Follow Olive Garden’s social media channels on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The brand posts holiday hour announcements and any last-minute changes there, helping you stay informed in real-time.
Tips for Visiting Olive Garden During Holidays
Navigating Olive Garden during holiday seasons requires a bit of planning. Use these tips to enhance your dining experience and avoid common holiday challenges.
Making Reservations
Schedule your reservation early, especially for major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, since tables fill quickly. Use Olive Garden’s online booking system or call your local restaurant directly to lock in your preferred time. Remember, some locations may not accept reservations on peak holiday days, so verifying this in advance proves crucial.
Expected Wait Times
Anticipate longer wait times during holiday hours due to increased customer volume and limited seating. Arrive at off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon or later in the evening, to reduce waiting. Keep in mind that wait times can extend significantly without a reservation.
Special Holiday Menu Items
Look out for special holiday menu items Olive Garden often offers during festive periods, including seasonal soups, salads, and desserts. Check the official website or inquire at your local restaurant for the latest holiday dishes, as availability may vary by location and date.
Conclusion
Knowing Olive Garden’s holiday hours gives you the confidence to plan your festive meals without any last-minute surprises. Checking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on your favorite dishes or face unexpected closures.
By staying informed and making reservations early, you can enjoy a relaxed and memorable dining experience during the busy holiday season. Keep in mind that each location may vary, so a quick call or online check can save you time and hassle.
With a little preparation, your holiday visit to Olive Garden will be smooth, enjoyable, and full of delicious moments.