Olive Garden fans might want to plan ahead this holiday season — because your go-to spot for unlimited breadsticks and Alfredo won’t be serving up seconds on Thanksgiving or Christmas this year.
According to an update on the company’s official website, all 900 Olive Garden locations across the U.S. will close their doors completely on both holidays, giving their employees a rare full-day break. It’s not just a few hours off — we’re talking total shutdown.
The restaurant chain said the decision was made so “team members can spend time with their family and friends.” A warm gesture, sure, but one that’ll have plenty of diners scrambling to make other dinner plans come November 27 (that’s Thanksgiving this year).
Early Closures Before the Holidays
Olive Garden also hinted that some locations may close early on Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve, depending on business volume. Managers have discretion to decide whether to shut doors ahead of schedule — so if you’re planning a pasta run before the big holiday, you might want to call your local branch first.
“Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and international holiday hours may vary,” the company added, meaning not every location will follow the same schedule.
Here’s what the pattern looks like this season:
| Date | Olive Garden Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27, 2025) | Closed | All 900 U.S. locations shut |
| Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2025) | Closed | All 900 U.S. locations shut |
| Thanksgiving Eve (Nov 26) | Open, may close early | Hours vary by location |
| Christmas Eve (Dec 24) | Open, may close early | Hours vary by location |
| Black Friday (Nov 28) | Open | Regular hours resume |
Restaurants will reopen the following day after each closure, though hours could vary slightly around the holidays.
A Growing Trend: Retailers Opt for Rest
Olive Garden isn’t alone in this shift. In recent years, a growing list of U.S. retailers have decided to close on major holidays, reversing the once-popular “Black Friday Eve” openings that had employees clocking in before dessert was even served.
Companies like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra — all owned by TJX Companies — confirmed to The U.S. Sun that they’ll also shut down on Thanksgiving. Their spokesperson emphasized that they’re “pleased to give our associates the time to enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends.”
Hobby Lobby, too, has locked in closures for both Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, maintaining its long tradition of being closed on Sundays. The craft retailer will reopen for extended Black Friday hours (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) — so there’s plenty of post-holiday shopping time.
And it doesn’t stop there. Here’s a quick look at other retailers joining the holiday-closing movement this year:
| Retailers Closed on Thanksgiving 2025 |
|---|
| JCPenney |
| Walmart |
| Lowe’s |
Even tech and specialty stores like Simply Mac, ThinkGeek, and Sur La Table are staying dark for the day.
Why the Change?
For years, retailers competed fiercely to get a head start on Black Friday sales, opening doors as early as 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. But the backlash from workers — and a cultural shift toward valuing personal time — has turned the tide.
A 2023 National Retail Federation report found that nearly 65% of Americans supported stores closing for Thanksgiving, saying it reflects “respect for employees and family traditions.” Meanwhile, online shopping continues to climb, meaning retailers don’t lose as much ground by staying closed for a day.
In other words: the internet is doing the heavy lifting.
What Diners Can Expect Post-Holiday
If you’re planning to hit Olive Garden after the turkey coma wears off, don’t worry — business resumes as usual. Regular hours return on Black Friday and throughout December, with no change in daily opening times beyond Christmas Day.
For the curious, most Olive Garden restaurants operate between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., though some locations may tweak hours slightly during the holiday week. You can double-check hours using their location finder before heading out.
FAQs:
Is every Olive Garden location closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Yes, all 900 U.S. restaurants will close completely on both holidays.
Will Olive Garden have shortened hours on the day before Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Possibly. Each restaurant’s management can decide whether to close early, depending on business.
Are Olive Garden’s international locations also closed?
Holiday hours for locations in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and abroad may vary, so customers should check locally.
