If you are planning your year around waffle fries, chicken biscuits, and that iconic sweet tea, you already know the golden rule of Chick-fil-A: always check the calendar.
The Atlanta-based chicken giant is famously protective of its employees’ downtime. Since founder S. Truett Cathy established the policy in 1946, all locations shut down every single Sunday. When it comes to major holidays, Chick-fil-A applies that same family-first philosophy—but there are plenty of holidays where the drive-thru lines stay completely open.
This guide covers Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours for 2026, including Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Easter, Memorial Day, and other major holidays.Â
Contents
- 1 Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours 2026 Overview
- 2 The Non-Negotiables: 100% Closed
- 3 Complete 2026 Holiday Schedule
- 4 Key Holiday Twists to Watch For
- 5 Chick-fil-A Thanksgiving Hours 2026
- 6 Chick-fil-A Christmas Hours 2026
- 7 Is Chick-fil-A Open on New Year’s Day 2026?
- 8 Is Chick-fil-A Open on Easter?
- 9 Is Chick-fil-A Open on Memorial Day?
- 10 Why Is Chick-fil-A Closed on Sundays?
- 11 Why Do Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours Vary?
- 12 How to Check Your Local Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions
- 14 Final Thoughts
Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours 2026 Overview
While Chick-fil-A is well-known for keeping its doors locked every Sunday, its holiday operating schedule requires a bit more navigation. For 2026, the chain maintains its strict tradition of closing nationwide on major family-centric holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, allowing team members to celebrate with their loved ones.Â
However, on other major federal holidays—ranging from New Year’s Day to Labor Day—most locations will remain open, though many will operate under modified or shortened schedules. Because individual franchise operators determine their specific local hours, checking your local Chick-fil-A app before heading out is always the smartest move to ensure your craving is met.
The Non-Negotiables: 100% Closed
There are two federal holidays every year where Chick-fil-A tightly shuts its doors nationwide, no exceptions.
- Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26, 2026) – CLOSED
- Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026) – CLOSED
The Golden Rule of Sunday-Adjacent Holidays: Because Christmas falls on a Friday in 2026, restaurants will be completely closed on Friday, open for normal or limited hours on Saturday, and closed again on Sunday. Plan your holiday catering pickups accordingly!
Complete 2026 Holiday Schedule
For most other federal and major holidays, Chick-fil-A keeps its doors open, though individual franchise operators frequently adjust their hours (often closing early at 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM).
| Holiday | Date in 2026 | Operating Status | Expected Hours |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, Jan 1 | Open | Modified / Limited Hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, Jan 19 | Open | Regular Hours |
| President’s Day | Monday, Feb 16 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 5 | Closed | Standard Sunday Closure |
| Easter Monday | Monday, April 6 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Open | Regular Hours (Some modified) |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 | Open | Modified / Limited Hours |
| Labor Day | Monday, Sept 7 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Columbus Day | Monday, Oct 12 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, Nov 11 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, Nov 26 | Closed | Strictly Closed |
| Black Friday | Friday, Nov 27 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, Dec 24 | Open | Modified (Closes Early) |
| Christmas Day | Friday, Dec 25 | Closed | Strictly Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | Thursday, Dec 31 | Open | Modified / Limited Hours |
Key Holiday Twists to Watch For
The Christmas Eve “Squeeze”
Because Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, Christmas Eve is on Thursday. Chick-fil-A locations will be open, but they traditionally slice their hours short—often closing by 4:00 PM or 6:00 PM so team members can get home to their families. Do not count on a late-night nugget run on December 24th.
The New Year’s & July 4th Variations
Holidays that involve heavy travel or late-night celebrations (like New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the 4th of July) see the widest variance in store hours. While corporate allows stores to open, local operators may choose a late start (e.g., opening at 8:00 AM instead of 6:30 AM) or an early close.
Non-Traditional Holidays: Cow Appreciation Day 2026
While not an official corporate closure, circle Tuesday, July 14, 2026 on your calendar. Chick-fil-A is officially reviving its beloved Cow Appreciation Day. Locations will be operating regular hours (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time for the promo), and anyone who shows up dressed in cow attire scores a free entrée.
Chick-fil-A Thanksgiving Hours 2026
Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving Day nationwide. This has been a long-standing company tradition and applies to nearly all locations.
If you want Chick-fil-A for your holiday gathering, consider ordering catering or meal trays before Thanksgiving Day.
Chick-fil-A Christmas Hours 2026
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are open on Christmas Eve. However, many locations close earlier than usual, and operating hours may vary by restaurant. It’s recommended to check with your local restaurant before visiting.
Christmas Day (December 25)
All Chick-fil-A restaurants are closed on Christmas Day so team members can spend time with family and friends.
Is Chick-fil-A Open on New Year’s Day 2026?
Yes, most Chick-fil-A locations are open on New Year’s Day. However, some restaurants may operate on modified holiday schedules, especially those located in malls, airports, or college campuses. Checking local hours before your visit is recommended.
Is Chick-fil-A Open on Easter?
Since Easter Sunday always falls on a Sunday, Chick-fil-A locations are closed. The company closes every Sunday throughout the year, regardless of whether it is a holiday.
Is Chick-fil-A Open on Memorial Day?
Yes, Chick-fil-A is typically open on Memorial Day and follows regular business hours at most locations. Some restaurants may adjust their schedules slightly based on local demand.
Why Is Chick-fil-A Closed on Sundays?
Chick-fil-A’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, established the policy of closing on Sundays to give employees a day for rest, family time, and worship if they choose. This tradition continues today and also extends to Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day closures.
Why Do Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours Vary?
While Chick-fil-A sets company-wide policies regarding major closures, individual franchise owners often determine exact holiday operating hours.
Hours can vary based on:
- Local demand
- Staffing availability
- Shopping mall schedules
- Airport or campus requirements
- Weather conditions
This means one location may close earlier than another during holiday periods.
How to Check Your Local Chick-fil-A Holiday Hours
Because Chick-fil-A operates on a joint-venture franchise model, local operators have the final say on holiday adjustments—especially in non-traditional locations like malls, airports, college campuses, and transit centers.
To ensure you don’t miss out on holiday catering or a morning run of Chick-n-Minis, follow these steps before you leave the house:
- Open the Chick-fil-A App: If a store has modified holiday hours, the app updates its ordering availability windows in real-time.
- Use the Online Restaurant Locator: Visit the official website, plug in your zip code, and check the specific “Store Hours” listed for that calendar date.
- Order Catering Early: If you are planning to order nugget trays or gallons of lemonade for a holiday weekend barbecue or Christmas Eve gathering, place your order at least 24 to 48 hours in advance, as pickup slots fill up rapidly before a designated closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While Chick-fil-A has company-wide closures on certain holidays, individual franchise operators may adjust opening and closing times on holidays such as New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Eve.
Airport locations may follow different schedules than standalone restaurants. Some airport Chick-fil-A restaurants operate on Sundays and may have unique holiday hours based on airport policies.
Mall-based Chick-fil-A locations often follow the operating schedule of the shopping center. As a result, their holiday hours may differ from freestanding restaurants.
Yes. Chick-fil-A offers catering services throughout most of the year. During major holidays, it’s best to place orders several days in advance due to increased demand and possible holiday closures.
Yes. The Chick-fil-A app typically displays the most up-to-date hours for your selected restaurant, including special holiday schedules and temporary changes.
Most locations update their holiday schedules a few days to a few weeks before major holidays. Customers can check the app, website, or contact their local restaurant for the latest information.
Delivery availability depends on the restaurant location and third-party delivery partners. Even if a restaurant is open, delivery hours may be limited during holidays.
In some locations, the drive-thru may remain open later than the dining room during holiday periods. Checking local restaurant hours is recommended before visiting.
Final Thoughts
Chick-fil-A’s 2026 holiday schedule is easy to remember: the chain remains open on most federal holidays but closes nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and every Sunday. Because holiday hours can vary by location, checking your local restaurant before visiting is always the best way to avoid surprises.
Whether you’re grabbing breakfast on New Year’s Day or planning a holiday catering order, a quick calendar check can help ensure your Chick-fil-A cravings are satisfied all year long.