The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and often, a break from the usual routine. However, sometimes it can also bring unexpected cravings for your favorite fast food, and for many, Sonic Drive-In is a go-to spot. Whether you’re traveling or just not in the mood to cook, the question arises: Is Sonic open on Christmas Day? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question, as well as other important details about Sonic’s holiday hours, menu options, and tips for enjoying your holiday with the help of this popular drive-in chain.
What Is Sonic Drive-In?
Before we dive into the specifics of Sonic’s holiday hours, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what makes Sonic Drive-In so unique. Founded in 1953, Sonic has become an iconic American fast food chain known for its nostalgic drive-in format, where customers order from their cars and are served by carhops, often on roller skates. With a menu that includes a variety of burgers, hot dogs, slushes, milkshakes, and more, Sonic has carved out a niche in the fast food industry as a beloved place for both meals and snacks.
Its signature offerings, such as Cherry Limeades, Tater Tots, and an extensive selection of drinks and milkshakes, have made it a favorite among people looking for something a bit different from typical fast food chains. But when the holidays roll around, many fans wonder whether they’ll be able to enjoy these treats on Christmas Day.
Does Sonic Open on Christmas Day?
Sonic’s Typical Holiday Hours
When it comes to the holiday season, most fast food chains, including Sonic, tend to adjust their hours based on the holiday in question. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve are particularly busy times for both businesses and customers, and most establishments either reduce their hours or close altogether to allow employees to enjoy time with their families.
Sonic generally follows this pattern. While Sonic locations are typically open on many holidays—such as New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, and Independence Day—they often close or operate with reduced hours on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Based on previous years, Sonic is usually closed on Christmas Day at most locations.
The Reason Behind Sonic Closing on Christmas Day
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the United States, and it is often seen as a time for families and friends to gather for meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate together. Many businesses, including Sonic, choose to close on Christmas Day to allow their employees the chance to enjoy the holiday with their loved ones.
This practice not only helps employees get a much-needed break during the busiest time of the year but also aligns with a general societal expectation that businesses pause operations for this important holiday.
How Can You Confirm Whether Your Local Sonic Is Open?
Check the Sonic Drive-In Website or App
Though it is common for Sonic locations to close on Christmas Day, some might operate with limited hours, depending on the location. Sonic is a franchise, which means each location has some autonomy when it comes to setting its hours of operation, including on holidays. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the official Sonic Drive-In website or mobile app for up-to-date information on holiday hours for your specific location.
The Sonic app is especially useful because it allows you to quickly find the nearest location, view current hours, and even place an order ahead of time if the location is open. You can also receive notifications regarding special holiday promotions or changes in hours.
Call Your Local Sonic
Another reliable way to check if your local Sonic is open on Christmas Day is to call the store directly. Many Sonic locations will update their phone messages with information regarding holiday hours, so you can find out quickly whether they will be serving customers on Christmas.
If the store does not provide automated holiday hours information, calling and speaking with a staff member can give you the confirmation you need. This is especially important if you’re planning to grab a last-minute meal or treat on Christmas.
Use Google or Other Search Engines
Google Maps and other location-based services often provide up-to-date business hours for local stores, including holiday hours. By simply searching “Sonic near me,” you can quickly see the operating hours for your nearest Sonic location. Keep in mind, though, that these hours might not always be perfectly accurate, especially on holidays when hours change, so it’s still a good idea to verify directly with the store.
Also Read: Sonic Flavors Slush
What Are Sonic’s Alternative Holiday Hours?
Christmas Eve Hours
While Sonic may not be open on Christmas Day, most locations are open on Christmas Eve, though they may close earlier than usual. Christmas Eve is typically a busy day for fast food restaurants, as many people are out shopping, running errands, and preparing for the holiday festivities. If you’re craving a Sonic meal or drink, Christmas Eve could be a good opportunity to swing by before they close for the holiday.
Again, checking with your local Sonic regarding Christmas Eve hours is crucial, as they can vary from location to location.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Another major holiday right around the corner from Christmas is New Year’s Eve, and many people wonder if Sonic is open as they ring in the new year. Fortunately, Sonic is usually open on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, though hours might be slightly adjusted. Whether you’re grabbing a meal before heading to a New Year’s Eve party or looking to nurse a New Year’s Day hangover with some Tater Tots and a milkshake, Sonic is generally a reliable option during this time.
Alternatives to Sonic on Christmas Day
If Sonic is closed on Christmas Day, you might wonder what your options are. While it can be disappointing to miss out on your favorite Sonic treats, there are other fast food chains and restaurants that tend to stay open on Christmas. Some of the most common alternatives include:
- McDonald’s: Many McDonald’s locations remain open on Christmas Day, though hours may vary.
- Denny’s: Known for being open 24/7, Denny’s is a go-to spot for holiday dining when most other places are closed.
- Starbucks: If you’re just in the mood for a festive coffee or snack, Starbucks often has locations open on Christmas.
- IHOP: Another restaurant that often remains open on Christmas, IHOP offers both breakfast and lunch options.
Each of these chains may have limited hours, so it’s still a good idea to call ahead or check online before heading out.
Tips for Enjoying Sonic During the Holidays
If you’re planning to make Sonic a part of your holiday celebrations but are concerned about closures, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Order ahead: If Sonic is open on Christmas Eve, consider placing a large order ahead of time that you can enjoy on Christmas Day. Items like burgers, hot dogs, and even their famous Tater Tots can be reheated.
- Stock up on drinks: Sonic is known for its wide selection of drinks and slushes, so why not grab a few extra to have on hand for Christmas Day? With so many flavors to choose from, it can add a fun and tasty twist to your holiday festivities.
- Check for promotions: Sonic often runs special holiday promotions, especially during the month of December. Keep an eye on their website and app for potential deals leading up to Christmas.
While Sonic is typically closed on Christmas Day, the holiday season doesn’t have to pass without some of your favorite Sonic treats. By planning ahead and checking local store hours, you can still enjoy Sonic on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day. And with plenty of alternative dining options available on Christmas, you won’t have to go hungry, even if Sonic is taking a well-deserved break.
So, before heading out to Sonic this holiday season, make sure to verify their holiday hours—whether by visiting the website, using the Sonic app, or calling your local store directly. With a little preparation, you can make the most of Sonic’s offerings, even during the busiest time of year.
