Is B-Dubs Open on Christmas Day? No, Closed Nationwide

Is B-Dubs open on Christmas Day? No, Buffalo Wild Wings — commonly known as B-Dubs — is closed on Christmas Day across nearly all of its locations in the United States and Canada. This nationwide closure aligns with the company’s longstanding policy of giving team members a chance to celebrate the holiday with their families, making it one of the many popular dining chains that choose not to operate on December 25th. If you’re searching for whether is bdubs open on christmas day, the clear answer is no — plan accordingly and explore alternative meal options or prepare in advance.

Christmas Day Operating Hours: What to Expect from B-Dubs

While Buffalo Wild Wings operates year-round at most locations, Christmas Day is one of the few exceptions when the vast majority of restaurants remain closed. This includes both corporate-owned and independently franchised outlets. Though franchise agreements allow individual owners some discretion in setting hours, the overwhelming trend is full closure on December 25th. There are currently no official reports or announcements indicating any B-Dubs locations will be open on Christmas Day in 2024, and historical data shows consistent closures dating back over a decade.

The decision reflects broader industry patterns. Many casual dining and fast-casual chains — including Applebee’s, Chili’s, Outback Steakhouse, and TGI Fridays — also close on Christmas Day. Exceptions typically include fast-food giants like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and select convenience store chains such as Wawa or Sheetz, which may offer limited service.

Why Is B-Dubs Closed on Christmas?

The closure stems from a combination of employee welfare policies, customer demand trends, and operational logistics. Unlike holidays such as Super Bowl Sunday — where B-Dubs sees peak traffic due to game-day wing consumption — Christmas does not present the same level of dining urgency. Most consumers prioritize home-cooked meals, family gatherings, or religious observances over eating out.

Additionally, offering time off on major holidays improves employee morale and retention. For hourly workers in the restaurant industry, having Christmas Day free is a valuable benefit. By closing, B-Dubs supports work-life balance during a high-stress season. The company has not issued an official public statement detailing this policy, but internal guidelines and regional manager communications consistently reinforce holiday closures.

Historical Precedent and Franchise Variability

Over the past 15 years, Buffalo Wild Wings has maintained near-total shutdowns on Christmas Day. Independent franchisees have the contractual right to open if they choose, but doing so would go against brand norms and could affect community perception. As of 2023, only a negligible number of outlier locations — possibly near airports or tourist-heavy zones — have considered partial operations, but none were confirmed to remain open.

In rare cases, certain B-Dubs locations inside sports arenas or travel hubs might adjust schedules differently, but these are exceptions rather than the rule. Even then, airport-based branches often follow reduced hours on major holidays. Travelers should not assume availability and must verify directly with the specific location.

How To Confirm Your Local B-Dubs’ Christmas Hours

Although the national standard is closure, it's wise to double-check your nearest Buffalo Wild Wings before making plans. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to buffalowildwings.com and use the store locator tool. Enter your zip code or city to find nearby restaurants. Click on the specific location to view holiday hours, which are usually updated by early December.
2. Call Ahead: Phone numbers for individual stores are listed online. Calling a day or two before Christmas allows you to confirm closure status directly with staff.
3. Check Google Business Profile: Search “Buffalo Wild Wings near me” on Google. Each listing displays real-time updates, including special holiday hours posted by managers.
4. Follow Social Media: Some locations announce schedule changes via Facebook or X (formerly Twitter). While not all franchises are active online, larger urban outlets may post timely updates.

Note: Even if a location appears open based on automated systems, human verification remains crucial. Automated scheduling software sometimes fails to reflect temporary holiday adjustments.

Alternatives If You Crave Wings on Christmas

If you're set on enjoying buffalo-style chicken on December 25th, several alternatives exist:

• Cook at Home: Make your own wings using frozen products available at grocery stores. Brands like Tyson, Perdue, and Publix offer pre-seasoned, oven-ready wings that mimic B-Dubs’ flavor profiles.
• Order Grocery Delivery: Services like Instacart or Amazon Fresh deliver frozen wings, sauces, and sides quickly. Pair them with celery and blue cheese for an authentic experience.
• Dine at Open Chains: While B-Dubs is closed, some restaurants serve similar fare. Consider:

Restaurant	Christmas Day Status	Wing-Like Options
Wingstop	Limited locations open	All-natural chicken wings, multiple sauces
Popeyes	Some open (urban areas)	Spicy chicken tenders, fried chicken
Chick-fil-A	Closed	N/A
KFC	Select locations open	Fried chicken buckets, mashed potatoes
Applebee’s	Closed	N/A

Always confirm availability through the respective chain’s website or app.

When Does B-Dubs Reopen After Christmas?

Most Buffalo Wild Wings locations resume normal operating hours on December 26th, also known as Boxing Day in some countries. Typical opening times range from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with extended evening hours due to post-holiday foot traffic. Some locations may open earlier to accommodate guests looking for lunch after gift exchanges or travel.

This period often sees promotional deals, such as discounted appetizers or drink specials, aimed at drawing customers back after the holiday break. Signing up for the B-Dubs email list or downloading the mobile app can provide access to exclusive post-Christmas offers.

Common Misconceptions About Holiday Hours

Several myths persist about B-Dubs’ Christmas operations:

• Misconception 1: “B-Dubs stays open because people want wings.” While convenient, demand doesn’t justify staffing costs on a low-traffic day.
• Misconception 2: “Franchise owners can decide to open freely.” While technically true, social expectations and brand consistency discourage deviations.
• Misconception 3: “Airport locations stay open.” Most do not; even those in major terminals like O’Hare or JFK observe holiday closures unless under different management contracts.

Tips for Planning Holiday Meals Around Restaurant Closures

To avoid disappointment during the holiday season:

• Plan Ahead: Assume popular sit-down and fast-casual chains will be closed on Christmas Day unless proven otherwise.
• Stock Up Early: Purchase snacks, drinks, and frozen meals before Christmas Eve, as grocery stores may also reduce hours on the 25th.
• Use Takeout Apps Wisely: Platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats may show B-Dubs as unavailable. Check what local restaurants are actually operating before placing orders.
• Support Local Eateries: Some small, independent restaurants remain open and appreciate holiday business. These often provide unique menus and personalized service.

Other Holidays When B-Dubs Is Typically Closed

In addition to Christmas Day, Buffalo Wild Wings generally closes or operates on limited hours during other major holidays:

• Thanksgiving Day: Closed at most locations.
• New Year’s Day: Open, but may have delayed opening (e.g., noon).
• Easter Sunday: Open with regular weekend hours.
• Independence Day: Open, often with promotions.
• Labor Day: Open, frequently used for end-of-summer sales.

Game days, especially NFL Sundays and March Madness, almost always guarantee full operation — sometimes with extended hours.

Final Thoughts: Respecting the Holiday Tradition

The closure of B-Dubs on Christmas Day reflects more than just logistics — it honors a cultural tradition of rest, reflection, and family connection. In an era of constant availability, choosing to close sends a meaningful message about valuing employees and recognizing the significance of shared holidays. So while fans of spicy wings may need to wait until the 26th, knowing that is bdubs open on christmas day results in a definitive 'no' helps set realistic expectations and encourages thoughtful planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any Buffalo Wild Wings open on Christmas Day?

No verified locations are open on Christmas Day. All corporate and nearly all franchise locations close for the holiday.

Does B-Dubs offer takeout or delivery on Christmas?

No. Since physical locations are closed, third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats cannot fulfill orders from B-Dubs on December 25th.

Are B-Dubs restaurants open on Christmas Eve?

Yes, most locations are open on Christmas Eve, often with regular or extended hours. Some may close early (e.g., 8 PM), so checking ahead is recommended.

Will B-Dubs be open on New Year’s Day?

Yes, most B-Dubs locations reopen on New Year’s Day, typically starting at noon or earlier, depending on local demand.

Can franchise owners decide to open on Christmas?

Technically yes, but practically no. No known franchises have opened on Christmas in recent history due to staffing, branding, and community expectations.