Where to Dine and Shop on New Year’s Eve? Here’s What’s Open

As the world gets ready to welcome 2025, most retailers, restaurants, and fast food places will be open on New Year’s Eve, thus leaving the world with several choices between dining in, drive-through or takeout. However, the hours might be different, since some outlets close earlier because of holiday hours.

Here’s a list of what you can do on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, culled from USA Today:.

Retail Stores Open on New Year’s Eve

• Walmart: All Walmart stores will be open during their normal hours on Dec. 31, 2024.
• Target: Target locations will be open but will close at 9 p.m. local time.
• Costco: Most of the Costco stores will open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
  Quick-service and coffee chains
• Starbucks: Operating hours vary by location. For specific hours, customers should check the store’s hours on the Starbucks app or website.
• Dunkin’: Most locations will be open, but hours may vary. Use the Dunkin’ Rewards app or store locator for accurate details.
• McDonald’s: Locations: it will be open, yet opening hours depend on the branch, so check online first about your local restaurant’s schedules.
• Chick-fil-A: Most locations will be open, but some will close early. Check with your local restaurant for hours.
• Taco Bell: Hours will vary by location. Check your local branch’s website for specific details.
• Subway: Because Subway locations are independently owned, hours are different. Check with your local restaurant for holiday hours.

Casual Dining Chains

• Cracker Barrel: Open on Dec. 31 during regular hours.
• IHOP: Open, but hours may vary by location. Check with your local branch for details.
• Applebee’s: Open, though some outlets might operate on reduced schedules. Check with your local Applebee’s.
• Chili’s: Open regular hours on New Year’s Eve.
• Texas Roadhouse: Regular hours will apply.
• Hooters: Open from 11 a.m. local time and will close following the conclusion of the Fiesta Bowl college football game, which starts at 7:30 p.m. ET.
• Red Lobster: Will have regular hours everywhere except New York Times Square, as that one closes at 3 p.m. ET.

Upscale Dining and Steakhouse Options

• Outback Steakhouse: Most locations will remain open, but hours may be altered. Contact your local for details.
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill: Open, schedule varies by location.
• Olive Garden: All locations will operate on regular hours, except for the Times Square location, which will remain closed.
• Bonefish Grill: Open, though hours may vary at local locations.
• Fogo de Chão: 11 a.m. -10:30 p.m.

Regional and Specialty Restaurants

• Whataburger: Open on regular hours.
• First Watch: Also open on regular hours.

Dining Out on New Year’s Eve

While most fast-food chains and restaurants will be open, their operating hours might vary depending on location, region, and customer demand. To avoid any last-minute inconvenience, it’s always recommended to call ahead or check online for updated schedules. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee, a celebratory meal, or a late-night snack, these options ensure ample dining choices to help you bid farewell to 2024.