Ah, the holy grail of Christmas hunger: fast food. Your mileage may vary wildly. McDonald’s, Burger King, and Taco Bell have some locations open, but it’s a total crapshoot. The golden arches might be glowing, or they might be dark as a starless night. Pro tip: call ahead, because nothing ruins Christmas like craving a McFlurry and finding a locked door. Starbucks? Most are closed, but if you spot a standalone one in a hospital or truck stop, you’ve hit the caffeine jackpot.
And let’s not forget Chinese restaurants—they’re the official Christmas dinner of choice for many. Seriously, a huge number of them stay open (bless their souls and their sesame chicken). It’s a tradition as old as, well, eating Chinese food on a holiday. Just tip your waiter extra, because they’re missing the tinsel for you.