As the holiday season approaches, many Whataburger fans wonder about the restaurant’s hours during Christmas. Whataburger locations will close at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve (December 24) and remain closed on Christmas Day (December 25).
This brief closure allows Whataburger employees to spend time with their families during the holiday. The popular fast-food chain, known for its bigger, better burgers and distinctive orange and white striped buildings, typically operates 24/7 throughout the year.
Whataburger restaurants will reopen at 6 a.m. on December 26, resuming their regular round-the-clock service. Customers can once again enjoy their favorite menu items, including the Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger and the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, after the brief holiday break.
Whataburger Overview
Whataburger is a popular fast food chain founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Known for its signature burgers and orange-and-white striped buildings, it has grown into a beloved regional brand.
The company operates over 900 locations across 14 states, with a strong presence in Texas and the Southern United States. Whataburger restaurants are primarily franchised, though some remain company-owned.
Its menu features made-to-order burgers on large, toasted buns. The original Whataburger remains a staple, alongside specialty items like the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich and Monterey Melt.
Whataburger prides itself on 24/7 service at most locations. Restaurants typically operate around the clock, 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas Day.
The chain has cultivated a loyal following, particularly in Texas where it’s considered a cultural icon. Its commitment to quality ingredients and customizable options has helped it compete with larger national chains.
Regular Operating Hours
Whataburger offers extensive hours to serve customers around the clock at most locations. The chain’s commitment to accessibility is evident in its operating schedule.
24/7 Locations
Most Whataburger restaurants operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These locations never close, providing a constant source of burgers, fries, and other menu items. Customers can satisfy their cravings at any time, day or night.
The full menu is typically available from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. During late-night hours, a modified menu may be offered.
Drive-thru service is often available 24/7, even when dining rooms close for cleaning or maintenance.
Limited Hours Locations
Some Whataburger restaurants, particularly those in venues with restricted access, may have different operating times. These locations often follow the hours of their host establishments.
Mall-based Whataburgers usually align with shopping center hours. Airport locations might open early for breakfast and close after the last flight.
In certain areas, local regulations may impact operating hours. Some communities restrict 24-hour businesses, leading to adjusted schedules.
What time does Whataburger open tomorrow? For most locations, it’s open all day. Always check with your local restaurant for specific hours.
Holiday Schedule Breakdown
Whataburger operates on a unique holiday schedule, balancing customer service with employee well-being. The fast-food chain maintains consistent hours for most holidays while making exceptions for major observances.
Major Holidays
Whataburger closes completely on Christmas Day, giving employees time off to celebrate. On Christmas Eve, restaurants shut early at 6 p.m. and reopen at 6 a.m. on December 26. Thanksgiving and Easter Sunday see regular hours at most locations. New Year’s Day, July 4th, and Labor Day typically follow standard operating times. During these major holidays, it’s wise to check with local Whataburger restaurants for any location-specific changes.
Minor Holidays
For minor holidays like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Mardi Gras, Whataburger maintains its usual 24/7 schedule. The chain operates normally on Juneteenth, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day. Columbus Day and Presidents’ Day see no alterations to regular business hours. Whataburger’s commitment to serving customers around the clock extends to these lesser holidays, ensuring consistent availability for burger enthusiasts throughout the year.
Whataburger Holiday Dining
Whataburger offers holiday dining options with some adjustments to their regular schedule. The fast-food chain remains open for most holidays throughout the year, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite meals.
On Thanksgiving, Whataburger typically maintains regular hours. Diners can grab a burger or other menu items before or after their traditional turkey dinner.
Christmas Eve sees a slight change in operations. Whataburger locations close early at 6 p.m. on December 24th. This allows employees to spend time with their families while still serving customers for most of the day.
Christmas Day is the only day Whataburger completely closes its doors. All locations remain shut on December 25th to observe the holiday.
New Year’s Eve often brings extended hours at many Whataburger restaurants. Patrons can ring in the new year with a late-night burger or breakfast item, depending on local demand and staffing.
For those seeking holiday dining at Whataburger, it’s advisable to check with local restaurants for specific hours. While most follow the general holiday schedule, some locations may have variations based on their particular circumstances.
Whataburger’s commitment to holiday dining ensures that customers can enjoy their favorite meals during festive times, with the exception of Christmas Day.
Special Holiday Adjustments
Whataburger modifies its operating hours during certain holidays to accommodate customer demand and employee needs. These adjustments include both extended and reduced hours depending on the occasion.
Extended Hours
Whataburger extends its hours on select holidays to cater to increased customer traffic. Black Friday sees many locations opening earlier than usual, often at 5 AM, to serve shoppers looking for a quick meal before or after their shopping sprees. Some restaurants may remain open 24 hours on this day to maximize sales opportunities.
The day before Thanksgiving also experiences extended hours at many Whataburger locations. Restaurants often stay open later to serve customers preparing for the holiday or travelers arriving in town. Extended hours typically last until midnight or even 24 hours in some high-traffic areas.
Reduced Hours
Whataburger reduces its hours on certain holidays to allow employees time off. Christmas Eve is a notable example, with most locations closing early at 6 PM. This enables staff to spend time with family while still serving customers for most of the day.
Easter Monday may see some Whataburger locations operating on reduced hours, opening later or closing earlier than usual. However, this can vary by location and local demand. Customers are advised to check with their nearest restaurant for specific holiday hours.
During these periods of reduced hours, drive-thru service may be prioritized over dine-in options to efficiently serve customers while managing staffing levels.
Navigating Whataburger Hours
Whataburger offers convenient tools to help customers find accurate operating hours and locate nearby restaurants. These resources prove especially useful during holiday periods when schedules may differ from the usual 24/7 service.
Online Store Locator
Whataburger’s website features a user-friendly store locator tool. Customers can enter their address, city, or zip code to find nearby locations. The locator displays a list of restaurants with their addresses and phone numbers. It also shows the current status of each location – open or closed. During holidays, the tool updates to reflect modified hours. For Christmas Eve, it indicates the early closure at 6 p.m. The locator clearly marks the Christmas Day closure for all restaurants.
Users can click on individual locations for more details. This includes a map, directions, and specific amenities like drive-thru availability. The store locator proves invaluable for checking if a Whataburger is open today, especially around holidays.
Mobile App Functionality
Whataburger’s mobile app offers enhanced features for tracking restaurant hours. Users can save their favorite locations for quick access. The app provides real-time updates on operating status and any temporary changes. Push notifications alert customers to holiday schedule adjustments.
The app’s GPS integration allows for easy navigation to the nearest open Whataburger. It displays estimated travel times and can launch map directions. Users can also view menu items and place mobile orders through the app. This feature proves particularly useful during busy holiday periods, allowing customers to skip long lines.
Customer Service Contact Information
Whataburger offers several ways for customers to get in touch with their support team. For general inquiries and assistance, customers can call the toll-free number 1-800-6BURGER (1-800-628-4737).
This phone line is typically available during regular business hours. Customers can use it to ask questions about menu items, restaurant locations, or special promotions.
For those who prefer digital communication, Whataburger maintains an active presence on social media platforms. Their official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram often respond to customer queries.
The company website (www.whataburger.com) features a comprehensive FAQ section. It covers topics like nutritional information, allergen details, and franchise opportunities.
Customers can also use the “Contact Us” form on the website to submit specific questions or feedback. This method is particularly useful for non-urgent inquiries or detailed comments about dining experiences.
For location-specific issues, contacting the individual restaurant directly is often the most efficient approach. Store contact information can be found using the restaurant locator tool on Whataburger’s website.
Comparative Holiday Hours
Whataburger’s holiday hours differ from several other fast food and casual dining chains. Some competitors remain open on Christmas Day, while others close early or shut down completely.
Competitor Analysis
McDonald’s typically keeps many locations open on Christmas Day, though hours may be reduced. Burger King follows a similar approach, with select restaurants operating on December 25th. Wendy’s usually closes all locations on Christmas Day.
IHOP often keeps most restaurants open 24/7, including Christmas. Applebee’s tends to close on December 25th, but individual franchises may choose to open. Hooters generally closes on Christmas Day. Subway’s holiday hours vary widely by location, with some open and others closed.
Most chains reduce hours on Christmas Eve. McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s often close early, around 6-8 PM. IHOP and some Subways may maintain regular hours. Applebee’s and Hooters typically close early on December 24th.