If you’re planning a visit to Cookout during a holiday, it’s important to know whether your local restaurant is open. While Cookout is famous for its late-night burgers, BBQ trays, milkshakes, and affordable meals, holiday schedules can be different from regular operating hours.
This guide covers the Cookout Holiday Schedule 2026, including major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, and more.
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Is Cookout Open on Holidays?
Yes, Cookout is open on most federal and national holidays. However, the chain traditionally closes on a few major holidays to allow employees to spend time with their families. Holiday schedules can vary slightly by location, so checking with your local restaurant before visiting is always recommended.
Cookout Holiday Hours 2026
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Operational Status | Expected Hours |
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Valentine’s Day | Saturday, February 14 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 16 | Open | Regular Hours |
| St. Patrick’s Day | Tuesday, March 17 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Good Friday | Friday, April 3 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday, April 5 | Closed or Varies | Check Local Store (Many Locations Close) |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Columbus Day | Monday, October 12 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Halloween | Saturday, October 31 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, November 11 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | CLOSED | All Locations Closed |
| Black Friday | Friday, November 27 | Open | Regular Hours |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday, December 24 | Limited Hours | Closes Early (Typically evening shutdown) |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | CLOSED | All Locations Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | Thursday, December 31 | Limited Hours | Modified Evening Hours |
Hours may vary by location.
Holidays When Cook Out Is Closed
Cookout is generally closed on the following holidays:
Thanksgiving Day
Most Cook Out locations remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. Customers should plan ahead if they want to order food before the holiday.
Christmas Day
Cookout locations are typically closed all day on Christmas Day. Restaurants usually reopen with normal business hours the following day.
Easter Sunday
Many Cookout restaurants close on Easter Sunday, although some locations may choose to operate with modified hours. It’s best to confirm with your nearest restaurant.
Christmas Eve Hours
Cookout is usually open on Christmas Eve but may close earlier than normal. Historically, some locations have closed around 11:00 PM rather than operating late into the night. Hours can differ by location.
New Year’s Eve Hours
Most Cook Out locations remain open on New Year’s Eve. However, some restaurants may adjust their closing times due to local demand or staffing requirements.
Standard Operating Hours vs. Holiday Shifts
On a standard day, Cookout locations follow a highly reliable schedule designed to satisfy both lunch crowds and late-night cravings. Before heading out, you can check the complete details of Cookout regular hours to see how their weekday and weekend schedules differ. Generally, a typical location opens its doors and drive-thru around 10:30 AM and won’t lock up until 3:30 AM (Sunday through Thursday) or 4:00 AM (Friday and Saturday).
When Cookout is listed as “Open” on a holiday (like Independence Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day), they stick exactly to this late-night schedule. It is business as usual for the kitchen crews.
However, the exceptions are strict:
- The Hard Closures: Cookout corporate ensures that all employees get to spend Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day with their families. Grills are completely off.
- The Limited Windows: On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, stores operate on a modified schedule. While they will open at 10:30 AM, they frequently close early in the evening (often around 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM) rather than running through the early morning hours.
- The Easter Variable: Easter Sunday hours depend heavily on whether the specific location is a corporate-owned store or a specific franchise patch. Many locations close entirely, while some open late.
How to Check Your Local Cookout Holiday Hours
Since holiday schedules can vary, you can verify your local restaurant’s hours by:
- Calling the restaurant directly.
- Visiting the official Cookout website’s location finder.
- Checking Google Maps listings for updated holiday hours.
- Looking at Cookout’s social media announcements during major holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, most Cookout locations are expected to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day.
No, Cookout traditionally closes all locations on Christmas Day.
Many locations close on Easter Sunday, though some restaurants may operate with modified schedules.
Yes, most locations are open on New Year’s Day, although hours may vary by location.
Yes, many locations operate with shorter hours and may close earlier than usual on Christmas Eve.
Not always. Holiday schedules may vary by location, so it’s best to confirm hours with your local restaurant before visiting.
Yes, Cookout is generally open on Independence Day (July 4th) and serves customers throughout the holiday.
Final Words
Cookout remains open for most holidays throughout the year, making it a convenient option when many restaurants are closed. However, customers should expect closures on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, along with possible reduced hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to verify holiday hours with your local Cookout restaurant to avoid surprises.