Panda Express Holiday Hours 2026: Full Schedule & Everything
Quick Answer: Panda Express stays open on most holidays in 2026 with reduced hours, but individual locations vary always confirm before visiting.
You’re craving orange chicken and fried rice on a holiday, and the real question is whether Panda Express is actually open. It’s one of the most Googled restaurant questions every holiday season, and in 2026, the answer isn’t always as simple as yes or no.
Here you’ll find every major holiday covered Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and beyond along with drive-thru, delivery, and catering details.
Panda Express Holiday Hours 2026: Full Overview
Panda Express remains open on most U.S. holidays, though hours are frequently reduced compared to a standard business day. The key exceptions are Christmas Day and Thanksgiving, where many locations close or operate with a skeleton crew.
Because individual franchise locations set their own schedules, the table below reflects typical patterns — not a guaranteed universal policy. Always verify your specific restaurant, especially for major holiday weekends.
| Holiday | Status | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Open – Reduced Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Valentine’s Day | Open – Regular Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Easter Sunday | Open – Reduced Hours | 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Mother’s Day | Open – Regular Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Memorial Day | Open – Regular Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Independence Day | Open – Reduced Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Labor Day | Open – Regular Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Halloween | Open – Regular Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thanksgiving Day | Varies (Many Closed) | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (if open) |
| Christmas Eve | Open – Reduced Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Christmas Day | Closed (Most Locations) | Closed |
| New Year’s Eve | Open – Regular Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Is Panda Express Open on New Year’s Day 2026?
Yes, Panda Express is open on New Year’s Day, though most locations trim their hours slightly, typically running from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Hours may vary by location depending on local traffic.
New Year’s Day is generally a low-key dining day at Panda Express waits are short and the crowd is thin. If you’re recovering from the night before and need a comfort meal, this is actually one of the easier holiday visits you’ll have.
Is Panda Express Open on Easter 2026?
Most Panda Express locations are open on Easter Sunday, operating on a reduced schedule that typically wraps up around 8:00 PM. It’s a reliable option for families who aren’t doing a traditional home dinner.
Afternoon hours on Easter between 1:00 and 3:00 PM tend to be the busiest as families head out after morning services. Arriving before noon or after 4:00 PM usually means faster service and fresher food.
Is Panda Express Open on Memorial Day 2026?
The good news is Panda Express is open on Memorial Day at nearly all locations, usually running a full schedule through 10:00 PM. It’s one of the most consistent holidays for the chain.
Memorial Day doesn’t typically create the same restaurant rush as Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve. That said, hours may vary by location, mall-based branches follow the shopping center’s holiday hours, which can differ from standalone restaurants.
Is Panda Express Open on the 4th of July 2026?
Yes — Panda Express is open on Independence Day, but expect shorter hours at many locations, typically closing between 8:00 and 9:00 PM to account for evening fireworks events.
Lunch hours on the Fourth of July are your best window foot traffic is lighter early in the day before cookouts and fireworks pull people away. Plan your visit before 2:00 PM for the shortest waits.
Is Panda Express Open on Labor Day 2026?
Panda Express is open on Labor Day at the vast majority of locations, usually on a regular schedule running through 10:00 PM. This is one of the most reliably open holidays across the chain.
Labor Day tends to be a great day to visit foot traffic is moderate, and kitchen turnover keeps the food fresh throughout the afternoon. Individual franchise locations set their own schedules, so a quick app check takes 30 seconds and eliminates all doubt.
Is Panda Express Open on Thanksgiving 2026?
This one is genuinely mixed some Panda Express locations open on Thanksgiving, while others close entirely. Corporate-owned restaurants more often stay shut, while franchise and airport locations are more likely to stay open.
Do not assume your local Panda Express is open on Thanksgiving without checking. Calling the location directly the day before is the only way to know for certain in your market.
Panda Express Thanksgiving Hours 2026 (Predicted)
For locations that do open on Thanksgiving, expected hours run roughly 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM a condensed window compared to a normal operating day. Airport and food court branches are most likely to be open.
If you’re traveling on Thanksgiving and need a quick meal, airport Panda Express locations are your most reliable bet. Standalone suburban restaurants are far more likely to be completely dark on that day.
Is Panda Express Open on Christmas Eve 2026?
Most Panda Express locations are open on Christmas Eve, but they close earlier than usual typically by 6:00 PM to give staff time to get home for the holiday. Plan your visit for the afternoon.
Christmas Eve sees a midday surge as last-minute shoppers grab quick meals between errands. Hitting Panda Express between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Christmas Eve tends to catch it before the afternoon rush hits its peak.
Panda Express Christmas Eve Hours 2026
Based on past patterns, Christmas Eve hours at Panda Express run from approximately 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours may vary by location, especially for mall and food court branches that follow center-wide holiday schedules.
If your nearest location is inside a shopping mall, the mall’s closing time effectively sets the pharmacy’s closing time on Christmas Eve. Check the mall’s holiday hours in addition to Panda Express’s own schedule to avoid confusion.
Is Panda Express Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Most Panda Express locations are closed on Christmas Day — it’s the one holiday the chain most consistently shuts down. Exceptions exist at airports and 24-hour travel centers where demand never stops.
Don’t plan a Christmas Day Panda Express meal without specifically confirming your location is open. Even if a nearby location operates, its menu and hours may be extremely limited on December 25th.
Panda Express Drive-Thru Holiday Hours
Panda Express drive-thru lanes typically operate on the same holiday schedule as the dining room at that location. However, some drive-thru windows close slightly earlier — sometimes up to an hour before the main counter.
On high-demand holidays like Christmas Eve, drive-thru lines can back up significantly. Ordering ahead through the Panda Express app and using curbside pickup is a much faster option on any busy holiday.
Panda Express Delivery Holiday Hours
Panda Express delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub follows the individual restaurant’s operating hours — not a separate delivery schedule. If the location is open, delivery is available.
On reduced-hour holidays, delivery windows shrink accordingly. Place your holiday delivery order early — drivers get overwhelmed on busy holiday evenings, and estimated delivery times can run 30–45 minutes longer than usual.
Panda Express Catering Holiday Hours
Panda Express catering orders during the holiday season need to be placed at least 24–48 hours in advance, and many locations require even more lead time around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Don’t wait until the day before.
Holiday catering menus at Panda Express typically include family-sized portions of their most popular dishes. Contact your local branch directly or use pandaexpress.com/catering to place and confirm your holiday order well ahead of time.
Why Panda Express Holiday Hours Change by Location
Panda Express operates a mix of corporate-owned and franchise-owned restaurants, and each type can set different holiday hours based on local agreements, staffing, and the host venue’s schedule.
Mall locations, airport kiosks, university food courts, and standalone restaurants all operate under different rules. Hours may vary by location for this exact reason — there is no single holiday policy that applies uniformly across every branch.
Panda Express Holiday Hours in Major U.S. Cities
Below is a general snapshot of how Panda Express typically handles Thanksgiving and Christmas Day across major U.S. markets. Always verify your specific branch — individual franchise locations set their own schedules.
| City | Thanksgiving Status | Christmas Day Status |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | Varies by location | Closed (most) |
| New York, NY | Airport/mall open | Closed (most) |
| Chicago, IL | Varies by location | Closed (most) |
| Houston, TX | Varies by location | Closed (most) |
| Phoenix, AZ | Varies by location | Closed (most) |
| Las Vegas, NV | Open (most) | Open (most) |
| Orlando, FL | Open (tourist areas) | Open (tourist areas) |
| Seattle, WA | Varies by location | Closed (most) |
Best Time to Visit Panda Express During Holidays
The best window on most holidays is right at opening — typically around 10:00 or 11:00 AM — before the lunch and early dinner rush fills the line. Midday between noon and 2:00 PM is consistently the busiest.
If you can’t go early, aim for after 7:00 PM on open holidays when crowds start thinning. Keep in mind that on reduced-hour days, the kitchen may already be winding down by then, so freshness matters — go earlier when possible.
Popular Panda Express Holiday Menu Items
Panda Express keeps a solid core menu year-round, and the fan favorites are exactly what you want when you’re after a satisfying holiday meal without cooking. Here’s what to order when you visit.
| Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce | $9 – $12 |
| Beijing Beef | Crispy beef with bell peppers in a sweet-spicy sauce | $9 – $12 |
| Broccoli Beef | Tender beef with broccoli in a savory ginger soy sauce | $9 – $11 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Crispy shrimp with glazed walnuts in a creamy sauce | $10 – $14 |
| Chow Mein | Stir-fried noodles with cabbage, celery, and onions | $4 – $6 |
| Fried Rice | Wok-tossed rice with egg, peas, carrots, and soy sauce | $4 – $6 |
| Super Greens | Steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage medley | $4 – $5 |
Best Alternatives If Panda Express Is Closed
If your nearest Panda Express is dark on a holiday, a few reliable chains are almost always open — especially on days like Thanksgiving and Christmas when options get limited fast.
- McDonald’s — open 365 days a year at most locations, including Christmas Day
- Denny’s — 24-hour locations run through every holiday without exception
- IHOP — open on most major holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Waffle House — famously never closes, even during weather emergencies
- Chinese buffet restaurants — many independent Chinese restaurants stay open specifically on Christmas Day
How to Check Panda Express Holiday Hours Near You
Confirming Panda Express holiday hours before you go takes less than two minutes with any of these methods. The most reliable option is always a direct call to your specific location — especially within 24 hours of a holiday. [INTERNAL LINK: how to find fast food restaurant hours on holidays]
Google Search: Type “Panda Express near me” the knowledge panel displays hours with any holiday updates shown prominently
Google Maps: Search your branch name, tap the listing, and check the “Hours” field for a real-time holiday schedule
Official Website: Visit pandaexpress.com, use the restaurant locator, and click your branch for current hours
Direct Phone Call: Call the restaurant staff can confirm holiday hours, wait times, and menu availability in seconds
Expert Tips for Visiting Panda Express on Holidays
A little preparation before a holiday visit to Panda Express makes the whole experience faster, smoother, and far less frustrating especially when every other family in the area has the same craving you do.
- Use the Panda Express app to order ahead and skip the in-store line entirely on busy holidays
- Check Google Maps hours the night before rather than the day of last-minute changes can catch you off guard
- For catering or large holiday orders, contact the restaurant at least 48–72 hours in advance
- If your nearest location is closed, check the next closest branch hours may vary by location even within the same city
- Airport and tourist-area Panda Express branches are your most reliable bet on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Staying on top of Panda Express holiday hours in 2026 means you’ll never show up to a locked door craving fried rice, always verify your nearest location’s schedule online or by phone before heading out this holiday season.
