Thanksgiving Hours and Holiday Plans 2026

Is Olive Garden Open on Thanksgiving in 2026?

Olive Garden has traditionally been closed on Thanksgiving Day as of October 2026. The chain has historically shut its doors on Thanksgiving so staff can spend the holiday with their families. But hours are set per location and 2026 hours are not verified yet, so treat the traditional closure as the likely answer, not a guarantee. This guide covers what is known and how to plan around it.

What Has Olive Garden’s Thanksgiving Schedule Included?

Thanksgiving Day Plans Side-by-Side

The practical workaround is to order ahead. Pick up a Family-Style Lasagna Bundle, which serves 4 to 6 at $68.99, or a Large bundle, which serves up to 12 at $99.99, on Wednesday and reheat on Thursday. See the Olive Garden catering menu guide for the full range of group options. This approach also works for the rest of the holiday season: catering pickup ahead of Christmas or New Year’s Eve avoids the holiday-closure problem entirely.

Important Notes on Holiday Hours

• Hours are set per location. Never assume your restaurant follows the tradition.
• 2026 Thanksgiving hours are not verified. Confirm during the week before, not on Thanksgiving morning.
• If you order catering for pickup, ask about reheating instructions so everything tastes fresh on the day.
• Plan for breadsticks. They are a Thanksgiving-table hit, so ask how many come with your order and whether you can add more.
• Holiday hours for other holidays like Christmas and New Year’s also vary by location.

How to Check Your Local Olive Garden’s Thanksgiving Hours

Step 1: Call the restaurant directly during the week before Thanksgiving. This is the fastest way to get a confirmed yes or no.

Step 2: Check the location page online. Holiday hours are often posted on the restaurant’s own listing page.

Step 3: If the restaurant is closed, order catering or family bundles for pickup on Wednesday.

Step 4: Ask about reheating instructions and breadstick counts when you place the pickup order.

Step 5: Pick up on Wednesday and reheat on Thursday for a zero-stress holiday table.

How Much Should You Tip on a Holiday Catering Order?

Tip 15 to 20 percent on catering and large pickup orders. Holiday-week orders mean extra work for the kitchen and the staff coordinating them, so a full tip on the total is the fair move.

Frequently Asked Questions: Olive Garden Thanksgiving Hours

Is Olive Garden open on Thanksgiving 2026?

Olive Garden has traditionally been closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, hours are set per location and 2026 hours are not verified, so confirm with your local restaurant before making plans.

Can I order Olive Garden catering for Thanksgiving?

Yes. That is the most popular workaround. Order family bundles or catering pans for pickup the day before Thanksgiving and reheat at home. See the catering menu guide for options.

Is Olive Garden open the day after Thanksgiving?

Most locations have historically resumed normal hours on the day after Thanksgiving, but this is not verified for 2026. Check your local restaurant’s hours.

What holidays does Olive Garden close for?

Olive Garden has traditionally closed on Thanksgiving Day. Hours for other holidays like Christmas and New Year’s vary by location, so always confirm with your local restaurant.

How much does Thanksgiving catering cost?

A Family-Style Lasagna Bundle at $68.99 serves 4 to 6, and a Large bundle at $99.99 serves up to 12. That works out to roughly $10 to $12 per person.

When should I place a Thanksgiving catering order?

As early as you can. Holiday-week pickup slots fill up, and ordering early guarantees availability for Wednesday pickup.

Can I get breadsticks with a catering order?

Bundles generally include breadsticks, but ask how many come with your order and whether you can add more. They are a Thanksgiving-table hit.

Is Olive Garden open on Christmas?

Holiday hours vary by location and are not verified for 2026. Call your local restaurant to confirm Christmas hours.

Is Planning Around Thanksgiving Worth the Effort?

Plan as if Olive Garden will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. That is the tradition, and it is the only safe assumption until your restaurant says otherwise. The one caution is that hours are set per location, so the tradition is not a guarantee.

But if your local Olive Garden confirms holiday catering pickup, a $68.99 family bundle on Wednesday solves Thanksgiving dinner for 4 to 6 people. Call your local restaurant during the week before to confirm hours and pickup options.

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Maria Conti

Maria Conti is a food writer and casual dining enthusiast who tracks restaurant deals, menu changes, prices and value offers across the U.S. She covers Italian-American restaurant chains for readers who want clear, up-to-date menu information and practical comparisons.

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