Most Panera Bread cafes close on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, though airport locations and some franchise-owned cafes can run on their own schedule.
Why a Few Panera Locations Might Still Be Open
Panera closes the large majority of its bakery-cafes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but two kinds of exceptions exist. Airport cafes often follow the airport's own hours rather than the standard chain schedule and may stay open. And because a portion of Panera locations are franchise-owned, an individual owner has some flexibility, so a cafe in one town may differ from one nearby. Checking your specific location is the only sure way to know before a holiday visit.
| Holiday |
Status |
| New Year's Day |
Open, normal or slightly reduced hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
Open, normal hours |
| Easter Sunday |
Open at many locations, hours vary |
| Memorial Day |
Open, normal hours |
| Independence Day (July 4th) |
Open, normal hours |
| Labor Day |
Open, normal hours |
| Veterans Day |
Open, normal hours |
| Thanksgiving |
Most cafes closed; airport locations may vary |
| Black Friday |
Open, normal hours |
| Christmas Eve |
Open, shortened hours (typically around 7am-5pm) |
| Christmas Day |
Most cafes closed; airport locations may vary |
| New Year's Eve |
Open, normal hours |
Airport Panera cafes often follow the airport's own operating hours rather than the standard chain schedule, and franchise-owned locations have some flexibility. Check your specific cafe before a holiday visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panera open on Thanksgiving?
Most Panera Bread cafes are closed on Thanksgiving Day, though airport locations sometimes stay open on the airport's own schedule.
Is Panera open on Christmas?
Most Panera cafes are closed on Christmas Day. Airport locations and some franchise-owned cafes may vary.
What are Panera's Christmas Eve hours?
Panera is open on Christmas Eve with shortened hours, typically around 7am to 5pm.
Why is my local Panera open when others are closed on a holiday?
It may be an airport location following the airport's own hours, or a franchise-owned cafe whose owner has set different hours.
