Planning to visit Dairy Queen during a holiday? Whether you’re craving a Blizzard Treat, picking up an ice cream cake, or stopping for a meal, knowing your local restaurant’s holiday schedule can help you avoid an unnecessary trip.
Dairy Queen holiday hours in 2026 vary by location, particularly during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and New Year’s celebrations. Some restaurants remain open, others operate with reduced hours, and certain locations close entirely.
Unlike chains that publish a single nationwide holiday timetable, Dairy Queen allows its independently operated franchise locations to establish their own operating schedules.
This guide explains the confirmed 2026 holiday closures, important dates, possible schedule changes, and how to check whether your nearest Dairy Queen is open.
Quick Answer
Dairy Queen does not have one nationwide holiday schedule. Many locations operate during major holidays, but opening and closing times depend on the individual restaurant.
Official Dairy Queen location listings confirm that certain restaurants will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, and Christmas Day, December 25, 2026. Christmas Eve hours may also be shortened.
For an accurate answer, check your selected restaurant through Dairy Queen’s official store locator or contact the location directly.
Dairy Queen Holiday Hours 2026 at a Glance
The following table covers major U.S. holidays in 2026. Confirmed closures reflect specific official Dairy Queen location listings, not a universal company policy.
| Holiday | Date in 2026 | DQ Holiday Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, Thursday | Location-specific hours |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19, Monday | Check local restaurant |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16, Monday | Check local restaurant |
| Good Friday | April 3, Friday | Location-specific hours |
| Easter Sunday | April 5, Sunday | Open or closed depending on location |
| Memorial Day | May 25, Monday | Check local restaurant |
| Juneteenth | June 19, Friday | Location-specific hours |
| Independence Day | July 4, Saturday | Check local restaurant |
| Labor Day | September 7, Monday | Check local restaurant |
| Columbus Day | October 12, Monday | Location-specific hours |
| Veterans Day | November 11, Wednesday | Check local restaurant |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, Thursday | Closures confirmed at selected locations |
| Black Friday | November 27, Friday | Location-specific hours |
| Christmas Eve | December 24, Thursday | Reduced hours possible |
| Christmas Day | December 25, Friday | Closures confirmed at selected locations |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31, Thursday | Reduced hours possible |
Important: A holiday listed as location-specific does not mean every Dairy Queen will be open. It means a universal schedule has not been confirmed.
Is Dairy Queen Open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26, 2026.
Several official Dairy Queen restaurant pages already list Thanksgiving Day as a closure date. However, this does not establish that every Dairy Queen in the United States will close.
For example, official location information identifies Thanksgiving closures at Dairy Queen restaurants in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Brandon, South Dakota.
Customers should not assume that their nearest restaurant will follow its regular Thursday schedule.
What Time Does Dairy Queen Close on Thanksgiving?
There is no verified nationwide Thanksgiving closing time.
A restaurant may close for the entire day, while another could choose to operate on a modified schedule.
If your local restaurant has not posted special hours for November 26, contact it directly before visiting.
Is Dairy Queen Open on Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on November 27, 2026.
Dairy Queen has not established a universally confirmed Black Friday schedule for all U.S. restaurants.
A location that closes for Thanksgiving may reopen the following day, but its opening and closing times should be checked individually.
Is Dairy Queen Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Christmas Day closures are confirmed at selected Dairy Queen locations. Official restaurant listings for Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Brandon, South Dakota, both identify December 25 as a temporary closure date.
However, these listings should not be interpreted as a nationwide closure announcement.
Because Dairy Queen restaurants independently establish operating hours, Christmas availability depends on the specific location.
If you plan to purchase a holiday dessert or visit with family, confirm the restaurant’s Christmas schedule beforehand.
Dairy Queen Christmas Eve Hours
Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24, 2026.
Some Dairy Queen locations may operate shorter hours on Christmas Eve. However, there is no universally confirmed closing time for the chain.
Do not assume your restaurant will remain open until its usual Thursday closing time.
A good approach is to check its official holiday listing and call if the information is missing.
Can You Buy Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cakes on Christmas?
Dairy Queen offers ice cream cakes at participating restaurants, but Christmas purchasing availability depends on whether the location is open and whether the desired cake is available.
If you’re planning a Christmas celebration, check cake availability before the holiday and arrange pickup according to the restaurant’s confirmed schedule.
Do not assume a restaurant will offer holiday pickup simply because it normally sells cakes.
Is Dairy Queen Open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can affect restaurant schedules, especially when businesses adjust staffing or operating hours.
Dairy Queen New Year’s Eve Hours 2026
New Year’s Eve falls on Thursday, December 31, 2026.
Dairy Queen has not published a single closing time applicable to all restaurants.
Some locations may follow regular Thursday hours, while others may close earlier.
Customers planning an evening visit should confirm the closing time for their exact restaurant.
Dairy Queen New Year’s Day Hours
New Year’s Day 2026 fell on Thursday, January 1.
For the upcoming New Year’s Day on Friday, January 1, 2027, local schedules should be checked separately.
A restaurant’s New Year’s Eve hours should not be used to determine its New Year’s Day schedule.
Is Dairy Queen Open on Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday fell on April 5, 2026.
Dairy Queen does not follow one universally confirmed Easter operating schedule across all U.S. restaurants.
Some restaurants may open on Easter, while others may close for the holiday.
The same location-specific approach applies to Good Friday, although the two days should be checked separately.
Does Dairy Queen Have Special Easter Hours?
No universal Easter opening or closing time has been established.
A restaurant’s regular Sunday schedule does not automatically confirm its Easter Sunday hours.
For future Easter visits, review the selected location’s official holiday information closer to the date.
Dairy Queen Hours on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day
Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are major U.S. holidays when customers may visit Dairy Queen for meals and frozen treats.
However, Dairy Queen’s franchise-operated structure means the hours are not necessarily identical across the chain.
Memorial Day Hours
Memorial Day was Monday, May 25, 2026.
Dairy Queen locations could operate according to their individually established schedules. There is no verified nationwide Memorial Day opening or closing time.
Independence Day Hours
Independence Day fell on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Customers should verify their selected restaurant rather than assume standard Saturday hours apply to the holiday.
Labor Day Hours
Labor Day was Monday, September 7, 2026.
Operating hours were location-specific, and any restaurant-level modifications depended on the location.
For future holiday visits, the official Dairy Queen locator remains the most useful starting point.
Confirmed Dairy Queen Holiday Closures for 2026
Official Dairy Queen restaurant listings provide useful examples of how individual locations display their holiday schedules.
The following two restaurants were checked through their official location pages.
| Dairy Queen Location | Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 | Christmas Day, Dec. 25 |
|---|---|---|
| 1625 W Ridgeway Ave, Cedar Falls, IA | Temporarily closed | Temporarily closed |
| 201 S Splitrock Ave, Brandon, SD | Temporarily closed | Temporarily closed |
These listings confirm closures at the named restaurants but do not establish a policy for every location in Iowa, South Dakota, or the United States.
Both restaurants publish regular operating hours separately from their special-date entries.
That distinction matters because a location can normally operate on Thursdays or Fridays while remaining closed on a particular holiday.
Verification date: October 19, 2026. The information reflects the holiday entries available on the official restaurant pages at the time of checking.
Do Dairy Queen Holiday Hours Vary by Location?
Yes. Dairy Queen explicitly states in its official FAQ that most restaurants are independently owned and operated franchises and establish their own hours of operation.
This explains why one Dairy Queen restaurant may be open when another is closed.
Several factors are worth checking when planning a visit.
DQ Grill & Chill vs. Treat Locations
Dairy Queen operates different restaurant formats, including DQ Grill & Chill and Treat-focused locations.
The company confirms that menus can differ by restaurant type.
Consequently, confirming that a Dairy Queen is open does not establish that every food item or service will be available there.
A Treat location should not automatically be expected to offer the same meal selection as a Grill & Chill restaurant.
Seasonal Restaurant Closures
Some Dairy Queen locations operate seasonally.
If a restaurant is temporarily closed for the season, its normal weekly operating hours may no longer be relevant.
Check whether the location is currently operating before relying on its usual hours during winter holidays.
Local Holiday Decisions
Individual franchise operators manage their restaurants, including operating schedules.
Holiday hours can therefore differ between nearby locations.
The most reliable information comes from the particular restaurant you intend to visit.
Dairy Queen Regular Hours vs. Holiday Hours
Regular operating hours and holiday hours serve different purposes.
Regular hours describe a restaurant’s normal weekly schedule. Holiday hours identify exceptions that may apply on specific dates.
For example, a Dairy Queen restaurant may normally operate on Friday but close on Christmas Day, which falls on a Friday in 2026.
The official Dairy Queen location pages can display separate schedules for different services.
| Hours Category | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Regular store hours | Normal opening and closing schedule |
| Holiday hours | Special opening times or closures on particular dates |
| Drive-thru hours | Availability of the drive-thru where offered |
| Delivery hours | Listed delivery service availability |
| Seasonal closure | Whether a restaurant is temporarily closed for part of the year |
For holiday visits, prioritize a specific holiday entry over ordinary weekly hours.
Does Dairy Queen Drive-Thru Stay Open on Holidays?
Drive-thru availability is not guaranteed simply because a Dairy Queen restaurant normally offers that service.
Official restaurant pages may list drive-thru hours separately from regular store hours.
If a location closes entirely for a holiday, its drive-thru should not be assumed to remain operational.
Before making a holiday drive-thru visit, check both the restaurant’s special hours and its listed drive-thru schedule.
Can You Order Dairy Queen Delivery on Holidays?
Delivery availability depends on the selected restaurant and its supported ordering services.
Dairy Queen location pages can display delivery hours separately from store hours.
However, ordinary delivery hours do not guarantee that delivery will be available during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday.
Even when a restaurant is operating, customers should confirm whether delivery orders can be placed for the requested time.
Does Dairy Queen Have a Special Holiday Menu?
Dairy Queen offers various frozen treats, food items, and ice cream cakes, but availability differs by restaurant.
The company’s official FAQ confirms that restaurant menus may vary according to location type and optional products.
Some products may also be offered for limited periods.
A seasonal menu item should not automatically be treated as a nationwide holiday special.
Blizzard Treats During Holidays
Blizzard Treats are part of Dairy Queen’s dessert offerings.
However, the availability of particular flavors can depend on the restaurant and current menu.
If you’re visiting specifically for a certain Blizzard flavor, check the selected restaurant’s menu before making the trip.
Ice Cream Cakes for Holiday Celebrations
Ice cream cakes can be useful for Christmas, New Year’s, and other celebrations.
Cake selection and ordering options depend on the participating location.
If you need a specific cake or design, contact your local Dairy Queen to confirm availability and pickup arrangements.
Are There Dairy Queen Holiday Discounts?
Dairy Queen promotions can differ by restaurant.
Its official FAQ explains that independent franchise operators decide whether to participate in certain coupon offers and promotions.
Therefore, a discount advertised elsewhere should not be assumed to apply at every Dairy Queen.
Check the current offers available for your selected restaurant.
How to Check Dairy Queen Holiday Hours Near You
Because Dairy Queen schedules differ by restaurant, checking location-specific information is the most dependable method.
- Visit Dairy Queen’s official website.
- Open the Find a DQ store locator.
- Enter your city, state, ZIP code, or address.
- Select the restaurant you plan to visit.
- Review the regular store hours and any listed special holiday dates.
- Check drive-thru or delivery hours separately if needed.
- Contact the restaurant directly when the holiday schedule is unavailable or unclear.
An important detail is that regular store hours do not necessarily reflect holiday exceptions.
For example, a restaurant listed as open every Friday may still be closed on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Google Maps can provide another way to review local business information, but official holiday listings and direct restaurant confirmation should take priority when schedules conflict.
Can You Check Dairy Queen Holiday Hours in the DQ App?
Dairy Queen supports mobile ordering through its official app at participating locations.
Certain restaurant pages identify mobile ordering as an available amenity.
The app can help customers select a restaurant and explore available ordering options.
However, being able to view a restaurant or its menu does not independently guarantee that it will operate on a particular holiday.
For the most dependable confirmation, review the location’s special hours or contact the restaurant.
Read Next
Explore more helpful guides from this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dairy Queen Open on Christmas Day 2026?
Some Dairy Queen restaurants have confirmed closures for Friday, December 25, 2026. There is no verified universal Christmas Day schedule for every location.
Is Dairy Queen Open on Thanksgiving 2026?
Several official Dairy Queen location pages confirm closures for Thursday, November 26, 2026. Other restaurants must be checked individually.
What Time Does Dairy Queen Close on Christmas Eve?
Dairy Queen does not have one nationwide Christmas Eve closing time. Some locations may use reduced operating hours, so check your selected restaurant’s December 24 schedule.
Is Dairy Queen Open on Easter Sunday?
Easter availability depends on the specific restaurant. Some locations may operate while others may close. There is no universal schedule that guarantees Easter Sunday service.
Does Dairy Queen Open on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day hours vary by location. Check the exact restaurant for January 1 rather than assuming it will follow its normal schedule.
Is Dairy Queen Open on July 4th?
Dairy Queen locations may operate on Independence Day, but a nationwide July 4 opening schedule has not been confirmed. Individual restaurant hours should be verified.
Does Dairy Queen Close Early on Holidays?
Some locations may shorten their hours for specific holidays, while others may close entirely. A special holiday schedule takes precedence over the normal weekly timetable.
Are Dairy Queen Drive-Thru Hours Different on Holidays?
They can be. Where drive-thru hours are listed separately, customers should review them alongside any holiday closure or modified-hours information.
Sources & Verification
This guide was reviewed on October 19, 2026, using Dairy Queen’s official U.S. website and restaurant information.
The verification included Dairy Queen’s corporate FAQ, official store locator, customer service information, and the published location pages for restaurants in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Brandon, South Dakota.
The corporate FAQ confirms that most Dairy Queen locations independently establish their operating hours.
The two individual restaurant pages explicitly identify Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day 2026 as temporary closure dates.
No nationwide holiday timetable was identified that would justify assigning identical opening times, closing times, or closure policies to every U.S. Dairy Queen restaurant.
Holiday information may be updated by individual operators, so details should be confirmed close to the planned visit.
Before You Go
Dairy Queen holiday hours in 2026 are not the same at every location. Thanksgiving and Christmas Day closures are confirmed at selected restaurants, while Christmas Eve, New Year’s, Easter, and other holiday schedules require local verification.
Before heading out for a Blizzard Treat, a meal, or an ice cream cake, check your nearest restaurant’s official location page and look for any special holiday hours.
The most important takeaway: Always confirm your specific Dairy Queen’s holiday schedule instead of relying on regular weekly hours or an unverified nationwide timetable.