The anticipation surrounding the holiday season often includes thoughts of family gatherings, feasts, and festive activities. An essential part of these celebrations involves dining, with some preferring to eat out rather than cook. The question then arises: which restaurants are open for the holidays?
Holiday Open/Close Schedule 2026-2027 for Panda Express
The availability of restaurants during holidays can vary depending on their specific locations and corporate decisions. To ensure clarity, here’s the holiday schedule for Panda Express for 2026-2027:
| Holiday | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Easter Sunday | April 5th, 2026 | Open |
| Memorial Day | May 25th, 2026 | Open |
| Independence Day | July 4th, 2026 | Open |
| Labor Day | September 7th, 2026 | Open |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26th, 2026 | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25th, 2026 | Closed |
| New Year's Day | January 1st, 2027 | Open |
Panda Express Hours on Thanksgiving Day
While Panda Express is typically closed on Thanksgiving Day, there might be exceptions based on individual franchise decisions or location-specific rules. If you’re considering dining at Panda Express on this holiday, it’s advised to:
- Contact your local store ahead of time.
- Check online for any special holiday hours.
Operation Hours for Panda Express Today
To provide customers with consistent service, Panda Express maintains regular hours throughout most of the week. However, these might differ slightly based on location.
- Monday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Real-Life Reviews: Thanksgiving Mishaps
Jake M.: “I drove 20 minutes thinking I’d get my Panda Express fix on Thanksgiving only to find them closed. Guess it's turkey for me!”
Stacy L.: “Tried surprising my family with something different this Thanksgiving. Showed up with...nothing. Note to self: Panda Express is closed on this day.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When planning a holiday meal or just a regular dining experience, it’s common to have several questions about restaurant operational hours and policies. Always ensure you check the restaurant’s official channels or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Is Panda Express closed for Thanksgiving 2027?
Panda Express, like many other restaurants, makes decisions regarding holiday hours based on a combination of corporate guidelines and the discretion of individual franchise owners. For the year 2026, as mentioned, Panda Express was closed on Thanksgiving Day. While we're still awaiting a comprehensive announcement for 2027, past trends suggest that they might remain closed for Thanksgiving 2027 as well.
Note:
- The decision can vary based on location.
- Some locations might opt for shorter hours rather than a full closure.
Recommendations:
- Always check the official website of Panda Express.
- Reach out directly to your local branch to confirm their operational hours for Thanksgiving 2027.
Is Panda Express Thanksgiving meal healthy?
When it comes to health, the definition can vary from person to person based on dietary needs, restrictions, and personal goals. Panda Express offers a variety of dishes, some healthier than others.
Some healthier options include:
- Teriyaki Chicken (without sauce)
- Broccoli Beef
- Mixed Veggies as a side
Foods to consume in moderation:
- Anything deep-fried like Orange Chicken
- Dishes with a high sugar content such as SweetFire Chicken Breast.
Tips for a healthier meal:
- Opt for steamed rather than fried dishes.
- Ask for sauces on the side to control the quantity.
- Choose veggies as a base instead of fried rice or chow mein.
When does Panda Express close on Thanksgiving?
If Panda Express chooses to operate on Thanksgiving, which is rare based on past trends, the hours might differ from their regular operational hours. Typically, businesses tend to close earlier on holidays to allow their staff to spend time with their families.
General Holiday Hours (based on past trends):
- Opening: Regular time (e.g., 10:30 AM)
- Closing: Earlier than usual (e.g., 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM)
Important Considerations:
- Always check the official Panda Express website for any holiday-specific announcements.
- Call your local Panda Express branch to confirm their specific holiday hours.
- Expect variations based on the location and discretion of the franchise owner.
Latest update: June 22nd, 2026.