After all the hustle and bustle of the past months, the holidays are a special time to treat yourself and get palatable festive treats at Sonic Drive-In.
During the busiest times of the year, Sonic’s holiday operating hours might differ and, at times, be reduced because Sonic staff also deserve a holiday.
Is Sonic open on New Year’s Day? Does it close late during Halloween? As you read on, all your questions concerning Sonic holiday hours will be answered.
Sonic’s Typical Holiday Operating Hours
Sonic is never passing up a chance to ensure you have good meals ready in an instant, even during holidays. So, Sonic maintains its regular operating hours during most holidays.
As a regular at Sonic, you don’t have to change your schedule during holidays to have your favorite deals or special holiday combos. Here’s a breakdown of Sonic’s typical holiday hours:
| Date | Holiday | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|
| December 31 | New Year eve | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| January 1 | New Year day | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| January 15 | Martin Luther King Day | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| May 27 | Memorial day | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| July 4 | Independence day | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| September 2 | Labor day | 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| November 28 | Thanksgiving | Closed |
| December 24 | Christmas eve | 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Reduced hour depending on local Sonic |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Closed |
Note: The holiday schedule mostly depends on the local Sonic’s regular operating time.
Sonic tries its best to satisfy customers by showing up for the usual hours during most holidays. However, on Christmas and Thanksgiving Eve, they have reduced hours. If you are visiting during a memorable holiday, call in first to confirm their availability.
Sonic Major Holiday Operating Hours
During major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, Sonic Drive-In generally closes its doors and advises you to enjoy a great time cooking and eating with your family. This also gives their employees time off to spend with their family after working the whole year. Here is a recap of the major Sonic holiday hours.
- Christmas / Thanksgiving Eve: Reduced operating hours.
- Christmas: Closed
- Thanksgiving: Closed
Sonic Extended Hours for the Festive Season
In the festive season or days leading to special holidays, you get to enjoy more operational hours and get what you want without any concerns about getting there too early or too late.
So, in December, many Sonic locations will open earlier and close later. This allows customers to be satisfied despite the large crowds the holiday brings and also allows people to order special holiday meals.
While most locations stick to their typical hours, the extended hours may look something like this:
| Date | Operating hours |
|---|---|
| December 22-23 | 6:00 AM- Midnight |
| New Year’s Eve | 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| New Year’s Day | 6:00 AM – Midnight (varies across locations) |
Sonic Holiday Specials and Festive Treats

In the holiday spirit, Sonic offers different festive treats and holiday specials you can try out. This helps you enjoy new and discounted flavors.
Some popular holiday offerings at Sonic include:
- Holiday Mint Master Shake or Blast: These rich and creamy holiday treats blend refreshing mint syrup with different ice cream flavors (vanilla, chocolate, etc.).
- Holiday-Themed Slushies: These are bright, festive drinks that often feature cranberry, apple cider, or spiced flavors.
- Discounted Combos: Many of your usual favorites are available at a discounted price in festive combo deals. This comes in handy for holiday outings or when I’m ordering in for a large family gathering.
These treats are often available for a limited time during the holiday season, so be sure to check their menu for what’s currently on offer.
How to Find Sonic Locations and Their Operating Hours
Sonic’s operating hours differ across locations. Here is how to find Sonic locations and learn their operating schedule.
- Check Sonic Website: Visit Sonic’s website and find the drive-ins near you with their location finder.
- Download Sonic App: Downloading the Sonic app is one of the best ways to find them and learn their operating hours. You can use the app to order ahead and enjoy exclusive deals.
- Navigation Apps: Search for Sonic on Google Maps or Waze. This gives you access to real-time updates and even reviews.
Looking for something special? Check out the Sonic menu for great choices!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Sonic locations have the same holiday hours?
No, not all Sonic locations will follow the same holiday hours. While most Sonic Drive-Ins have operating hours guidelines, you should remember that each location is individually owned and operated, giving it the freedom to set its own schedules. This means holiday hours can differ depending on the location, so it’s best to verify with your local Sonic for accurate hours.
Is Sonic open on major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving?
Sadly, no. Sonic Drive-In locations are closed on Christmas Day, even though some may operate on reduced hours during Thanksgiving. A few Sonic Drive-In locations are open during these holidays but I would not count on them if I were you.
What time does Sonic open and close during the holidays?
Sonic Drive-In’s opening and closing times can vary during the holiday season. During busier times, such as a few days before Christmas or New Year, Sonic may extend its hours, while on Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving, most locations tend to operate a reduced hour.
Conclusion
Holiday time comes with a lot of cravings and the urge to satisfy each one of them. If you are craving Sonic’s festive or regular treats, knowing their holiday hours will help you plan your trip better.
Sonic stays open during most holidays, so you have nothing to worry about. However, during Christmas and Thanksgiving, be sure to check their operation hours, as they can either extend or reduce the hours depending on the day. Call your local Sonic ahead and ensure you grab one of their holiday specials.








