Favorite Christmas Cocktails Around the Country

Christmas is the time for splurging! We splurge on gifts. We throw our diets out the window because there are cookies to be eaten and drinks to be had. I saw this story on Yahoo Finance, everyone's go-to source for alcohol-related things. Turns out they do their alcohol-related searching at Upgraded Points. They did some research to see what are the favorite Christmas cocktails around the country.

Upgraded Points did their research using Google Trends to see what drink recipes people were looking to make. The results might surprise you. First Christmas drink you think of, ready... go... You probably said eggnog. That would be incorrect. Eggnog was the leader in only 6 states.

Eggnog brings back bad memories, and it's not because it led to a bad drunk night. Years ago when I was at our sports station 97.5 The Fanatic, my show was working on Christmas Eve. We decided it would be a good idea for me to attempt to drink a gallon or half a gallon (my brain may have blocked it out) of eggnog in a 2-hour span. First, I don't like the taste of eggnog because it tastes like the original bubble gum flavor which is just the worst flavor. Second, my family does Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. You try showing up somewhere with all that food and a ton of family and friends drinking profusely with a belly full of garbage eggnog. I might as well have swallowed a bowling ball. So I'm glad that none of the states in the Delaware Valley are eggnog states.

Eleven states gave this drink the top spot, and after reading the article I had to go look up what it was. I've never heard of or tried Christmas Punch, but apparently, people in Pennsylvania love it. It's made with cranberry juice, sparkling wine, apple cider & ginger ale. Dark rum or brandy, oranges, and cranberries. Sounds mighty tasty. Here is a recipe to try Christmas Punch this holiday season.

*21+ Please drink responsibly 

Most of us eagerly anticipate spending Christmas Day unwrapping gifts and enjoying time with family. But certain overlooked items always require a last-minute visit to a store. That's when knowing which spots are open becomes beneficial.

It might strike some as unusual that certain places opt to remain open on Christmas. However, not everyone observes the holiday. Some individuals may even prefer working during this time, anticipating more generous tips. The thing about Christmas is that ads and commercials usually depict it as the ultimate day of the year for everyone. Yet, for those who are missing loved ones or simply prefer to overlook Christmas entirely, it might not be the "most wonderful time of the year" for them. The places that choose to stay open on Christmas may have valid reasons for doing so.

Several restaurants and stores typically close early on Christmas Eve and remain closed on Christmas Day, but this doesn't apply universally. Some chains keep various locations open during the holiday season. If you're curious about your local spots, either make a call or check online to confirm their hours.

For those in the mood for a steak, options like Outback can cater to such preferences, while coffee enthusiasts can rely on chains like Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts to stay caffeinated during the holiday rush. Some restaurants offer dining-in options with reservations, while others, such as Cracker Barrel and Boston Market, provide à la carte holiday menus to accommodate a range of preferences.

Whether your Christmas tradition involves a home-cooked meal, dining out at a favorite spot, or a quick store run for forgotten items, knowing the operating hours of nearby stores and restaurants on Christmas Day can be useful. To save time and prevent the inconvenience of visiting closed stores, we've compiled a list of some places open during this festive period. Additionally, for those not participating in Christmas celebrations or preferring takeout, there are dining alternatives available.

While many CVS stores operate 24/7, it's important to note that their hours are shorter on Christmas. Typically, running from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., CVS remains one of the few stores open on holidays to accommodate those needing to pick up medications.

Most Walgreens locations are open on Christmas Day, with some maintaining their usual 24/7 schedule. Meanwhile, others, which are not typically open around the clock, may have limited hours from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This is convenient for those requiring prescription fills or over-the-counter medications.

Denny’s has your back on Christmas Day, as their locations are open. Their Facebook post assures, "Denny’s is open 24/7, and that means Christmas too! Come on in and feel the cheer; we'll be waiting for you." However, some locations are corporate stores, and others are franchises, and not all franchises may honor these hours, so check in advance before making the trip.

If you're craving pancakes on Christmas Day, IHOP is an option. However, be sure to check your local IHOP's hours, as they can vary. Some locations operate 24 hours, most maintain regular hours from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Others may open with reduced holiday hours (around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Enjoy a holiday drink or grab last-minute gifts like coffee mugs at select Starbucks locations open on Christmas Day. Verify your local cafe's hours using the Starbucks app as a recommended way to find a store, check hours, and order ahead. "This holiday season, Starbucks store hours vary by location and stores may occasionally adjust their hours based on business and customer needs," said the coffee shop website.

Dunkin' locations will generally be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but you should check to confirm your local store's specific hours. Dunkin' spots within grocery stores and gas stations will follow the host store's schedule. For instance, if it’s a location within a Walmart that’s closed, that Dunkin’ store will be closed.

McDonald's typically stays open on Christmas, but it's best to check with your local franchise, as each operates independently. Given that 93% of McDonald's restaurants are run by independent owners, hours can vary. It's not a guarantee that your local branch will be open.

Craving a 10-piece nugget combo or a Baconator on Christmas? Wendy’s has you covered, as the fast-food chain is open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Check with your local store to confirm their hours. Wendy's suggests using their location finder, whether you plan to walk in, drive-thru, or opt for delivery.