Spend $50 at TGI Fridays through Jan. 4 and you walk out with $10 in Elf Bucks for a later visit. Kids eat free every Tuesday, and the new Grinch cheesecake is $9.50.
TGI Fridays is bringing back TGI Elf Days, its holiday takeover of participating restaurants, now through Jan. 4, 2027. The Dallas-based chain announced the return Tuesday, Nov. 10, along with a limited-time menu topped by a $39.99 NY strip with a lobster topper.
For families, the math might be the best part. Spend $25 and you get $5 in Elf Bucks. Spend $50 or more and you get $10 toward your next visit. You can use up to two per table, per visit, through Feb. 28, 2027.
"TGI Elf Days was a huge hit among Guests last year," CEO Ray Blanchette said in the announcement. This year, he said, Fridays is "turning up the celebration with over-the-top decor and experiences."
Participating restaurants get themed holiday areas with names like Candy Cane Corner, Santa's Workshop and the Snowball Lounge. Fridays says pricing and participation vary by location, so your local spot may not go full North Pole.
What's on the TGI Fridays holiday menu?
The new entrees lean on big plates and Mike's Hot Honey. Here's what Fridays listed, with prices:
Dragon-Fire Chicken ($18.99): Grilled chicken with Korean BBQ glaze, mango, pico de gallo, rice and cilantro-lime broccoli. Swap in salmon for $1 more.
Championship BBQ Pork Medallions ($18.99): Grilled pork tenderloin with BBQ sauce, loaded mashed potatoes and onion rings.
Sizzling Garlic Ginger Steak ($29.99): An 8-ounce sirloin on a sizzling platter with broccoli, peppers, onions and loaded mashed potatoes, plus warm butter sauce poured at the table.
Mike's Hot Honey Sriracha Ribs ($31.99): A full rack of baby back ribs with loaded mashed potatoes, coleslaw and extra sauce.
NY Strip with Lobster Topper ($39.99): A 12-ounce strip topped with lobster in seasoned lobster butter, with four-cheese mac and cheese and crispy Brussels sprouts.
For starters, there are Mike's Hot Honey Sriracha Mozzarella Sticks and Mike's Hot Honey Sriracha Wings, traditional or boneless. Fridays didn't list prices for those.
What are the TBS holiday desserts at TGI Fridays?
Fridays' Festive Fridays partnership with TBS is back for a second year, with three new "All I Watch for Christmas" desserts:
The Grinch's Who-Liday Cheesecake ($9.50): New York-style cheesecake with white and dark chocolate drizzle and crushed candy canes.
Polar Express Golden Ticket Hot Cocoa and Cookie ($6.99): Hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles in a holiday mug, with marshmallows and a warm snickerdoodle cookie.
Oooh Fuuudge Brownie Obsession: A warm fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream, caramel and glazed pecans. Fridays didn't list a price.
That brownie name is a nod to the most famous (cleaned-up) line in A Christmas Story, Stupid DOPE pointed out. Last year's Christmas Tree-O and Melting Snowman Sundae also return.
TBS's "All I Watch for Christmas" holiday movie lineup starts Friday, Nov. 13.
When do kids eat free at TGI Fridays?
Every Tuesday during Elf Days, kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree, Fridays said. That runs through Jan. 4 at participating restaurants.
Fridays nights get extras, too:
Festive Fridays: Holiday movie and trivia nights plus giveaways every Friday.
Bonus Elf Buck: Guests who visit on Festive Fridays get a $5 Elf Buck.
Rewards perks: Fridays Rewards members earn double points every Friday, and they can unlock another $5 with a $50 purchase using a digital coupon.
What was TGI Elf Days last year?
Elf Days debuted Nov. 6, 2025, at "select locations nationwide" and ran through Jan. 5, 2026. The first menu included the TBS Christmas Tree-O (loaded tots, boneless wings and sliders), the Melting Snowman Sundae, a Holiday Hot Cocoa and Cookie, and a Cherry Cream Cola. Elf Bucks worked the same way: $5 off $25 or $10 off $50.
This year's release says "participating restaurants globally." TGI Fridays operates about 400 restaurants in roughly 40 countries.
A Grinch cheesecake on a Tuesday when the kids eat free? That's about as close to a holiday miracle as a strip mall gets.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
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Hat Tips:
PR Newswire (TGI Fridays) (Nov. 10, 2026), Elf Days dates, menu, prices, Elf Bucks, Kids Eat Free, TBS desserts and Blanchette quote
PR Newswire (TGI Fridays) (Nov. 6, 2025), last year's Elf Days dates, menu and Elf Bucks
Stupid DOPE (Nov. 10, 2026), the A Christmas Story nod in the brownie name
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