Navigating Christmas Without the Celebration: Finding Fun Anyway
Christmas is a season of joy for many, but what if you're not one of them? If you're not celebrating, it can feel like a lonely, unproductive time. But fear not! You still have plenty of ways to enjoy December, whether alone or with friends.
The Obvious: Chinese Food and Movies
Traditionally, Chinese restaurants and cinemas are open on Christmas Day for those who aren't celebrating or simply can't make it to their family gatherings. Grab some oranges and check out what's playing at the movies to make your Christmas merry. While you'll find plenty of options for holiday events, don't rule out these classic, non-Christmas choices.
Eating Out: Chinese Cuisine Beyond Dim Sum
Finding a Chinese restaurant open on Christmas Day is easy; just hop on Yelp to discover options near you. A handful of phone calls will have you set for dinner – just remember to make reservations, even for small groups or parties. If your city has a Chinatown, it's an even easier choice, but don't forget to book in advance; popular spots may be booked up.
If Chinese food isn't your thing, consider restaurants that serve non-Western cuisine. Now's the time to check out that Vietnamese place or satisfy your craving for Hara Thai. Many non-Western eateries close on Christmas due to low attendance, so make sure to check online or call ahead to confirm their hours.
The Tradition: Movie Night
Films are the traditional choice for Christmas entertainment. With new releases hitting theaters during the holidays and people looking to escape their families, theaters on Christmas Day are always popular. Buy your tickets early – on Fandango, MovieTickets.com, or directly from your chosen theater. Opt for a more out-of-the-ordinary experience by visiting an upscale theater with table service or cozy lounge chairs, instead of your usual spot.
If a more distant theater with assigned seating sounds appealing, go for it. Driving a bit further might be worth it for a more relaxed experience, especially since movie theaters on Christmas night are typically crowded. Just be sure to arrive early for your assigned seat, and be mindful that the crowds and parking can be challenging during this busy season.
Beyond the Obvious
Chinese restaurants and cinemas aren't your only options for a festive Christmas Day. Many other retailers, including some local shops, may offer limited hours for the handful of individuals who aren't celebrating.
Activities
Many attractions remain open on Christmas night, especially in big cities. Call ahead to confirm, but here are a few ideas:
- Hit the Slopes or the Snowboard Park: Most ski resorts are open on Christmas Day, and lift lines are shorter. Gather your friends and enjoy the winter wonderland.
- Play Tourist: Tourist attractions, such as Madame Tussauds and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, often stay open during the holiday season. You might even find special holiday events or activities in your local area.
- Visit a Park or An Ice Rink: Outdoor activities can be chilly, but bundle up and enjoy a park or ice rink. Play a game of snowball or bring your sled for a sledding adventure. Finish up your outing with a trip to a local café for a well-earned warm drink.
- Book a Hotel Room: If you've got the budget and nothing better to do, why not treat yourself to a hotel stay? Many hotels remain open on Christmas Day and offer a range of amenities. Make sure to call ahead and confirm their holiday hours.
- Volunteer Your Time: Christmas Day is a time for giving, even if it's not your day to celebrate. Look up local shelters and volunteer opportunities to help those in need. Platforms like VolunteerMatch and your local Craigslist often list volunteer events.
- Use the Day as a Workout: If you don't have plans and are tired of lounging around, use the break as an opportunity to get moving. Enjoy a solo hike, try a new fitness class, or go for a swim.
- Spend Time with Friends and Family at Home: If you're not celebrating the holiday with family, that doesn't mean you can't spend time with them. Gather your loved ones for a game night, watch movies, or cook together. Remember that quality time doesn't always mean leaving the house.
Of course, there are tons of additional activities available, depending on your interests and location. Call around to find local options; you might be surprised by what's available.
Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
While movie theaters, grocery stores, and convenience stores are often open on Christmas Day, some restaurant chains may also stay open. Here are a few:
- Applebee's
- Benihana
- Denny's
- Fogo de Chão
Keep in mind that not all franchise locations adhere to the chain's Christmas schedule, so make sure to call ahead and confirm before you head out.
Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, and Convenience Stores
Grocery stores may close on Christmas Day, so it's important to plan ahead. Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven typically stay open, but you may have to make some trip adjustments due to reduced hours.
Be sure to stock up on essentials beforehand, as many food retailers close on Christmas Day. Most supermarket chains, like Costco, Kroger, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods, are closed for the day.
Prepare for Weather and Traffic
Given that many locales are open on Christmas Day, it's important to plan ahead. Make a list of potential activities or attractions, then call around to confirm their availability. This will ensure a smoother day, as you'll avoid any unnecessary surprises.
Additional Resources:
- If you're not celebrating Christmas and looking for entertainment options, consider checking out cinemas as many of them are open even on Christmas Day. You can find some great films to watch, so grab some popcorn and enjoy a movie night.
- If you're not in the mood for a movie or prefer something different, don't forget to explore non-western restaurants, like Thai or Vietnamese options. Many of them stay open on Christmas, and you might discover a new favorite cuisine. Don't forget to check their opening hours online or call ahead.
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Enrichment Data:
For entertainment options on Christmas Day, especially for those not celebrating Christmas, here are some suggestions:
Cinemas
- The Chosen: Last Supper - This series is a great option for those interested in a historical drama. It follows the final hours of Jesus' ministry and will be showing in theaters starting March 27, 2025, but you can check for earlier screenings if available[2].
- The Monkey - A horror film from Osgood Perkins, showing from February 20 to 23, 2025. It features estranged brothers confronting a wind-up monkey on a killing spree[2].
- Paddinton in Peru - A thrilling adventure film showing in theaters starting February 13, 2025. You can also enjoy printable activity sheets for this movie[2].
Non-Western Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
- Zen Kitchen & Bar - Located in New Port Richey, this Pan-Asian restaurant is open on Christmas Day and offers a variety of dishes[3].
Other Entertainment Options
- Virtual Events:
- Virtual Game Night: Host a virtual game night with activities like online poker, remote work bingo, virtual escape rooms, and multiplayer video games[1].
- Virtual Karaoke: Organize a virtual karaoke session where team members can sing together over video calls[1].
- Virtual Craft Night: Plan a digital craft night where team members can engage in various creative activities like painting, beading, or making mosaics[1].
- Virtual Casino Nights: Host a virtual casino night with games like roulette and blackjack, and offer prizes and entertainment[1].
- Virtual Open Mic: Organize a virtual open mic event where team members can share their talents, such as reading poetry or performing music[1].
- Virtual Garden Party: Host a virtual garden party where team members can take their laptops or phones outdoors and engage in activities like planting seeds or having a hackysack contest[1].
These options provide a variety of entertainment choices for those not celebrating Christmas, ranging from cinematic experiences to virtual social events and dining at non-Western restaurants.
