12 Things to Do for Christmas If You Don’t Celebrate It

In some ways, Christmas is much more fun when you don’t celebrate it. There’s no pressure. You can enjoy all the bright lights your neighbors have put up, but you don’t have to hang your own. You don’t have to go shopping. But Christmas itself leaves you in a virtually closed world where it seems like there’s nothing to do. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make December 25th a fun holiday, regardless of your religious beliefs.

Non-Christmas Classics: Chinese Restaurants and Movies

You can’t go wrong with moo shu pork and a trip to the multiplex. Chinese restaurants and movie theaters are traditionally open on Christmas Day for those who don’t celebrate, and they’re often packed with people just like you, escaping Christmas. Google the opening hours of your local Chinese restaurant and call to make a reservation. If you’re feeling adventurous and live in a city big enough to have its own Chinatown (or any other city), just head there on Christmas Day and see what’s there—that’s how the best days usually begin.

If Chinese cuisine isn’t your thing, consider restaurants serving any non-European cuisine: Greek, Japanese, and Mediterranean restaurants are usually open, as are many Italian restaurants and steakhouses. Just be sure to check first. Many chain restaurants are open on Christmas Day, including Applebees, McDonald’s, Benihana, and others. You can even grab breakfast at your local IHOP. However, not all locations have the same hours, so check first.

As for cinemas, most chain multiplexes are open on December 25th, and they’re usually quite busy. Cinemas attract both those who don’t celebrate Christmas and those who do but want a couple of hours away from the family, so be sure to book a seat in advance. Consider visiting a secluded location or a theater with table service and comfortable seating for a more festive atmosphere.

Most people who go to the cinema on Christmas don’t come for Christmas movies, so interesting “secular” films often open on the 25th. This year, the ridiculously over-the-top reboot of “Anaconda” starring Jack Black will be released on Christmas Day, so you have your pick.

Less Obvious Christmas Entertainment Options

Chinese restaurants and movie theaters aren’t the only places open on Christmas Day. Here are a few more options:

• Go skiing or snowboarding: most mountains are open on Christmas Day, and the lifts are blissfully empty. There’s no better way to celebrate the winter holidays than on an open mountain.

• Visit an ice rink : Speaking of winter sports, ice rinks are usually open on Christmas Day too.

• Pretend to be a tourist : Tourist attractions are often open on Christmas Day, especially in major cities. These include places like Madame Tussauds and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, as well as ziplines and Segway tours—so try something you’ve never done before.

• Get a room: If you have some spare cash and nothing else to do, book a hotel room. Hotels typically stay open for Christmas and offer a variety of amenities, so take advantage of the pool at the Holiday Inn or the spa at the Four Seasons, depending on your lifestyle.

• Hiking and biking: Hiking trails and parks are open on Christmas Day if you’re looking to spend time outdoors. If you enjoy cycling, hit the trails or streets: Christmas Day traffic is light, making it the perfect time for serious roadwork.

• Volunteer : Having nothing to do on Christmas is not the biggest problem, especially compared to having nowhere to go and nothing to eat. So use Christmas to help people and truly live out that “goodwill to others” idea. Check your local Craigslist for volunteer opportunities.

• Use Christmas as a day to catch up: This is strictly for Type A people, but if everyone’s gone and no one’s calling, why not spend the day catching up on household chores or personal matters? You can spend at least part of the day crossing off a few items from your to-do list and then spend the rest of the time relaxing. This way, you’ll be able to unwind and still feel fulfilled.

• Just sleep all day : Type B people like me see a day free of commitments and other people as a great opportunity to do as little as possible, a day to completely dedicate ourselves to laziness.

• Spend time with friends and family at home: Just because you don’t celebrate Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t spend it with family and/or friends. Get together with loved ones, play games, watch movies, cook together, socialize, or do whatever you enjoy. You don’t have to leave the house to have fun, so don’t rule out spending time at home with loved ones.

• Shopping : This is last on the list because it’s unreliable. Pharmacies and convenience stores like 711 are usually open on the 25th. Grocery chains like Kroger’s and Trader Joe’s are usually closed. Your local mall or strip mall may be open, but most likely won’t be, so check ahead of time.

Make a list and check it twice.

Since many places are closed on Christmas Day, you should plan ahead (unless you like spontaneity and are prepared for possible disappointments):

• Make a list of places you want to visit.

• Call nearby stores to make sure they will be open, as not all chains follow corporate holiday hour guidelines.

• Reservations at any restaurant(s) you plan to visit.

• Create a basic plan for your day, factoring in travel time to avoid losing your reservation, missing a movie, or arriving after the store closes.

The most important piece of advice is to do something mindful on Christmas, even if it’s just sleeping, so the day doesn’t feel dull and empty. So go skiing, eat dim sum, or stay on the couch, but make sure you make Christmas your own.

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