Activities You Can Do on Christmas Day (Casinos, Restaurants, and More!)
We know how tough it is when you are alone on a holiday, or simply don’t celebrate. Everything appears to be closed, and all of your friends are busy with their own families.
Believe it or not, there are so many things you can do on Christmas Day, and many locations that are open for customers. Read on to discover several fun activities you can partake in on Christmas.
1. Head to a Casino
Most casinos are open the entire holiday, even late into the night. While there are a few casinos that may not be open outside of Nevada, in Nevada (especially in Las Vegas) you can count on casinos being open for all of the holiday season, including Christmas Day.
Abroad, the opening hours of casinos vary on holidays, with some being closed (in smaller towns in the Netherlands, they were often closed), but the majority were open for at least some hours on Christmas Day, especially those located in major metropolitan areas like Amsterdam.
We recommend calling to check the hours of the casino closest to you before driving over after opening gifts.
2. Eat at Asian Restaurants
Don’t want to cook on Christmas Day? You’re in luck if you live near an Asian restaurant. Christmas isn’t really a thing in China, Japan, Vietnam, or Thailand, and thus most of these restaurants are open on Christmas Day, giving you an option to dine out.
It is important to note that some Asian countries have begun adopting Christmas, and that some individuals abroad may celebrate, so call before you go. Also note that Christmas is huge in the Philippines, as they are a catholic Asian nation, and therefore you can expect any restaurants owned by Filipinos to be closed.
3. See a Film in Movie Theaters
Christmas Day is one of the highest-grossing days for movie theaters, and thus most remain open. All of the major chains, like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, remain open on the holidays, though the hours may vary by location. Smaller chains or local theaters vary, but we find most show at least a few films on the holiday.
Abroad, this is rarely the case, with movie theaters being open on Christmas Eve, and the day following Christmas (the 26th), but most close their doors on the holiday itself. There are exceptions, of course, so it is always worth calling to be certain.
4. Visit a Gas Stations/7-Eleven
Most convenience stores are open 365 days per year, as people need to drive (and have emergencies) on Christmas too. While some may have shortened hours, you can still likely grab a soda, coffee, or some candy as needed.
Obviously, we realize this isn’t an actual activity but hey—desperate times call for desperate measures.
5. Eat at a Chain Restaurant
There are several American chain restaurants that remain open, even on Christmas Day, though most have shortened hours. Some, however, may be closed, so you should always call before you head over. Additionally, restaurants in these chains located outside of the US, you should expect them to be closed.
· Applebee’s (only in large metropolitan areas, call ahead)
· Benihana (Technically, this is Japanese, so it makes sense)
· Boston Market (most locations)
· Denny’s
· Domino’s Pizza (most, but not all locations, call ahead)
· Dunkin Donuts
· Golden Corral (some locations, call ahead)
· Hooters (some locations, call ahead)
· IHOP
· Red Lobster (most, but not all locations, call ahead)
· Smith & Wollensky
· STK Steakhouse
· Texas De Brazil
· Waffle House
· Wendy’s
For some of the nicer chains on this list, like STK Steakhouse, note that reservations may be required, so call before you head over to ensure they have room for your entire family before making the drive.
6. Head to the Park
Are the nieces and nephews (or cousins) driving you up a wall? The good news is that most public parks remain open on Christmas Day—mostly due to the fact that they don’t close anyway. Still, when you are minutes from going crazy, it can be perfect to bundle up the kids and take them to expend their energy in a park.
If you live in a location with warm Christmases like Mexico, the Caribbean, or perhaps Australia, a public park can be a great way to host your own family, even if you don’t have room at home. Many public parks have benches, tables, and even grills you can use as long as you bring your fuel from home.
Take note, though, that others in your area may have the same idea, so check in advance whether you need to reserve a grill, or if it is just first-come, first-served!
7. Go Ice Skating/Sledding
Most outdoor ice rinks remain open through Christmas, though there are a few exceptions. Regardless, if you live near one, it’s worth giving them a call, or walking over to see if they are open, as ice skating can be a fun activity for the whole family.
If you don’t live near an ice rink but live somewhere with a lot of snow, sledding or tubing can be another fun activity that you don’t need to rely on operating hours for. Just make sure you already have a sled on hand, then head to the tallest hill you can find!
8. Head to a Theme Park
Yes, most theme parks remain open during the holiday season. Of course, not everyone has one near them, but if you do, you’re in luck! Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Disney World are all open on Christmas Day. Many Six Flags locations are also open, but be sure to check hours individually, as some do close on this day. The Efteling in the Netherlands is also open on holidays.
For more specialty parks, such as Legoland, SeaWorld, and Europapark, you’ll need to check with your local location to see if they are open during Christmas.
We hope that this list has helped you at least find some way to pass the time on Christmas Day. If there is truly nothing in your area, remember that online casinos like MintDice.com are open 24/7/365. So, log on and start playing today!.
