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Things to do in NYC on Xmas … if you’re Jewish


Christmas in NYC is something we Jews all joke about. Day off from school or work, and actually things to do (unlike London which totally shuts down!).
Here are a few palces to eat, and things to do! (If I left any out, please comment below. Would love to hear your ideas!)

First, the kosher foodie options…

  • Chinese Food – a couple years ago I compiled a list of ALL kosher Chinese restaurants in the U.S.
  • Additionally, 92Y Tribeca is hosting “Chinese and Movie” screening (the best movies ever) Back to the Future 1 & 2! Tickets are required.
  • Jezebel – teaming up with world class chef and TV personality, Chef Eddie Huang of Baohus, he will be cooking all day from 1-10pm Christmas Day his famous authentic Chinese style food, fully Kosher of course. Be sure to make a reservation.
  • Le Marais – make a reservation at this Times Square kosher French steakhouse (don’t come here looking for Chinese food)
  • Many other Kosher restaurants will be open .. so go out and enjoy!

And now some things to do…

  • Celebrate at a Jewish museum Many of NYC's Jewish cultural institutions are open on Christmas & offering special family activities. Catch a Klez for Kids concert at the Museum at Eldridge Street OR The Macaroons at The Jewish Museum; watch chef George Wong of Chopstix Restaurants carves incredible fruit sculptures at Brooklyn's Jewish Children's Museum; and enjoy a family celebration with crafts, live music, and a movie at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.
  • Many of the attractions in Times Square are open Xmas day – so be a tourist! Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Discovery Times Square (with Harry Potter Exhibit), or …
  • See a Broadway show – Some shows will have evening shows on Xmas day. So head out and enjoy the theater!
  • Go to the movies – so many options – especially at one of the large theaters in midtown!
  • Take the kids to the Zoo – the Prospect Park, Central Park, and Queens Zoos are all open! (Bronx Zoo is closed)
  • Take your significant other (or family) Ice Skating – The Pond at Bryant Park, Wollman and Lasker Rinks in Central Park, Riverbank State Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Rockefeller Center are all open for ice-skating this year.

Just be sure to get out and enjoy! It’s our one day to rule the city! :P

About the author

Dani Klein

Dani Klein founded YeahThatsKosher in 2008 as a global kosher restaurant & travel resource for the Jewish community.

He is passionate about traveling the world, good kosher food / restaurants, social media & the web, technology, hiking, strategy games, and spending time with his friends & family.

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