Christmas Chinese Food Tradition Explained

Published on November 4th, 2024

Chinese food on Christmas? It’s a thing — and we love it!

In the melting pot of the United States, traditional Christmas dinners aren’t always full of ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, and other sides. What you eat depends on where you go — hello, tamales and kringles! And in some cities, particularly New York City, Chinese food for Christmas dinner is a major trend. Here’s why.

Why do some people eat Chinese food on Christmas?

Chinese food is a great alternative option for people who either don’t want (or aren’t able) to spend the holidays with a loved one. You don’t have to make a huge meal, and you don’t have to eat one either. Plus, Chinese food leftovers last for a while, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the food. Aside from that, there are a ton of other reasons you’d have Chinese food on Christmas. Maybe you’re running late, or your dinner didn’t turn out right, or you just really like Chinese food. No matter what it is, there’s no judgment! Embrace the tradition if you’re feeling it.

What is the tradition of Chinese restaurants on Christmas Eve?

The tradition of having Chinese food on Christmas or Christmas Eve dates back to New York City in the late 1800s. Next to Christians, the largest population groups in the city at the time were Chinese and Jewish, and they lived relatively close to one another. Neither community celebrates Christmas in the traditional Christian way, with church and a big dinner. The Chinese restaurants stayed open when everyone was in church and when the other businesses closed down for the holiday. According to the book “A Kosher Christmas: ‘Tis the Season to be Jewish,” the tradition endured because Jewish communities were looking for something cheap and different from the usual deli fare on Christmas, and there wasn’t a history of prejudice against Jewish people in the Chinese community. The Chinese food tradition is mainly tied to Jewish families going somewhere that was actually open on Christmas, but it’s morphed into a cultural phenomenon that all cultures can embrace.

Read More: Christmas Tamales Tradition: Explained

What movie do they eat Chinese food on Christmas?

Chinese food for Christmas dinner has become such a ubiquitous tradition that pop culture has fully embraced the idea in movies. The most famous is probably “A Christmas Story,” when the neighbors destroy the Parker’s Christmas dinner, and they head out for Chinese instead. Some others? “Scrooged,” when Christmas dinner is a meet-cute; “Office Christmas Party” when one of the characters wants to stay home on Christmas eating Chinese food; and “The Miracle of the Bells” (with Frank Sinatra!) where a couple reunites on Christmas over plates of chop suey.

Famous Chinese restaurants that ship nationwide

Don’t miss out on your favorite Chinese dishes for Christmas. We’ve got all the holiday goodies you could ask for from famous Chinese restaurants.

Read More: Traditional Christmas Foods Across America

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