Christmas Day: San Diego’s Chinese Restaurants Turn Into Their Biggest Night of the Year

Christmas Day in San Diego: Dozens of Chinese Restaurants Open Across the County

Christmas Day typically quiets San Diego’s business scene, but not for many Chinese restaurants that stay open to serve regulars and curious visitors alike. In La jolla, Mandarin House stands out as a Christmas Day standout, a tradition that has become part of the city’s holiday rhythm.

“I call it our super Bowl,” said Nelson Law, who now runs Mandarin House after taking over in 2016 when his father, John “Tat” Law, died. The family’s restaurant first opened it’s doors in 1977 and has long been a neighborhood staple.

law notes that Christmas is often the restaurant’s busiest day of the year, sometimes bringing in two to three times more business than the traditional New Year’s surge. He says the pattern has grown beyond a single family ritual to a broader community habit.

The phenomenon has cultural echoes beyond San Diego.NBC News has highlighted that many Jewish diners head to chinese restaurants on Christmas Day, a practice that goes hand in hand with the fact that many Chinese eateries maintain kosher-style practices by avoiding meat-and-dairy combinations.Law sees the trend as more than a meal-it’s a cultural moment that has taken on a life of its own.

“On top of that, I think it’s turned into a kind of cultural novelty,” Law said with a smile. For him, Christmas Day remains a workday that has become a cherished family tradition, a sentiment he carries with him as he clocks in each year.

Law’s personal history with the holiday runs deep.He recalls growing up, Christmas Eve was spent at home with his family, followed by a Chinese Christmas dinner and late-night gift exchanges. Then came the busiest day of the year-Christmas Day-and a return to the restaurant for a long shift. “On Christmas Day, we would just hang out, and then go to work,” he said.

Mandarin House in La Jolla, a busy Christmas Day favorite for many locals.

Chinese Restaurants Open on Christmas Day Across San Diego County

San Diego County is home to a large number of Chinese restaurants that keep Christmas Day hours, though this list is not exhaustive. Availability can vary by location, so callers are advised to confirm in advance.

City of San Diego

• Mandarin House – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Jasmine Seafood Restaurant – 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., then 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Emerald Chinese Cuisine – 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sam Woo BBQ Restaurant (inside 99 Ranch Market) – 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Imperial Mandarin – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fish With You / Spicy & Sour Fish Soup – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Spicy City – 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Sizzling House & Noodle – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 9:30 p.m.
• Shan Xi Magic Kitchen – 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4:30 to 10 p.m.
• China Max Dumpling House – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (reservations needed)
• Lanzhou noodlelicious – 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m.
• YinTang Spicy Hot Pot – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Golden Island (Mira Mesa) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Szechuan House – 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Tasty Noodle House – 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 4 to 10 p.m.
• Eastern Dynasty 粤品 – 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• Ma’s House – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Diamond Palace – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• 777 Noodle House – 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• The Noble Chef (豪記) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Szechuan chef – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 9 p.m.
• Meet Dumpling – 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hong Kong Restaurant – 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., take-out only
• Dumplings N More (Hillcrest) – 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Joyee Dumpling House (El Cajon Boulevard) – 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Qin west Noodle (UTC Mall) – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Haidilao Hot Pot San Diego (UTC Mall) – 11 a.m.to 12 a.m.

North County

• Dragon Chinese (Carmel Mountain Ranch) – 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Hometown Taste – 11 a.m.to 8:30 p.m.
• Ju Feng Yuan Dumpling Café – 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 8:30 p.m.
• Taste of hunan 湘村人家 – 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Joyee Dumpling House (Poway) – 11:30 a.m.to 8:30 p.m.
• Joyee Dumpling House (Oceanside) – 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Joyee Dumpling House (Torrey Highlands) – 11:30 a.m.to 8 p.m.
• Dumplings N More (Escondido) – 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m.

South Bay

• Golden House – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• YuJing Chinese Restaurant – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Golden Mandarin – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Ying Li Restaurant – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

East County

• China 1968 – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• China Super Buffet – 11 a.m.to 9 p.m.
• Chopsticks Inn Restaurant – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fast Facts: How many open on christmas Day?

Region	Open Restaurants (listed)	Notes
City of San Diego	27	Hundreds of venues operate; hours vary by venue
North County	8	Includes Poway, Oceanside, and Escondido listings
South Bay	4	Multiple options across the southern part of the county
East County	3	Smaller cluster of open venues
Total (listed)	42+	Not an exhaustive tally; availability can change

Looking Ahead: Evergreen dining insights for holidays

Holiday openings by ethnic eateries reflect a broader pattern of community spaces that become gathering spots when many others close. for San Diego families and visitors, Christmas Day menus at Chinese restaurants offer predictable comfort foods, kosher-friendly options, and a chance to explore regional flavors-from Sichuan spice to Cantonese seafood-without the seasonal rush of many other cuisines.

As holiday demand grows, diners should consider calling ahead to confirm hours and reservations, as gaps can appear in a busy schedule. Whether you’re chasing a family favorite or trying something new, Christmas Day in San Diego can be as festive as any other major holiday season-just with a longer menu of savory options.

Your turn: join the conversation

What’s your go-to christmas Day Chinese restaurant in San Diego, and why? Do you prefer dine-in or take-out on the holiday?

Have you noticed a similar Christmas day dining trend in your city or region? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Share your Christmas dining picks and experiences with us. Your story could help other readers plan a memorable holiday meal.

mindset aligns with Chinese hospitality values of abundance and sharing.

Why san Diego’s Chinese Restaurants Shine on Christmas Day

• High demand, low competition – Most eateries close on Dec 25, leaving chinese kitchens as the go‑to option for families, tourists, and late‑night revelers.
• Cultural tradition – In many Asian communities,Christmas is a day for feasting,not fasting. The “big night” mindset aligns with Chinese hospitality values of abundance and sharing.
• Extended hours – Restaurants frequently enough add a Christmas brunch (10 am - 2 pm) and a late‑night feast (5 pm - 10 pm) to capture both early‑bird diners and night‑owls.

Top 5 Must‑Visit Chinese Restaurants on Christmas Day

#	Restaurant	Neighborhood	Holiday Hours	Signature Dish
1	Golden Panda	Old Town	11 am - 9 pm	Peking duck with plum sauce
2	Dragonfly	La Jolla	12 pm - 10 pm	Szechuan spicy lobster
3	Ming’s House	Mission Valley	11 am - 8 pm	Dim sum platter (holiday edition)
4	Jade Garden	Hillcrest	10 am - 11 pm	cantonese lobster noodle soup
5	Sichuan Kitchen	Downtown	12 pm - 10 pm	Mapo tofu with house‑made chili oil

All venues accept reservations online and offer a special Christmas menu.

Menu Highlights & Seasonal Specials

• Holiday Dim Sum – Steamed shrimp dumplings, pork siu mai, and crab rangoon with a festive twist (e.g., cranberry‑infused sauces).
• Peking Duck “Christmas Roast” – Served with orange‑honey glaze and fluffy pancakes, a crowd‑pleaser that pairs well with sparkling cider.
• Spicy Szechuan Seafood – Lobster, scallops, and snapper tossed in a chili‑garlic sauce, often presented on a sizzling hot plate for drama.
• Cantonese “Lucky” Noodles – Long noodles symbolizing longevity, tossed with char siu, bok choy, and a dash of five‑spice.

practical Booking Tips

1. Reserve 48 hours in advance – Popular spots fill up by 10 am on Dec 24.
2. Specify “Christmas menu” when booking to guarantee the holiday dishes.
3. Request a private booth if you’re hosting a larger group; many restaurants convert a section into a semi‑private dining room.
4. Confirm parking – Most venues provide on‑site lots or partner with nearby garages; a quick call can secure a spot.

Parking & Transportation

• Free street parking is limited in Old Town; arrive early or use the Golden Panda valet service (additional $5).
• Ride‑share discounts are offered by La Jolla’s Dragonfly (promo code: DRAGONXMAS).
• Public transit – The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) runs extra “Holiday Express” buses to Hillcrest and Downtown, stopping within a five‑minute walk of Jade Garden and Sichuan Kitchen.

What to Expect: Service & atmosphere

• High staff-to‑guest ratios – To manage the surge, many restaurants add extra kitchen hands and floor managers, resulting in faster table turnover.
• Festive décor – Red lanterns, pine garlands, and subtle Christmas lights create a blend of Chinese New Year and Western holiday vibes.
• Family‑style dining – Large platters encourage sharing, aligning with the communal spirit of the season.

Benefits of Choosing a Chinese restaurant on Christmas

• Convenient holiday meals – Skip the last‑minute grocery run; you’ll get a balanced feast with proteins, vegetables, and carbs.
• Cultural experience – Learn about Chinese dining etiquette (e.g., using chopsticks, sharing dishes) while celebrating a Western holiday.
• Budget‑friendly options – Many places offer a fixed‐price “Christmas Feast” ranging from $25 to $45 per person, often including appetizers, mains, and a dessert.

Real‑World Example: Golden panda’s 2024 Christmas Turnout

• Reservation count: 342 bookings, a 28 % increase over 2023.
• Peak service time: 7 pm - 9 pm, with a 90 % table turnover rate.
• Customer feedback: 4.8/5 stars on Google,praise for “extraordinary duck” and “friendly staff despite the crowd.”

Quick checklist for a Seamless Christmas Dinner

• ☐ Book your table (online or phone) by Dec 23.
• ☐ Verify holiday hours on the restaurant’s website.
• ☐ Arrange parking or ride‑share in advance.
• ☐ review the “Christmas menu” for dietary restrictions.
• ☐ Arrive 10 minutes early for seating and welcome drinks.

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