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Best Things Open on Christmas Day in New Jersey

1. Enjoy a Holiday Feast

There are several restaurants open on Christmas Day, so take a day off from the kitchen and enjoy a special holiday meal out.

2. Visit the Aquarium

You might not be able to spot a North Pole narwhal, but you’ll still have a blast at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Online reservations are recommended.

3. Go to the Movies

Several family-oriented films coming out this month are worthy of a few hours spent sipping soda and pigging out on popcorn. Wonka is bound to be a fun flick for all ages. Disney has the movie Wish and Dreamworks has Trolls Band Together. Check your local theater listings for showtimes.

4. Go Roller Skating

Prefer to have fun without bundling up? Try roller skating! The Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center in Newark has two sessions for families on Christmas Day.

5. ... Or Bowling

Stay warm indoors and wear cool shoes at a local bowling alley. Some open lanes include AMF Strathmore Lanes in Aberdeen Township, Bowlero in Green Brook, Bowlero Deptford, Bowlero Belleville, and Bowlero Wallington.

RELATED: Best and Brightest Christmas Light Displays on New Jersey Homes

See the trees floating on the lake in a holiday light show at Historic Smithville. Photo courtesy of Historic Smithville

6. See a Holiday Light Show

Looking for something a little more festive? Check out one of the holiday light shows happening on Christmas Day. Head to Smithville for a holiday light show on the water, or book tickets to a drive-thru display like South Jersey's Magic of Lights.

7. Volunteer

Other than singing loud for all to hear, the biggest way to spread Christmas cheer is to volunteer. From food banks to homeless shelters to food and clothing drives, there are so many ways to give back with your family on Christmas Day.

8. Break Out the Board Games

If your kids asked for board games this year, don’t waste any time breaking out those babies for an afternoon of healthy family competition!

RELATED: Top Holiday and Christmas Events in NJ for Kids

Join a reenactment of Washington's crossing of the Delaware River. Photo courtesy of Washington Crossing Historic Park

9. Experience a Reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware River on Christmas

Do something patriotic and watch hundreds of costumed reenactors present Washington's famous Christmas Day crossing of the Delaware River. The ceremony begins at noon, but arrive early for a viewing spot as this event draws a big crowd.

10. Take a Wintry Walk

Most NJ parks are open until dusk, so whether you venture out early in the morning or decide to play a family round of hide-and-seek later in the day, you can enjoy a bit of fresh air.

11. Go Snow Tubing

If Mother Nature cooperates, head to one of these snow tubing hills near New Jersey for some winter recreation.

This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated.