A "Jewish Christmas" Chinese food and movie theatre guide to Vancouver
For many, Christmas Day is rife with traditions, from a frenzied presents-opening sesh next to the tree to a feast of turkey with all the trimmings (and family drama). But for those who don’t observe for whatever reason, or who make it a tradition to hit the movie theatres and enjoy a Chinese food feast, welcome to “Jewish Christmas.”
If this sounds more up your alley, but the logistics have you saying “oy vey,” we’re here to help. Here are the movie theatres open Christmas Day in Vancouver, and the nearest Chinese restaurants to each one.
See also
- 9 Vancouver restaurants serving dinner on Christmas Day
- 7 places to find Hanukkah food in Vancouver
- How Asian food has become the star of Canada's culinary scene
- Vancouver's unique Chinese food scene gets a high profile shout out
One twist this year, however, is that the Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, starts its eight crazy nights of menorahs, dreidels, and latkes on December 24 which means movie theatres and Chinese restaurants might be a bit quieter.
An important note: Many Chinese restaurants opt to be open Christmas Day, but if you have your heart set on one in particular, best to call ahead to confirm their hours, and, if you’re in a larger party, if they can take your group.
Cineplex Odeon International Village
Downtown’s always-bustling International Village has a Cineplex multiplex on the third floor, and considering the theatre’s proximity to Chinatown this is a prime place to hit up for a movie if you’re also planning on having a meal while you’re out.
Address: 88 West Pender, 3rd Floor, Vancouver
Nearby Chinese restaurants:
- Garden Villa Seafood Restaurant – 127 East Pender Street, 604-688-3877
- Kim Wai Dim Sum – 249 East Pender Street, 604-568-6692
- Kent’s Kitchen – 232 Keefer Street, 604-669-2237
- International Village Mall Food Court – 88 West Pender Street, 604-646-1081
Scotiabank Theatre
Located at Burrard and Smithe, this downtown movie theatre is just a short jaunt away from several restaurants situated immediately nearby and further into the West End.
Address: 900 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Nearby Chinese restaurants:
- Patterson Wonton House – 917 Davie Street, 604-688-6868
- Tsui Hang Village – 1193 Granville Street, 604-683-6868
- Victoria Chinese Restaurant – 1055 W Georgia Street, 604-669-8383
- Kirin Restaurant – 1172 Alberni Street, 604-682-8833
- ChongQing – 1260 Robson Street, 604-568-0303
- Hon’s Wun Tun House – 1339 Robson Street, 604-685-0871
- Won More Szechuan – 1184 Denman Street #201, 604-688-8856
- Dinesty Dumpling House – 1719 Robson Street, 604-669-7769
Vancity Theatre (Vancouver International Film Centre)
This art house venue has just one screening on Christmas Day (the 2016 Canadian film Maliglutit, which is shown in Inuktitut with English subtitles) so this will be a destination only for the very discerning.
Address: 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Nearby Chinese restaurants:
- Patterson Wonton House – 917 Davie Street, 604-688-6868
- Tsui Hang Village – 1193 Granville Street, 604-683-6868
- Sweet Mandarin – 630 Davie Street, 604-488-0399
- Yopo Cafe – 1122 Homer Street, 604-609-9676
Fifth Avenue Cinemas
Heads up if you’re headed out with the family, or you’re under 19 yourself: The Fifth Avenue Cinemas is an age restricted venue, which means you need your government-issued ID to prove you’re of age to hang out here. Luckily, when it’s time to eat, you’ve got plenty of options around here in Kitsilano.
Address: 2110 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Nearest Chinese restaurants:
- Connie’s Cookhouse – 2135 West 4th Avenue, 604-484-6289
- Timkee Kitchen – 2365 Burrard Street, 604-738-8628
- Bashu Sichuan – 1668 West Broadway #205, 604-739-5888
- Lin Chinese Cuisine and Tea House – 1537 West Broadway, 604-733-9696
- Fortune Garden Restaurant – 1475 West Broadway, 604-736-6868
- Broadway Chinese Restaurant – 1410 West Broadway, 604-731-0488
Dunbar Theatre
One of the city’s last indie theatre’s standing, the Dunbar Theatre is indeed open on Christmas Day. However, while it’s prime to support independent ventures, the drawback here is that there are only a couple of Chinese restaurants in the area for your Jewish Christmas outing.
Address: 4555 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
Nearest Chinese restaurants:
- Cosy Inn Cafe – 4455 Dunbar Street, 604-224-3133
- Ridge Garden Restaurant – 4009 MacDonald Street, 604-736-7006
The Park
Catch a flick at this Cineplex venue on the Cambie corridor, and you’ve got a few choices for where to feast before or after the show.
Address: 3440 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Nearest Chinese restaurants:
- New Sun Restaurant – 2925 Cambie Street, 604-876-1277
- Mei Shan Dog Po – 3420 Cambie Street, 778-379-9388
- Landmark Hot Pot House – 4023 Cambie Street, 604-872-2868
- Sun Garden – 3832 Oak Street, 604-733-3922
- Kwong Chow Congee & Noodle House – 3163 Main Street, 604-876-8520
- Shaolin Noodle House – 656 West Broadway, 604-873-1618
- Peaceful Restaurant – 532 West Broadway #110, 604-879-9878
- Congee Noodle House – 141 East Broadway, 604-879-8221
Marine Gateway
The newest movie theatre in the city of Vancouver, Cineplex Marine Gateway has the option of VIP service, which would negate the need for a pre- or post-flick feast, but for regular ol’ movie-goers, there are some great spots nearby for a meal–including if you take the ride across the river to Richmond.
Address: 452 South West Marine Drive, Vancouver
Nearest Chinese restaurants:
- Wo’s Chinese Restaurant – 8166 Main Street, 604-323-8093
- Uncle Ming’s Kitchen – 8181 Main Street, 604-327-7658
- Taste Good Wonton Seafood – 620 SE Marine Drive, 604-323-1318
- Flamingo Chinese Restaurant – 1652 SE Marine Drive, 604-325-4511
- Two Brothers – 8532 Granville Street, 604-264-7663
- Tai Tung Chinese Seafood Restaurant – 8012 Granville Street, 604-261-6328
- Sea Harbour – 8888 River Road #150, Richmond, 604-232-0816
- Hakkasan – 2188 No. 5 Road, #110, Richmond, 604-273-9191
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