Christmas is a holiday full of traditions.
Pine trees, wreaths, egg nog, fruit cake, ham turkey: all symbols of the day for those who celebrate Christmas.
While most Jews don't partake in the typical gentile conventions, many have developed a Christmas practice of their own.
For the past century or so, practitioners of Judaism and other non-Christmas partakers have been heading to Chinese restaurants -- previously, the only places open for the day -- to celebrate in another way.
While many other restaurants have since opened their doors for the Christmas holiday -- hey, tourists need somewhere to go -- the custom still stands. So, if you're looking to indulge in some Chinese cuisine for Christmas day, we compiled a list of the five best Chinese restaurants open on Christmas day in Palm Beach County.
See Also: Five Best Chinese Restaurants to Visit on Christmas Day in Broward County
5. Pine Garden Authentic Chinese Restaurant
Vegetarians, rejoice! This authentic Cantonese-style Boca Raton spot offers a selection of more than 120 menu options that are completely meat and dairy-free in addition to it's regular menu. It's open for eat-in, take-out, and delivery on the holiday.
Pine Garden is located at 1668 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Call 561-395-7534, or visit pinegardenbocaraton.com.
With Hong Kong-born chefs and owners from Brooklyn, this New York-style Chinese eatery -- and New Times "Best Of" winner -- is the ideal option for expats from the five boroughs looking for a taste of home in Boynton Beach. The spot is open for eat-in and take-out on Christmas Day.
China Dumpling is located at 1899 N. Congress Ave. in Boynton Beach. Call 561-737-2782.
3. Marcus's Kosher & Traditional Restaurant
For anyone with stringent kosher dietary restrictions, this Boca Raton by-way-of London restaurant is serving up a full array of kosher Cantonese-style fare for Christmas day. While this location has been in business since June 2012, its London predecessor was a mainstay in the Jewish community for more than 20 years.
Marcus's Kosher & Traditonal Restaurant is located at 11395 W Palmetto Park Road, Suite D in Boca Raton. Call 561-465-3152, or visit marcuskosher.com.
With a large selection of authentic meat, seafood, vegetarian, and dim sum offerings, this West Palm Beach restaurant is a great holiday option for even the pickiest Chinese food aficionados. It's open for eat-in, take-out, and, possibly, delivery.
Singing Bamboo is located at 2845 N Military Trail in West Palm Beach. Call 561-686-9100, or visit singingbamboofl.com.
Holidays are supposed to about sharing. Partake in some small plates with Grand Lake's traditional dim sum offerings. The West Palm Beach spot received our pick for Best Chinese Restaurant - 2009 -- and, of course, it's open on Christmas Day.
Grand Lake Chinese is located at 7750 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Call 561-681-1388.
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