CHAD PLAUCHE-ADKINS The Marietta Times Andy Yu preps the steaming Sesame Chicken Monday at the Empire Buffet.

For those who don’t celebrate Christmas or who need something to do after all the gifts are opened, there are some options on Dec. 25 in Marietta.

Andy Yu, manager at Empire Buffet, said families heading to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas happens not only in the movies, but every year at his restaurant.

“Everbody knows we are open,” he said. “It’s good for the family and we have more choices.”

Empire Buffet, on 332 Pike St., offers a wide variety of Chinese style food, some American favorites and will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. But it’s not the only eating establishment open on the 25th.

IHOP at 103 Crooked Run Lane will also be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offers more of an American style cuisine. Michael Riggs, head host, said the convenience of eating out on Christmas is what he thinks makes people not stay at home for the holiday.

“There’s no clean-up and no cooking,” he said. “People can get away from the hustle and bustle of the season.”

If candy, popcorn and soda is enough to satisfy a person’s Christmas hunger, they can also have some entertainment with their nourishment. According to the National Association of Theater Owners, Christmas Day is the second busiest theater-going day of the year .

The Odyssey Theaters at Lafayette Square will be allowing patrons explosions, laughs and animation on Christmas Day by showing a variety of different movies and genres. Movies scheduled for the holiday are “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch,” “Instant Family,” “Mortal Engines,” “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse,” “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” and “Creed II.” For more information and movie times visit marietta.oddsseytheaters.com.

Sometimes a quick bite to eat and a funny movie just isn’t enough to ward off the Christmas blues. For people who really need to take the edge off, some local bars will still be open.

The Harmar Tavern at 205 Maple St., will be operating under its regular hours on both Christmas and New Year’s Day, but the kitchen will be closed on Christmas. The Town House on Front Street will be open late night Christmas Day from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with no kitchen service and will be closed on New Year’s Day. The Marietta Brewing Company won’t be open on Christmas Day, but will have its regular hours of operation and full kitchen service on New Year’s Day.

For some, nothing goes with New Year’s Day better than college football bowl games and pizza. Marietta businesses that specialize in delivering the delicious Italian meal are gearing up for one of their busiest days of the year. Kasandra Ruscitto-Pritchett, manager of the Original Pizza Place on Second Street said her store is closed on Christmas, but is ready to serve the needs of hungry football fans on New Year’s Day after 4 p.m.

“We offer bundles of wings and pizza for football games,” she said. “Any kind of comfort food is good for football on New Year’s Day. It’s usually a day to recover.”

All Smitty’s Pizza locations will also be closed on Christmas, but will be open New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Domino’s on Second Street will be open on Christmas Day from 4 to 10 p.m. and be open on Jan. 1 from 10 a.m. to midnight. All Dough Boyz Pizza locations will also be closed on Christmas but will be open New Year’s Day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Nothing wraps up a holiday season like a delicious pastry. Even though McHappy’s is closed on Christmas Day, every location will be open on New Year’s Day from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. to let people reward themselves for surviving the holiday season.

But if all the festivities and food begin requiring exercise for people to fit into their clothes again, both Anytime Fitness and the Reno Fitness Center will be open on both holidays with limited staff to help those who have chosen to lose a few pounds as their New Year’s resolution.

Christmas Hours:

•Empire Buffet – 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

•IHOP – 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

•Odyssey Theaters/ Lafayette Square 7- movies start at 3:50 p.m.

•Harmar Tavern – 10 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.

•Town House- 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

•Domino’s – 4 to 10 p.m.

•Reno Fitness Center and Anytime Fitness – open all day with limited staff.

Source: Times research.