Throughout the holiday season, all groups of families and friends celebrate togetherness. Jewish families and friends are no exception. However, on Christmas and Christmas eve, it can be hard to find places to celebrate together. From the traditional Chinese food to dinner at the movies, here are some top picks in St. Louis chosen by Jewish teens.

1. Mei Hua – Recommended by senior Cameron Redler, a former student at Ladue High School. Mei Hua prides itself on its buffet and large menu, and also offers delivery services up to a 5 mile radius. 

9626 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132

2. Mandarin House- This Chinese restaurant offers a Special Dinner Buffet from 5:00-9:00 pm on Christmas day. “Every year, we always go to Mandarin House,” Ladue High School junior Emma Cohen said. Make sure not to forget your student ID, because students eat 10% off.

 9150 Overland Plaza, Overland, MO 63114

3. Royal Chinese Barbecue- Cohen also suggests Royal Chinese Barbecue, which is found on Olive Road. The restaurant offers a central location, and nice interior design.

 8406 Olive Boulevard

4. AMC West Olive 16- This theater offers dine-in services while you watch a movie. All you have to do is press a buzzer, and you are able to order and enjoy food during the film. 

12657 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

5. Yen Ching- Found on Brentwood, this low-priced Chinese restaurant is open on Christmas eve and Christmas day. “The best place by far to go is Yen Ching if you want the real deal,” said Parkway Central junior, Josh Rudman. “Also if you go there, get their sizzling rice soup.”

1012 South Brentwood Boulevard, Richmond Heights, MO 63117

6. Hot Wok- Recommended by Parkway Central junior Scott Prywitch, this cafe is located in Chesterfield. Offering both dinner and lunch menus, it will certainly satisfy the taste buds.

Woods Mill Center, 14346 South Outer Forty, Town and Country, MO 63017

7. Shu Feng- Shu Feng is a small, homey restaurant found on Olive. “It is absolutely delicious and you have to order the sesame chicken,” Ladue High School senior Trevor Schwartz said. “My favorite is the sautéed eggplant.”

8435 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132

8. Mai Lee- Schwartz also highly recommended stopping by Mai Lee. This Brentwood restaurant offers both Vietnamese and Chinese dishes.

8396 Musick Memorial Dr

9. Gokul- This kosher and vegetarian Indian restaurant is open on Christmas eve. It is a favorite among St. Louis’ kosher crowd, and should be extra full on Christmas eve.

6101 Delmar Blvd

And after you’ve enjoyed a meal,

     10. Spend the rest of the day with ice skating and friends at Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park.