Few restaurant choices available for Christmas Day diners

Do you remember the final scene from "A Christmas Story," when the family, whose Christmas meal was ruined by the neighbor's marauding dogs, is sitting down to Peking duck and a serenade of "Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra" from the Chinese restaurant workers?

Politically incorrect caroling aside, if you find yourself eating out this Christmas, your meal could be much the same. Of all the restaurants in Shelbyville, only a few will be open on Christmas day, including all three Chinese restaurants: Chef Chen's, New Century, and New China Buffet.

But if moo goo gai pan isn't your idea of a Christmas feast, there are a few other choices. La Hacienda on Madison will be open from 1 to 10 p.m. Christmas Day, although it will close early, 5 p.m., on Christmas Eve.

Of all the fast food places, only Hardee's will be open, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas day, afer closing early (6 p.m.) the night before. And don't count on pizza unless you've got some in the freezer.

"Besides Thanksgiving, it's the only day we're closed all year," said an employee at Dominos. "And we close at 8 p.m. Christmas Eve."

Pizza Hut, Rafael's and Papa John's will also be closed Christmas Day.

Some local eateries will also be closed on Christmas Eve, such as Legends, Hobble House and The Dinner Table, and almost all of the other restaurants are closing early on Christmas Eve, with closing times ranging from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.