Revellers filled with Christmas spirit approach an unwitting motorist on Riccarton Rd.

For some Cantabrians, Christmas is a day much like any other.

Maybe you have to work, maybe you're celebrating the festive season away from family – either by choice or by circumstance – or maybe you want a break from tradition this Christmas.

While most dairies and petrol stations will be open, many of the usual conveniences like supermarkets and shopping centres will close, leaving few options for those looking to make the most of the public holiday.

However, there are some opportunities to get out and about in Christchurch this Christmas Day.

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JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/STUFF Carl and Maureen Seaward's annual Christmas light extravaganza on Shands Rd will be alight on Christmas night.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN

Blockbusters Aquaman, Holmes & Watson, and The Grinch are ready to entertain this Christmas.

Hoyts Riccarton and Hoyts EntX and will be open from 2pm. Two Fat Indians at the EntX complex plans to be open for dinner from 2pm until late.

Several other restaurants around the city will be open – although they are the exception rather than the rule.

For an evening activity, try the Christchurch Christmas Lightshow at Shands Rd, which will be operating from 8.30pm. Entry costs $5 per person.

SUPPLIED The new Hoyts EntX cinema will be open from 2pm.

If you want free entertainment, the Victory Family Centre is offering Christmas ornament making, carols and games at Middleton Grange School from 11am.

WORK UP A SWEAT

Those of us looking to spend Christmas outdoors might be in luck.

MetService is forecasting a high of 22 degrees Celsius in Christchurch on Tuesday, with low cloud most of the day.

JOSEPH JOHNSON/STUFF Two Fat Indians owner and head chef Nasir Khan prepares a meal. The restaurant will be open Christmas Day from 2pm until late.

Christchurch's Adventure Park and cafe will be open from 9am to 9pm.

There will be two-for-one pricing on day passes, bike rentals, and for its chairlift, which will run from 10am to 8pm.

If you prefer working out indoors, Les Mills on Cashel St is open from 9am until midday.

GET OUT OF TOWN

There are plenty of activities around Canterbury if you're willing to travel.

SUPPLIED Christchurch's Adventure Park will be open on Christmas Day for those seeking a little adrenaline.

Beware that traffic may be heavier than usual – the NZ Transport Agency says it is worst between 10am and 1pm on most routes out of Christchurch.

Motorists should also expect delays due to roadworks on SH7 near Weka Pass, SH73 approaching Arthur's Pass, and on SH1 at Peketa, outside Kaikōura.

If you do leave the city, Kaikōura Kayaks has tours departing at 8.30am and 12.30pm on Christmas Day.

You can also take a dolphin cruise in Akaroa at 2.30pm, or a Black Cat cruise – although a 20 per cent surcharge applies.

JONO HITCHCOX/BLACK CAT CRUISES You may spot a rare Hector's Dolphin in Akaroa this Christmas.

BE A TOURIST

If you ever wanted to have central Christchurch pretty much to yourself, Christmas is your opportunity.

The Tram and Punting on the Avon will be operating from 10am until 4pm.

You can also take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens, although the conservatories and Ilex Cafe will be closed.

The International Antarctic Centre will be open from 9am to 5.30pm.

DAVID WALKER/STUFF Traditional punting on the Avon will continue on Christmas Day.