NYC or Boston on Christmas Day- ghost town or festive hubbub?

[homebythesea]

Thinking of going to either of these cities over Xmas but worried that we will be holed up in a hotel all day with nothing to do on Christmas Day. Anyone have any experience of this?

Bump for evening/USA readers!

Can't speak for Boston, but NYC is a very diverse city with a large Jewish population. Definitely won't be a ghost town on Christmas day, but of course museums/theatre/most large stores won't be open. But you'll definitely be able to eat out at restaurants, go to the cinema, etc.

And all hell breaks lose the day after Christmas - one of the busiest shopping days of the year with many big sales on.

Nurture will be a ghost town, especially not NYC and I've been there at Christmas. Book somewhere nice for brunch and dinner etc way in advance.

Thanks that's v reassuring!