chukas akum as defined by the maharik and the rema includes things that are not done for any positive purpose. See Rav Moshe ZT”L’s famous teshuvos in regards to Thanksgiving. Going to a mall for the purpose of buying something or riding the train to work would not be included. There seems to be a machlokes whether if Jews have their own purpose to those activities (ie going on a family outing) which differs from the purpose of the goyim makes it mutar. I am not that knowledgeable in this area and I am sure there are others here who could better answer this question with specific mareh mkomos.
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