Christmas Day in Atlanta can feel surprisingly quiet, but there’s still plenty to do if you know where to look. Whether you’re visiting, hosting relatives, or just want to get out of the house, this guide walks through things to do in Atlanta on Christmas Day that actually work with local hours, traffic, and weather.
Before planning your day, keep these basics in mind:
Below is a set of realistic, locally grounded options—both big outings and simple, low-key ideas.
The Atlanta BeltLine is open daily, including Christmas Day, and is one of the easiest ways to get outside without a lot of planning.
Why it works on Christmas Day:
Popular segments for a Christmas walk:
�� Tip: Start near Historic Fourth Ward Park or Ponce City Market if you want bathrooms nearby and some limited food or coffee options (check which tenants are open).
Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s “central park” and remains open to the public on Christmas Day.
Things you can do:
🚗 Parking: There is paid parking at the SAGE Parking Facility (Monroe Dr & Worchester Dr) and limited street parking around the park. Christmas Day is usually less crowded, but still plan a little extra time.
Jackson Street Bridge
Jackson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (near Freedom Parkway)
The Jackson Street Bridge offers one of Atlanta’s most photographed skyline views and is accessible on Christmas Day.
What makes it special on Christmas Day:
⚠️ Safety note: This is a city street bridge with car traffic. Stay on the sidewalk and keep kids close.
Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
The park grounds and trails at Stone Mountain are typically accessible every day of the year, including Christmas Day, though specific attractions inside the park may be closed.
Options for your visit:
💡 Check before you go: If you’re interested in special Christmas attractions or shows at Stone Mountain Park, those may follow a different holiday schedule. Call the park or check their official information line for details on which areas require tickets and what’s operating on December 25.
Many of the biggest Christmas light events in metro Atlanta operate around Christmas Day but may or may not run on December 25. However, several drive-through or self-guided options still work, especially in the evening.
If you don’t need a ticketed event, make your own “light tour” by driving through well-decorated neighborhoods.
Areas where Atlanta residents often report strong holiday displays include:
How to make it fun:
🎄 Tip: Some individual homes set up elaborate synchronized shows. Local news outlets or neighborhood social pages often mention standouts by address as the holidays approach.
Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Centennial Olympic Park itself has varied hours and has gone through changes, but the surrounding area is walkable on Christmas Day:
This is a good area if you’re staying in a Downtown Atlanta hotel and want a simple walk without driving.
Atlanta isn’t a city where everything shuts down—especially when it comes to food. Still, options are more limited, so plan ahead.
Many full-service hotels in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead tend to keep at least one restaurant or bar open on Christmas Day, often with:
Areas to explore:
☎️ Action step: Call the hotel directly and ask:
Buford Highway runs through several cities (including Brookhaven and Doraville) just northeast of Atlanta and is known for its international restaurants and bakeries. Many operate on holidays, though hours vary.
What you might find open:
⭐ Tip: Buford Highway is car-dependent. Plan a designated driver and check restaurant hours in advance. Christmas afternoon and evening can be a good time if you want to avoid big crowds.
Certain chain restaurants, especially those in busy shopping corridors, may open on Christmas Day with reduced hours. You’re more likely to find options:
📌 Practical tip: On Christmas Day, it’s smart to:
Many big Atlanta attractions (such as the Georgia Aquarium or major museums) are often closed on Christmas Day. If you still want something to do inside, focus on simple, low-cost, or reservation-free options.
Atlanta has a strong street art and mural scene that you can enjoy just by walking or driving.
Good areas for a self-guided mural hunt:
How to do it:
📸 Good activity for visitors who want iconic Atlanta photos without needing reservations.
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)
Customer Service: 404-848-5000
MARTA trains and many buses run on a holiday schedule on Christmas Day. This can be a relaxed, low-cost way to see a slice of the city:
Ideas:
Always check:
You can call MARTA’s customer service line or use official posted schedules to confirm.
Many movie theaters in and around Atlanta traditionally open on Christmas Day, especially for new releases.
Areas where you’re likely to find open theaters include:
🎬 Plan ahead:
Many Atlanta-area churches hold Christmas Day services, especially when December 25 does not fall on a Sunday. Larger congregations often offer:
Neighborhoods with numerous churches:
To find options:
In Atlanta, many organizations focus their holiday volunteer efforts on the days surrounding Christmas, but some still need help on Christmas Day.
Types of opportunities you may find:
Organizations commonly involved in holiday outreach in the Atlanta area include:
☎️ How to connect:
If you prefer to stay close to home (or your hotel) on Christmas Day, you can still add some local flavor.
Almost every Atlanta neighborhood has small parks and playgrounds that stay accessible:
Use Christmas Day for:
If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, combine small activities into an informal Atlanta sampler:
Example half-day plan:
This gives visitors a feel for Atlanta without relying on major attractions that may be closed.
| Type of Activity | Likely Available on Christmas Day | Notes for Atlanta Residents/Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Major museums & ticketed attractions | Sometimes closed | Check specific venues; many shut down on Dec 25 |
| BeltLine, parks, neighborhood walks | Yes | Free, flexible, good for all ages |
| Stone Mountain hiking trails | Generally accessible | Certain paid attractions may be closed or limited |
| Christmas light drive-throughs | Varies by event | Confirm event schedule; DIY neighborhood drives always possible |
| Hotel restaurants | Often open with holiday menus | Call ahead; reservations may be required |
| Buford Highway restaurants | Many open | Hours vary widely; call your chosen spot |
| Movie theaters | Commonly open | Expect crowds; buy tickets in advance if you can |
| MARTA transit | Holiday schedule | Reduced frequency; check official schedules |
| Church services | Many available Christmas morning | Times vary; check church calendars or call directly |
| Volunteering | Sometimes on Dec 25, more before | Arrange early; many fill volunteer slots well ahead of time |
On Christmas Day in Atlanta, the options are less about big, busy attractions and more about simple experiences: walks, views, lights, good food, faith gatherings, and time with the people you’re with. With a little advance planning and a few phone calls to confirm hours, you can put together a day that feels both festive and uniquely Atlanta.
