Things To Do on Christmas Day in Atlanta, GA: A Local’s Guide to What’s Actually Open

Planning things to do on Christmas Day in Atlanta, GA can be tricky because many places close or run limited hours. Still, there’s plenty you can do in and around the city if you know where to look.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to Christmas Day activities, from outdoor walks and photo spots to restaurants that are often open, festive drives, and low-cost ideas if you simply want to get out of the house.

Before You Go: How Christmas Day Works in Atlanta

On December 25, many Atlanta businesses shut down or operate on holiday hours. In general:

• Most government offices, banks, and libraries are closed.
• MARTA trains and buses typically run a Sunday/holiday schedule.
• Many attractions are closed, but a few big ones sometimes open for limited hours.
• Chain hotels and some national restaurant brands are more likely to be open.

Because hours can change year to year, it’s important to double-check hours directly with venues before heading out. Use the ideas below as a starting point, then confirm specifics for this year’s holiday.

Enjoy Atlanta’s Outdoor Spaces on a Quiet Holiday

Christmas Day is one of the calmest days of the year in Atlanta. Parks, trails, and public spaces are usually open even when buildings and visitor centers are not.

Stroll Through Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park is a classic Christmas Day walk spot:

• Walk the paved paths with skyline views.
• Let kids play on the playgrounds.
• Have a simple picnic if the weather is mild.

Bathrooms and nearby cafes might be closed or limited, but the grounds of the park are usually open from early morning to late evening.

Walk or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is especially popular on holidays:

• Great for walking, biking, or skating.
• Murals, skyline views, and neighborhoods like Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward.
• You may find a handful of restaurants or coffee shops open along the route, especially those in large mixed-use developments, but expect fewer options than usual.

If you’re renting scooters or bikes, check ahead—some services reduce fleets on holidays.

Visit Centennial Olympic Park Area

While Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) has adjusted operations in recent years, the surrounding area is still a good Christmas Day option for:

• Views of the Atlanta skyline and Ferris wheel (SkyView Atlanta)
• Walks around the College Football Hall of Fame / Georgia World Congress Center area
• Family photos near the Olympic rings and fountains (if accessible)

Even if attractions are closed, the outdoor plazas and sidewalks around downtown are usually walkable.

Festive Drives and Neighborhood Light Displays

Even if big commercial light festivals aren’t open on Christmas night, residential decorations and certain public areas can still be enjoyed from your car.

Drive Through Intown Neighborhoods

Many Atlanta neighborhoods put a lot of effort into decorations:

• Virginia-Highland
• Inman Park
• Grant Park
• Candler Park
• Morningside / Ansley Park

Plan a simple route after dark and enjoy decorated porches, trees, and front yards. These are free, and streets are usually quieter on December 25.

Explore Buckhead and Midtown at Night

Commercial districts like Buckhead Village, Lenox area, and Midtown often have:

• Lit trees and seasonal decor
• Storefront window displays
• Wide sidewalks for a short nighttime stroll

Mall interiors may be closed, but the parking lots and surrounding streets still make for a festive drive.

Attractions That May Be Open (Check Each Year)

Some Atlanta-area attractions are occasionally open on Christmas Day with limited hours. This can vary, so think of this as a checklist of places to verify rather than a guarantee.

Georgia Aquarium (Downtown)

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

The Georgia Aquarium has sometimes opened on Christmas Day in past years. If it’s open:

• Expect holiday crowds, but also festive decorations.
• Advanced tickets and timed entry are often required.
• It’s an easy option if you’re staying downtown in a hotel and want a major indoor activity.

Always confirm:

• Current year holiday hours
• Whether tickets must be purchased in advance
• Parking garage hours and rates

Stone Mountain Park (East of Atlanta)

Stone Mountain Park
1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Stone Mountain often runs a long Christmas-themed season, though not every activity stays open on December 25. On or around Christmas Day, you may be able to:

• Hike the Walk-Up Trail (outdoor access is often available even if ticketed attractions are closed)
• Enjoy public picnic areas and lakeside views
• See lights in the distance from parts of the park if the displays are still up

If you’re interested in the Stone Mountain Christmas event specifically (shows, rides, etc.), you’ll need to verify if the event operates on the 25th that year.

Christmas Day Dining in Atlanta

Finding restaurants open on Christmas Day in Atlanta takes some planning, but there are several categories that tend to be available.

Hotel Restaurants and Bars

Many hotel restaurants in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead operate on Christmas Day, often with special menus. Examples of areas with hotels that frequently offer holiday dining:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Georgia Aquarium and State Farm Arena)
• Midtown (near Peachtree St NE and 14th St)
• Buckhead (around Peachtree Rd NE, Lenox Rd, and Phipps Plaza)

Tips:

• Call the hotel restaurant directly to confirm if they accept non-guest reservations.
• Ask about prix fixe menus, buffet options, and dress codes.
• Book early; Christmas Day seatings often sell out.

Chain Restaurants and National Brands

Some national chains in the Atlanta metro area tend to open on Christmas Day or for limited hours. These could include:

• Certain steakhouses
• Some Asian or Indian restaurants
• A few fast-food or fast-casual chains

Availability varies by location, so:

• Look for standalone locations near interstates (I-75, I-85, I-285).
• Check phone listings or online maps and call to confirm holiday hours.
• Gas station-adjacent chains are more likely to be open.

Local Restaurants in Popular Districts

In recent years, a handful of local Atlanta restaurants have offered Christmas Day or Christmas Eve service, especially in:

• Buford Highway (northeast of the city, known for Asian and Latin American cuisines)
• Midtown and Old Fourth Ward
• Downtown Decatur

Because this changes year to year, it’s smart to:

• Check social media pages or recorded phone messages a week or so before Christmas.
• Ask if they’re offering takeout or dine-in.
• Confirm any holiday surcharges, set menus, or specific seating times.

Simple, Low-Cost Things To Do on Christmas Day in Atlanta

You don’t have to spend a lot to make Christmas Day feel special. Atlanta offers several budget-friendly options.

Self-Guided City Photo Tour

Create your own loop of iconic Atlanta photo spots that are easy to access from public streets:

• Jackson Street Bridge (view of downtown skyline)
• Krog Street Tunnel (street art)
• Ponce City Market exterior (even if stores are closed, the building and BeltLine access area make good backdrops)
• The Varsity building area near North Avenue for classic “A-T-L” shots

Because traffic is lighter on Christmas, it’s often easier to pull over (legally and safely) and grab photos.

Cemetery Walks with History

Historic cemeteries in Atlanta can be quiet, reflective places for a Christmas Day walk:

Oakland Cemetery
248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312

• Known for its historic graves, city views, and landscaped grounds.
• Ground access is typically available during daylight hours, even on holidays, though visitor centers or gift shops may be closed.

Remember to be respectful and stick to marked paths.

Scenic Drives with Skyline Views

Some Atlanta-area drives are especially peaceful on holidays:

• Freedom Parkway toward downtown – great view of the city skyline.
• Peachtree Street from Downtown through Midtown up into Buckhead – a full tour of major city districts.
• Moreland Ave / Little Five Points – interesting storefronts and murals, even if shops are closed.

This can be a nice option if the weather is cold or rainy but you still want to get out.

Religious Services and Volunteer Opportunities

If you’re looking for faith-based activities or ways to give back, Atlanta has many options around Christmas Day, though not all operate on the 25th itself.

Christmas Day Church Services

Many churches in Atlanta hold services on Christmas Eve and sometimes on Christmas morning. Common areas with multiple churches offering services:

• Downtown / Westside
• Midtown and Virginia-Highland
• Buckhead
• Decatur

What to do:

• Look up churches near your neighborhood and check their holiday schedules.
• Confirm whether services are in person, online, or both.
• Some churches also host special music programs around the holiday.

Volunteering Around the Holiday

Many Atlanta organizations coordinate holiday meals, toy drives, and outreach in December, though some events don’t occur exactly on the 25th. If you want to help:

• Check large, established organizations such as major Atlanta shelters, food banks, or community missions.
• Look for “holiday volunteer opportunities” on their official sites.
• Many require advance sign-up, orientation, or background checks, so start early in December.

If Christmas Day shifts are already full, consider signing up for post-holiday help in late December or early January, when demand is still high but volunteer turnout often slows.

Indoor Options If the Weather Is Cold or Rainy

Finding indoor things to do on Christmas Day in Atlanta is more challenging, but there are still some possibilities.

Movie Theaters

Many movie theaters in metro Atlanta are open on Christmas Day, especially:

• Multiplexes in Buckhead, Midtown, Atlantic Station, Cobb, and Gwinnett
• Theaters near large shopping centers or mixed-use developments

Tips:

• Check showtimes a few days in advance; Christmas releases are common.
• Purchase tickets early if you prefer specific seats.
• Some theaters have reserved recliners and full menus, creating a full outing if restaurants are limited.

Ice Skating Rinks (Seasonal)

Seasonal ice rinks pop up around Atlanta during the holidays, though not all operate on December 25. Areas that sometimes host rinks include:

• Mixed-use developments and town centers around metro Atlanta
• Certain parks or tourist districts

Check:

• Whether the rink is operating on Christmas Day specifically
• Session times and capacity limits
• Equipment rental policies and required clothing (socks, gloves, etc.)

Quick Reference: Common Christmas Day Options in Atlanta

Below is a general-reference overview. Always confirm exact hours and availability for the current year.

Practical Planning Tips for Christmas Day in Atlanta

To make your Christmas Day in Atlanta smooth:

• Plan transportation:

  • MARTA: Expect reduced frequency. Check the MARTA holiday schedule in advance.
  • Rideshare: Available but may have surge pricing during peak times.

• Call ahead:

  • For any restaurant, rink, or attraction, verify holiday hours by phone or via official channels.
  • Ask specifically: “Are you open on December 25? What are your hours and last entry times?”

• Have a backup plan:

  • Choose at least one outdoor, no-reservation option (park, BeltLine, scenic drive) in case indoor plans fall through.

• Consider timing:

  • Morning: Best for quiet walks and drives.
  • Afternoon: Good for attractions or dining reservations.
  • Evening: Ideal for light displays, city views, and movies.

With a little preparation, you can put together a Christmas Day in Atlanta that fits your style—whether that means enjoying a quiet walk through Piedmont Park, taking in skyline views, finding a festive meal at a hotel restaurant, or ending the night with a movie.