What’s Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta? A Local Guide

If you’ll be in Atlanta on Christmas Day, you’ll find that much of the city slows down—but it doesn’t shut down completely. A mix of restaurants, attractions, grocery options, and essential services usually remain open with limited hours.

Because hours can change year to year and even neighborhood to neighborhood, you should always call ahead before heading out. Use this guide as a local starting point for what’s typically open on Christmas Day in Atlanta and how to plan around it.

At-a-Glance: What’s Usually Open in Atlanta on Christmas Day

Major Attractions and Things to Do on Christmas Day

Many of Atlanta’s big-name attractions close on December 25, but there are often a few exceptions each year. Because schedules change, always confirm that year’s holiday hours before you go.

Attractions That May Be Open (Check Each Year)

These places sometimes offer limited Christmas Day hours or special holiday experiences:

• Stone Mountain Park
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  The park grounds are generally accessible year-round, but specific attractions and the “Christmas” events may or may not run on December 25 itself. Parking areas, hiking trails, and some outdoor spaces are often available even when ticketed attractions are closed.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
  1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  The light show typically runs throughout the season, but some years skip Christmas Day while others offer reduced hours. If you’re planning an evening walk through the lights, check the calendar first.

• Ice skating rinks and holiday pop-ups
  Seasonal rinks in and around Atlanta (such as at Atlantic Station or in nearby suburbs) sometimes operate on Christmas Day for partial hours. Schedules can change with the weather, so confirm before heading out.

Outdoor Spaces Always Open for a Walk

If you simply want to get outside, many of Atlanta’s outdoor public spaces are accessible on Christmas Day, even though offices and centers are closed:

• Piedmont Park – Open daily; good for walks, picnics, and dog-walking.
• Atlanta BeltLine – Trails and paths remain accessible; expect lighter crowds early in the morning.
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various units north of the city) – Trails are generally open, though visitor centers may be closed.
• Neighborhood parks run by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation are usually open dawn to dusk.

These are great low-cost options if you’re trying to entertain visitors or burn off holiday meals.

Restaurants and Dining: Where Can You Eat Out?

Food options narrow on Christmas Day in Atlanta, but they don’t disappear. You’ll see three main categories open:

1. Hotel Restaurants and Bars

Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead hotels often keep at least one on-site restaurant open on Christmas Day for guests and locals:

• Large hotels near Downtown (around Peachtree St NW, Marietta St NW, and Centennial Olympic Park) often serve holiday brunches or prix‑fixe dinners.
• Midtown hotels near 14th St, Peachtree St NE, and the Arts Center area frequently keep restaurants running with holiday menus.
• In Buckhead, hotel dining rooms along Peachtree Rd NE and Lenox Rd NE typically offer Christmas meals, sometimes by reservation only.

These spots can book quickly, so call the hotel directly to confirm hours and see if reservations are required.

2. National Chains Commonly Open on Christmas

Many chain restaurants known for extended hours or highway locations will have at least some Atlanta‑area locations open on Christmas Day, often near interstates like I‑75, I‑85, and I‑285. It’s common to see:

• Some casual family restaurants with reduced hours.
• Fast-food and fast-casual locations in high‑traffic areas or near major hotels.
• Coffee shops in busy neighborhoods (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead) running morning or limited daytime hours.

Call the specific location you’re considering. Even within the same chain, one Atlanta store may be open while another is fully closed.

3. Local Restaurants and International Spots

In several Atlanta neighborhoods, especially those with strong international or immigrant communities, you’ll find local restaurants choosing to open on December 25, such as:

• Buford Highway corridor (spanning Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville) – A number of Asian, Latin American, and international restaurants often open, though hours vary widely.
• Parts of Doraville, Chamblee, and Norcross – Some family restaurants and bakeries along major roads may operate on the holiday.
• Downtown and Midtown – A handful of independent spots stay open to serve hotel guests and visitors.

Because local businesses can change hours yearly, calling or checking posted signage in the days before Christmas is the most reliable strategy.

Grocery Stores and Last-Minute Shopping

If you’re trying to pick up last-minute ingredients or basic supplies on Christmas Day in Atlanta, expect very limited grocery options.

Large Grocery Chains

Most major grocery chains in metro Atlanta close completely on December 25 or open only for a short window in the morning. Typical patterns include:

• Many full‑service supermarkets run regular or extended hours on Christmas Eve and close on Christmas Day.
• A few individual locations may open for shortened hours (e.g., early morning to mid‑afternoon) to serve last‑minute shoppers.

Call your specific store a few days before Christmas to confirm:

• Hours on Christmas Eve
• Whether they’re open at all on Christmas Day
• Pharmacy, deli, and bakery holiday schedules, which may differ from general store hours

Convenience-Oriented Grocers and Markets

Some smaller markets and independent grocers in Atlanta—especially in dense neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, and along Buford Highway—may open for part of the day. These are often good for:

• Basic produce and pantry items
• Snacks, drinks, and frozen foods
• Simple household supplies

Because these locations vary, again, a quick call ahead is essential.

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

Gas stations and convenience stores are among the most reliable businesses open on Christmas Day in Atlanta.

You can usually count on:

• Major gas chains along interstates and major roads like Peachtree St, Ponce de Leon Ave, Moreland Ave, Memorial Dr, Cobb Pkwy and around I‑285 interchanges
• 24‑hour convenience stores that operate every day of the year

These are great for:

• Fueling up before a road trip
• Picking up drinks, snacks, ice, and basic toiletries
• Grab‑and‑go items if grocery stores are closed

⛽ Tip: Even if the station is open, food counters or in‑store quick‑service restaurants inside may operate on reduced hours or close for the day.

Pharmacies and Medical Services

Pharmacies

In Atlanta, many independent pharmacies and supermarket pharmacy counters close on Christmas Day. Some large chain pharmacies keep select locations open—especially any advertised as 24‑hour stores—but often with shortened holiday hours.

To avoid surprises:

1. Locate the specific pharmacy you rely on.
2. Check its posted holiday hours in mid‑December.
3. Refill prescriptions a few days before Christmas in case of closures.

Hospitals and Emergency Care

Hospitals and emergency rooms in Atlanta operate 24/7, including Christmas Day. If you have a true emergency, you can go to a nearby hospital such as:

• Grady Memorial Hospital
  80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Emory University Hospital Midtown
  550 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
  1968 Peachtree Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Northside Hospital Atlanta
  1000 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

Emergency departments are always open, but expect higher-than-normal wait times, as many people delay non‑urgent care until holidays and weekends.

Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics

Some urgent care centers around metro Atlanta open on Christmas Day with shortened hours, while others close entirely. Locations near busy retail corridors or interstates are more likely to be open.

If you think you may need urgent care:

• Check a couple of nearby centers’ holiday schedules in advance.
• Confirm whether they accept your insurance or walk‑ins on holidays.
• Verify if X‑ray or lab services are available that day, as not all services operate on holiday schedules.

Public Transportation, Taxis, and Rideshare

MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

MARTA continues service on Christmas Day but runs on a reduced holiday schedule:

• Rail lines (Red, Gold, Blue, Green) usually operate with less frequent trains.
• Bus routes often follow Sunday/holiday schedules, which means fewer routes and longer wait times.
• Some lower‑ridership routes may not run at all.

For planning:

• MARTA Headquarters: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer service line (often listed on schedule materials) can help with route details.
• Check route maps and posted holiday notices for December 25 specifically.

Taxis and Rideshare

Traditional taxi services and app-based rideshares typically operate on Christmas Day across metro Atlanta, though:

• Wait times can be longer, especially around peak dinner hours and late night.
• Prices may reflect increased demand in areas like Downtown, Midtown, and near major malls or hotels.

If you need a ride to or from Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you’ll usually have full access to cabs and rideshare, but plan a small buffer for potential delays.

Government Offices, Banks, and Post Offices

Because Christmas is a federal holiday, you should expect the following in Atlanta:

• Federal, state, and city government offices – Closed
  Examples:

  • City of Atlanta offices at 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Fulton County Government Center at 141 Pryor St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• U.S. Post Offices – Closed, with no regular mail delivery
  Retail counters and processing centers typically pause normal operations on December 25.

• Banks and credit unions – Closed
  Branch lobbies and drive‑throughs are closed, but ATMs and online banking remain available.

If you need to handle paperwork, pay a fine, or visit a government office, plan to take care of it before or after the holiday.

Entertainment: Movies, Activities, and Leisure

Movie Theaters

Going to the movies is a popular Christmas Day activity in Atlanta. Many multiplexes and theaters stay open, especially those in or near:

• Downtown and Midtown
• Buckhead and Lenox/Perimeter areas
• Major shopping centers and mixed-use developments like those near Cumberland, Atlantic Station, or Camp Creek

Typical patterns:

• Theaters may open later in the morning or early afternoon.
• Big holiday film releases can sell out, so buy tickets in advance if possible.

Bowling, Arcades, and Indoor Fun

Some bowling alleys, arcades, and family entertainment centers in metro Atlanta open for part of Christmas Day, particularly those that already operate 365 days a year. These are more commonly found:

• Along major commercial corridors (e.g., Cobb Pkwy, Buford Hwy, US‑78)
• Near shopping districts and large suburban centers

Because these are privately operated and schedules change annually, call ahead to check:

• Opening and closing times
• Age restrictions
• Reservation requirements for lanes or party rooms

Churches and Religious Services

For many Atlantans, the central “what’s open on Christmas Day” question is about church services rather than businesses.

Christian Churches

A large number of churches in Atlanta hold Christmas Eve services, and some also offer Christmas Day worship. You’ll find options among:

• Historic in-town congregations (Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward)
• Suburban churches throughout metro Atlanta
• Catholic parishes, which often have Christmas Day Masses
• Other Christian denominations that observe the holiday liturgically

Service times vary widely. Look up specific churches you’re interested in and check:

• Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day schedules
• Language options (many Atlanta churches offer services in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages)
• Parking and transit access if you’re visiting from out of town

Other Faith Communities

Some non‑Christian faith communities in Atlanta may hold regularly scheduled services or special events on December 25, while others simply observe it as a normal day. Contact the individual congregation for details.

Practical Tips for Navigating Christmas Day in Atlanta

To make December 25 smoother in and around Atlanta:

• Plan meals early. Decide whether you’re cooking, ordering takeout, or eating out, and verify which restaurants are open.
• Refill prescriptions before the holiday in case your local pharmacy closes.
• Check attraction calendars—even long‑running holiday events may skip Christmas Day.
• Use MARTA’s holiday schedule if you’re relying on transit; build in extra time.
• Call individual locations (restaurants, stores, entertainment venues). Policies can differ even within the same chain.
• Expect lighter traffic on some roads but heavier activity near entertainment districts, malls, and hotels.

With a bit of planning, you can find plenty that’s open on Christmas Day in Atlanta—whether you’re looking for a festive meal, a quiet walk, or just a place to grab essentials.