Fun, Festive, and Open: Things To Do on Christmas Day in Atlanta

Christmas Day in Atlanta can feel surprisingly quiet, but there’s still plenty to do if you know where to look. Whether you want festive lights, outdoor walks, or a special meal out, you can absolutely make December 25 feel memorable in the city.

Below are Atlanta-specific ideas for things to do on Christmas Day, with practical notes about what’s usually open, where to go, and how to plan ahead.

Quick-Glance Guide: What’s Typically Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta

Enjoy the Outdoors: Walks, Parks, and Views

Atlanta’s mild winter weather often makes Christmas Day outside very doable. Many locals use the quieter roads and lighter crowds as a chance to get out.

1. Walk the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine trails are open year-round and are a great option if you need to move after a big holiday meal. On Christmas Day, you’ll see joggers, dog-walkers, and families out enjoying the day.

Popular segments include:

• Eastside Trail (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland)
• Westside Trail (Adair Park, West End)

You can:

• Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride
• Enjoy the art installations and murals along the route
• Bring a thermos of coffee or cocoa since many shops along the trail may be closed

Parking is available along neighborhood streets and in select paid lots near major access points like Ponce City Market (usually closed on Christmas, but area parking is still used for BeltLine access).

2. Visit Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306) is one of the city’s classic green spaces and remains open to the public on holidays.

Ideas for Christmas Day:

• Walk around Lake Clara Meer
• Bring a picnic blanket and simple snacks
• Take family photos with the Midtown skyline in the background
• Use the wide paths for scooters, strollers, or bikes

Restrooms and some facilities may have limited hours, so plan accordingly.

3. Explore Other Atlanta Parks and Trails

If you prefer less crowded options, consider:

• Grant Park – older, tree-filled park near historic homes
• Freedom Park – long, linear park connecting several intown neighborhoods
• Chastain Park (Buckhead) – walking paths and open fields
• Morningside Nature Preserve – wooded trails, including a popular suspension bridge

Most neighborhood parks stay open, but any staffed facilities (like recreation centers) are usually closed on Christmas Day.

Take in Holiday Lights and Festive Neighborhoods

Even if some big attractions are closed, Atlanta’s neighborhoods and holiday lights can still make Christmas Day feel special.

4. Drive (or Walk) Through Decorated Neighborhoods

Many Atlanta neighborhoods go all out with lights and decorations. A relaxed evening drive with music can be one of the easiest Christmas Day activities.

Areas often known for strong holiday displays include:

• Parts of Buckhead (particularly around West Paces Ferry, Peachtree Battle, and nearby side streets)
• Virginia-Highland and Morningside – charming bungalows with porch lights and yard displays
• Brookhaven – family-oriented neighborhoods with classic decor
• Decatur – walkable in-town streets with decorated homes

Tips:

• Go after dark for the best effect.
• Stick to slower speeds and be respectful of local traffic and residents.
• If you walk, park legally and avoid blocking driveways.

5. Check for Drive-Through Light Displays

The Atlanta area often hosts drive-through holiday light shows at large venues and parks. Some of these operate on Christmas Day, depending on the year and the event schedule.

Common types of locations to look up and confirm:

• Speedway or fairground light shows
• Botanical gardens or large parks with ticketed drive-through routes
• Zoo or theme park drive-thru conversions (varies by year)

These events usually require advance tickets and timed entry, especially on major holiday nights.

Classic Christmas Day Activities: Movies and More

6. Catch a Movie

Many movie theaters in Atlanta are open on Christmas Day, and it’s a long-standing tradition for a lot of families and friend groups.

Options typically include:

• Major chains around metro Atlanta (often in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Cobb, Gwinnett, and south of the city)
• Some independent cinemas, though their holiday hours are more variable

Planning tips:

• Look up showtimes and buy tickets in advance, since big holiday releases can sell out.
• Check whether snack bars have holiday hours or limited menus.

7. Stay Active at Open-Air Spots

While most indoor recreation centers close, some outdoor facilities around the metro area may still be accessible:

• Public tennis or basketball courts in parks (lights may or may not be on)
• Skate parks in certain city parks
• Open fields or tracks for pickup games with friends and family

There’s usually no staffing or rentals, so bring your own equipment and be prepared for self-service conditions.

Celebrate the Day: Services and Spiritual Gatherings

If you observe Christmas as a religious holiday—or simply want a sense of community—there are many churches across Atlanta that offer services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

8. Attend a Christmas Service

You’ll find services across a wide range of denominations and worship styles, including:

• Historic intown churches (Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward)
• Suburban congregations across Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties
• Cathedrals and large churches that host multiple services, sometimes including midnight or candlelight services

To plan:

• Check each church’s website or recorded phone message for updated service times.
• Some churches offer family-focused morning services on Christmas Day.
• Many also provide livestreams, which can be a good option if you prefer to stay home.

Eat Out: Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta

You won’t find every restaurant open, but you do have reliable options if you want to skip cooking.

9. Hotel Restaurants and Lounges

Many larger hotels in Atlanta keep at least one restaurant or lounge open on Christmas Day, often with special holiday menus.

You’ll commonly find Christmas Day dining in areas like:

• Downtown – near major hotels and convention centers
• Midtown – hotels along Peachtree Street and surrounding blocks
• Buckhead – hotel dining rooms and steakhouses
• Areas near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Best practices:

• Reserve in advance, especially for brunch or dinner.
• Confirm whether it’s a buffet, prix-fixe menu, or regular menu.
• Ask about dress code and parking or valet options.

10. Chain Restaurants and Select Local Spots

Some national chains and independent restaurants around metro Atlanta open for part of Christmas Day, typically:

• Certain Chinese, Korean, and other Asian restaurants, especially along corridors like Buford Highway and parts of Doraville and Chamblee
• Some steakhouses or upscale restaurants in busy districts
• A limited number of fast-casual or diner-style places

Because hours are highly location-specific:

• Call ahead or check the location’s official phone recording.
• Confirm whether they’re open for lunch, dinner, or both.
• Expect holiday pricing or special menus in some cases.

Low-Key and Practical: Simple Christmas Day Options

Not every Christmas Day has to be packed with events. For many Atlanta residents and visitors, simple, low-pressure activities work best.

11. Relaxing at Home with a Local Touch

You can give a hometown feel to a quiet day by:

• Picking up local pastries or treats the day before from an Atlanta bakery and enjoying them Christmas morning
• Streaming holiday concerts or performances by Atlanta-based groups, if they’re available online
• Watching movies or shows set in or filmed in Georgia, then spotting familiar locations

12. Volunteer or Help Out Informally

Formal volunteering on Christmas Day itself can be harder to arrange because many events fill early and some organizations are closed to the public. However, you can still:

• Prepare donations (clothing, nonperishable food, toiletries) to deliver to shelters or community organizations on another day
• Offer to help neighbors, elderly residents, or friends with meals, rides, or errands around the holiday period
• Check local community centers or faith-based groups ahead of time to see if they organize Christmas or post-holiday assistance

If you want to volunteer, contacting organizations well before Christmas is usually the most effective approach.

Getting Around: Transportation and Logistics on Christmas Day

13. MARTA and Driving Considerations

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) typically operates on a Sunday or holiday schedule on Christmas Day, with:

• Reduced train frequency on the Red, Gold, Blue, and Green lines
• Limited bus routes and hours

To plan transit:

• Review MARTA’s holiday schedule in advance.
• Allow extra time for transfers or waits, especially in the evening.

If you’re driving:

• Traffic is usually lighter than normal, especially in the morning.
• Some paid parking may still be enforced in specific private garages or lots, so check posted signs.
• Be cautious in neighborhoods with pedestrians out walking and looking at lights.

14. Last-Minute Supplies

Some grocery and convenience stores around Atlanta open for limited hours on Christmas Day. Typically:

• A few larger grocery chains may open in the morning with early closures.
• Gas stations and attached convenience stores are more likely to be open extended hours.

Call ahead if you need:

• Last-minute ingredients
• Ice, drinks, or snacks
• Basic household items

Ideas by Vibe: How You Want Christmas Day in Atlanta to Feel

If you’re still undecided, think about the tone you want for your day, then choose activities that match.

• 🎄 Festive & Holiday-Focused

  • Drive through decorated neighborhoods
  • Visit a drive-through light show (if operating)
  • Attend a Christmas service

• 🌳 Quiet & Outdoorsy

  • Walk the Atlanta BeltLine or Piedmont Park
  • Explore a neighborhood park or nature preserve
  • Take a leisurely drive through scenic intown streets

• 🎬 Classic & Cozy

  • Watch a movie in theaters
  • Order takeout from a restaurant that’s open
  • Relax at home with holiday snacks and Atlanta accents

• 🍽️ Social & Food-Centered

  • Reserve a hotel restaurant brunch or dinner
  • Meet friends at an agreed-upon open spot
  • Host a potluck and let guests bring their favorite local treats

With a little planning, Christmas Day in Atlanta can be as relaxed or as eventful as you like—whether you’re walking the BeltLine, seeing holiday lights, catching a movie, or lingering over a special meal.