Things To Do in Atlanta on Christmas Day: A Local’s Guide to Holiday Fun

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.

Key Things To Know About Christmas Day in Atlanta

Before planning your day, keep these basics in mind:

• Many attractions close on December 25 (including some big-name museums and venues), but not all.
• MARTA runs on a holiday schedule, so trains and buses may be less frequent.
• Downtown and Midtown are quiet, while some restaurant pockets (like Buford Highway and parts of Decatur) can be surprisingly busy.
• Reservations and hours can change year to year, so it’s smart to call ahead for anything time-sensitive.

Below is a set of realistic, locally grounded options—both big outings and simple, low-key ideas.

Outdoor Activities and Scenic Spots Open on Christmas Day

1. Walk, Run, or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

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:

• Open and free to use
• Good for all ages and fitness levels
• You can decide how long or short to make it

Popular segments for a Christmas walk:

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

🎄 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).

2. Explore Piedmont Park

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:

• Stroll around Lake Clara Meer
• Let kids run on the open lawns or playgrounds
• Take holiday photos with the Midtown skyline in the background
• Walk dogs on the paved paths

🚗 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.

3. Take in City Views at Jackson Street Bridge

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:

• Fewer cars and crowds than usual
• Great spot around sunrise or sunset for photos of the city
• Easy to pair with a stroll around the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park area (walkable nearby, though visitor centers may be closed)

⚠️ Safety note: This is a city street bridge with car traffic. Stay on the sidewalk and keep kids close.

4. Hike at Stone Mountain Park (Outdoor Areas)

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:

• Hike the Walk-Up Trail to the top of Stone Mountain for panoramic views
• Walk around the base on designated paths
• Have a simple picnic at one of the public areas (weather permitting)

💡 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.

Christmas Lights and Drive-Through Displays

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.

5. Neighborhood Christmas Light Drives

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:

• Brookhaven neighborhoods off Peachtree Rd
• Virginia-Highland residential streets
• Parts of Druid Hills (near Emory)
• Suburban spots in Dunwoody, Roswell, and Marietta

How to make it fun:

• Map out 3–4 neighborhoods in advance
• Put on holiday music
• Bring hot chocolate in insulated travel mugs
• Let kids “score” each house’s decorations

🎄 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.

Open-Air History and Landmarks

6. Walk Around Centennial Olympic Park Area

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:

• Outside views of the College Football Hall of Fame and Georgia Aquarium
• City skyline views from nearby streets
• Short walk to SkyView Atlanta (the Ferris wheel), which has sometimes operated on holidays—call ahead to confirm Christmas Day hours if you plan to ride.

This is a good area if you’re staying in a Downtown Atlanta hotel and want a simple walk without driving.

Food and Dining: Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Atlanta

Atlanta isn’t a city where everything shuts down—especially when it comes to food. Still, options are more limited, so plan ahead.

7. Hotels and Major Restaurants That Often Open on Christmas Day

Many full-service hotels in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead tend to keep at least one restaurant or bar open on Christmas Day, often with:

• Brunch buffets
• Prix-fixe holiday dinners
• Limited but festive menus

Areas to explore:

• Peachtree Street in Midtown and Downtown (several large hotels)
• Lenox/Peachtree corridor in Buckhead
• Perimeter area hotels in Dunwoody/Sandy Springs

☎️ Action step: Call the hotel directly and ask:

• “Is your restaurant open on December 25?”
• “Do you accept walk-ins, or is a reservation required?”

8. International Eats on Buford Highway

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:

• Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Central American restaurants
• Bubble tea spots and dessert shops
• Food courts in some international markets

⭐ 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.

9. Casual Chains and Local Standbys

Certain chain restaurants, especially those in busy shopping corridors, may open on Christmas Day with reduced hours. You’re more likely to find options:

• Along Cumberland Blvd/Atlanta Rd near The Battery and Cumberland Mall
• Around Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody)
• Around Howell Mill Rd on the Westside
• Near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (airport-area hotels and restaurants)

📌 Practical tip: On Christmas Day, it’s smart to:

• Call ahead
• Ask about wait times
• Confirm if a special holiday menu is in effect (pricing may differ)

Low-Key Indoor Options If Everything Feels Closed

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.

10. Self-Guided City or Street Art Tour

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:

• Krog Street Tunnel and surrounding streets (Inman Park/Cabbagetown)
• Along the Eastside BeltLine near Ponce City Market and Old Fourth Ward
• Parts of West Midtown and the Lee + White district in West End

How to do it:

1. Start at a known mural-heavy spot like Krog Street Tunnel.
2. Park legally nearby and walk a few blocks in each direction.
3. Drive between neighborhoods, stopping wherever you see large-scale art.

📸 Good activity for visitors who want iconic Atlanta photos without needing reservations.

11. Ride MARTA for a No-Stress City Lookaround

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:

• Ride from North Springs or Doraville down to Airport Station to see the full north–south line.
• Hop off briefly at:
  • Arts Center Station (Midtown area)
  • Peachtree Center Station (Downtown)

Always check:

• Holiday schedules
• Any planned service changes

You can call MARTA’s customer service line or use official posted schedules to confirm.

12. Catch a Movie at an Atlanta-Area Theater

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:

• Midtown and Buckhead
• Cumberland area near I-285 and I-75
• Perimeter Center
• Alpharetta/Roswell and Gwinnett suburbs

🎬 Plan ahead:

• Check showtimes online in advance
• Arrive early—Christmas showings can sell out or fill up
• Factor in extra time for parking at busier shopping complexes

Faith-Based and Community Activities

13. Christmas Day Church Services

Many Atlanta-area churches hold Christmas Day services, especially when December 25 does not fall on a Sunday. Larger congregations often offer:

• Morning services
• Family-friendly worship
• Special music or pageants

Neighborhoods with numerous churches:

• Buckhead
• Midtown and Downtown
• Decatur
• South Atlanta and College Park

To find options:

• Search for churches near your address (or hotel)
• Check their service calendars for “Christmas Day Service” or “Christmas Morning Worship”
• Call ahead to confirm times and whether children’s programs are available

14. Volunteering and Community Support

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:

• Serving meals at holiday community dinners
• Assisting with gift distribution programs
• Helping with cleanup or logistics

Organizations commonly involved in holiday outreach in the Atlanta area include:

• Local shelters and food banks
• Faith-based outreach ministries
• Community centers in neighborhoods across the city

☎️ How to connect:

• Reach out in early December to ask, “Do you need volunteers on December 25, or in the days right before or after?”
• Be prepared for background check requirements or orientation, especially for roles involving children or vulnerable adults.

Home-Base and Neighborhood Ideas in Atlanta

If you prefer to stay close to home (or your hotel) on Christmas Day, you can still add some local flavor.

15. Neighborhood Walks and Park Playgrounds

Almost every Atlanta neighborhood has small parks and playgrounds that stay accessible:

• Candler Park, Grant Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, and others Intown
• Smaller pocket parks scattered around West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Kirkwood

Use Christmas Day for:

• Scooters or bikes for kids
• Simple pickup games (soccer, football, frisbee)
• Letting visiting relatives see what “your Atlanta” looks like

16. DIY “Atlanta Sampler Day” for Visitors

If you’re hosting out-of-town guests, combine small activities into an informal Atlanta sampler:

Example half-day plan:

1. Morning: Walk the BeltLine Eastside Trail
2. Midday: Drive through Midtown and Downtown to see landmarks
3. Afternoon: Coffee or dessert at an open spot in Virginia-Highland or Decatur (call ahead)
4. Evening: Christmas light drive through nearby neighborhoods

This gives visitors a feel for Atlanta without relying on major attractions that may be closed.

Quick Planning Table: What’s Realistic on Christmas Day?

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.