Things To Do in Atlanta on Christmas Day: A Local Guide

Spending Christmas Day in Atlanta can be surprisingly fun, even though many businesses close and the city quiets down. Whether you live here or you’re visiting family, there’s plenty to do if you plan a bit ahead and know where to look.

Below is a practical guide to things to do in Atlanta on Christmas Day, with local context, tips, and realistic options for the holiday.

Quick Snapshot: What’s Typically Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta

Enjoy Atlanta’s Outdoor Spaces on a Quiet Holiday

Even when most attractions close, Atlanta’s parks and paths are typically open on Christmas Day. The city feels calmer, and traffic is lighter than usual.

Walk, Run, or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside and Westside Trails are open year-round and are a great way to get outside after opening gifts.

• Expect lighter crowds on Christmas morning.
• Great for strollers, bikes, scooters, and dog walks.
• Murals and street art along the BeltLine make for nice holiday photos.

Nearby parking can be limited in popular areas (like near Ponce City Market), so arriving earlier in the day usually helps.

Visit Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Piedmont Park is one of the easiest, most flexible options on Christmas Day:

• Paved and unpaved trails for walking or jogging.
• Open fields for tossing a football or frisbee.
• Great midtown skyline views for holiday photos.

Restrooms may be on limited schedules, so it’s worth planning ahead, especially if you’re bringing kids.

Stroll Around Centennial Olympic Park Area

While the fountains and some on-site venues may not be fully operating, you can still walk through the area around Centennial Olympic Park and nearby attractions:

• Views of the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel.
• Easy walking loop past the Georgia World Congress Center, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Note that the park itself has had changing operations in recent years, so check current access rules before you go if you’re planning a specific activity there.

Drive or Walk Through Local Neighborhoods for Holiday Lights

Many intown neighborhoods are known for festive displays, which are perfect for an evening drive:

• Virginia-Highland
• Inman Park
• Grant Park
• Brookhaven / Buckhead residential streets
• Certain cul-de-sacs and subdivisions in the northern suburbs

You can simply drive slowly and enjoy the lights, or park in a safe, legal spot and walk a few blocks where sidewalks allow.

Seasonal Attractions & Events That May Operate on Christmas Day

Some holiday attractions in the Atlanta area do operate on December 25, but it varies by year. It’s smart to confirm details well before Christmas.

Holiday Lights at Gardens and Zoos

Many large holiday light events in metro Atlanta run late into December. Not all are open specifically on Christmas Day, but some have in past years:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
  1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  This is a major holiday tradition in Midtown. The event often runs through late December or early January, but Christmas Day operations change by year, so check their schedule early if this is a must-do.

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  The zoo itself is typically closed on Christmas Day, but holiday light events or special programming around the date can vary.

If you’re planning your trip around these attractions, it’s safer to book for Christmas Eve, December 26, or another nearby date, and treat Christmas Day as your “flex” day.

Ice Skating Rinks

Pop-up and seasonal ice skating rinks in and around Atlanta often have extended holiday hours and may be open on Christmas Day:

Common seasonal locations include:

• Rinks at large malls or shopping centers in the metro area
• Rinks at mixed-use developments or town centers (often in Alpharetta, Marietta, or other suburbs)

Because operators and locations can change, look up:

• “ice skating rink” + your specific area (Midtown, Buckhead, Alpharetta, etc.)
• Confirm “Christmas Day hours” specifically

🧣 Tip: Holiday sessions can sell out, so if online reservations are offered, it’s wise to book ahead rather than walking up.

Classic Christmas Day Activities: Movies, Bowling & More

Catch a Movie at a Local Theater

Many Atlanta-area movie theaters are open on Christmas Day, often with big crowd turnout for new releases.

General tips:

• Look for theaters in Midtown, Buckhead, Atlantic Station, Decatur, and the suburbs.
• Reserve seats in advance if you have a big group or want prime showtimes.
• Matinee showings can be calmer for families with young kids.

If you plan to use MARTA, consider theaters near MARTA stations or bus routes to avoid parking hassles.

Go Bowling or Play Indoor Games

Some bowling alleys and family entertainment centers operate on Christmas Day, especially those that cater to groups and tourists.

Typical offerings:

• Bowling lanes
• Arcade games
• Billiards
• Sometimes food and drink

Hours can be shortened on December 25, so call ahead before you drive across town.

Where to Eat in Atlanta on Christmas Day

Finding a place to eat on Christmas Day takes planning. Most small, independent restaurants close, but a few categories often stay open.

Hotel Restaurants and Bars

Many hotel restaurants in Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead stay open on Christmas, sometimes with special holiday menus.

You’ll often find:

• Upscale buffets or prix fixe dinners
• More casual lobby bars with small plates
• Late afternoon or evening service, even if breakfast/lunch are limited

Because these places can book up, reservations are recommended.

Chain Restaurants and 24/7 Spots

Some national or regional chains — especially those known for 24/7 service or holiday hours — may be open on Christmas Day in and around Atlanta.

Common options to check:

• Diners and 24-hour breakfast spots
• Certain fast-food or fast-casual chains along major corridors like Peachtree St, Cobb Pkwy, Buford Hwy, and I-85/I-285 interchanges

Call the specific location first; hours can vary even within the same chain.

International Restaurants Along Buford Highway and Beyond

The Buford Highway corridor (stretching through parts of Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville) is famous for its global food scene. Some Asian, Latin American, and other international restaurants may open on Christmas Day, though not all.

If you’re exploring this area:

• Focus on larger, well-established spots.
• Use a map app to filter for “open now” on December 25.
• Be prepared for cash-only policies at some smaller businesses.

Attend a Christmas Service or Concert

For many people, Christmas Day church services are the heart of the holiday. In Atlanta, you’ll find a wide range of options.

Christian Churches Offering Christmas Day Worship

Most larger churches around metro Atlanta share holiday service schedules in advance. Christmas Day services can include:

• Traditional liturgies and Eucharist
• Contemporary worship with live music
• Family-friendly services earlier in the day

Churches may be located across:

• Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
• Buckhead, Decatur, East Atlanta, Westside, and the suburbs

🕊 Tip: If you’re new to Atlanta, look up churches by denomination (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, non-denominational, etc.) and review their “Christmas services” page in early December.

Other Faith Communities

Some synagogues, mosques, temples, and other houses of worship may host:

• Volunteer projects on or around Christmas Day
• Community meals or gatherings
• Regular services that coincide with December 25

Because practices vary widely, it’s best to reach out directly if you’re looking to visit or participate.

Volunteer or Give Back on Christmas Day

Atlanta has a strong network of nonprofits, shelters, and community groups that serve residents year-round. On and around Christmas Day, demand for volunteers and donations is often high — but spots can fill quickly.

Volunteering In Person

Some shelters and community kitchens may offer:

• Holiday meal service
• Gift or toy distribution
• Food pantry support

Common patterns:

• Volunteer slots fill weeks in advance, especially on Christmas Day itself.
• Many organizations shift extra help to the days before or after Christmas rather than the 25th.

If you’d like to help:

• Look up established local nonprofits and shelters.
• Check their volunteer pages specifically for “holiday” or “Christmas” opportunities.
• Be flexible about dates; the need is usually just as high on December 24, 26, and the days around the holiday.

Donating Instead of Volunteering

If in-person spots are full:

• Consider monetary donations, which organizations can use year-round.
• Ask what’s most needed: coats, socks, toiletries, non-perishable food, or gift cards.

Even small gestures can help local groups continue their work beyond the holidays.

Ride MARTA or Drive? Getting Around on Christmas Day

MARTA Holiday Operations

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) typically runs on a reduced or Sunday/holiday schedule on Christmas Day.

General expectations:

• Rail: Fewer trains, but core lines usually operate.
• Bus: Some routes run with lower frequency; some may not run at all.
• Streetcar (Downtown): Holiday schedule or modified hours.

For planning:

• Check the MARTA holiday schedule in advance.
• Allow extra travel time between trains or buses.
• If transferring, give yourself a cushion in case of longer waits.

Driving and Parking

Atlanta traffic is usually much lighter on Christmas Day, especially in the morning and early afternoon.

Things to keep in mind:

• Street parking near major attractions may still have restrictions; read all posted signs carefully.
• Parking garages at office buildings or closed venues may be gated or locked.
• In busy areas like Midtown, Buckhead, or around stadiums, don’t assume lots are free just because it’s a holiday.

Stay-In Ideas If You’re in an Atlanta Hotel or Airbnb

Not every plan has to be out on the town. If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or with family, you can still lean into the local feel.

Some ideas:

• Order takeout or delivery from the few restaurants open and have an indoor picnic.
• Walk a nearby neighborhood or trail to get a sense of the area.
• Stream a Hawks, Falcons, or college bowl game if one is on that day and relax between outings.
• If your building has amenities like a fitness room, lounge, or rooftop, those may still be accessible even if front-desk staffing is lighter.

Practical Planning Tips for Christmas Day in Atlanta

To make your day go smoothly:

• Confirm hours early. For anything specific — a restaurant, rink, or attraction — call or check holiday hours by mid-December.
• Have a backup plan. Weather, last-minute closures, or crowds can change your first choice.
• Layer your clothing. Atlanta weather in late December can swing from chilly and wet to mild and sunny, sometimes in the same day.
• Plan for kids’ downtime. Combine one outing (park, lights, movie) with quiet time at home or your hotel so the day doesn’t feel rushed.
• Think beyond the 25th. If something you want to do is closed on Christmas, you can often do it on the 24th or 26th and keep the actual holiday simpler and more relaxed.

With a bit of planning, Christmas Day in Atlanta can be a mix of fresh air, city views, low-key outings, and memorable time with the people you’re here with — whether you’re a longtime local or just in town for the holidays.