Discover what's open on Christmas Day in Atlanta after the kids have ripped open their presents, dug through the stockings, and posed for the obligatory Christmas morning photos. Entertain the kids after all the Christmas morning activities with a fair amount of Atlanta places open on Christmas Day. These spots will keep kids busy AND give mom and dad a break after that holiday prep work.
Read on for more cool ideas to make your Christmas Day even more magical and seeing what Atlanta has to offer during the holiday.
Latest Videos
Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Attractions
1. License to Chill at Margaritaville Lake Lanier Island
Families head to Margaritaville Lake Lanier Islands for License to Chill, open from 2-10pm on Christmas Day, and tube down one of the fastest snow hills in North America, ride carnival rides, ice skate, eat s'mores, and see the Lakeside Lights Spectacular.
Take a ride through the tunnel of lights at Callaway Gardens Fantasy in Lights. Photo courtesy of the gardens
2. Callaway Gardens
Just an 1.5 hours south of Atlanta, Callaway Gardens is also open on Christmas Day —spend the day climbing and ziplining through Treetop Adventure, checking out the Birds of Prey program, and enjoying a Christmas buffet lunch. Stay past 6pm to see Callaway's Fantasy in Lights.
Great Wolf Lodge has a fantastic indoor water park. Photo by the author
3. Great Wolf Lodge
Located in LaGrange, Great Wolf Lodge is open on Christmas Day and since it is just an 1.5 hours drive from Atlanta, families can opt to purchase day passes. Kids can swim, slide, and play in the indoor water park, as well as play indoor mini golf, visit the arcade, pan for "jewels," try the ropes course, and much more.
4. Skyview Atlanta
Get a birds-eye view of our fair city by riding Skyview Atlanta—a towering Ferris wheel with 42 climate-controlled, private gondolas. There's no bad view in the bunch as riders get to see downtown Atlanta from every angle.
5. Georgia Aquarium
Spend Christmas Day with the fish, otters, whales, starfish by visiting the Georgia Aquarium. Open on Christmas Day with special holiday hours from 12-5pm, the aquarium is sure to add wonder to both young and old during the visit.
6. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Burned out come Christmas Day evening? Head to Atlanta Botanical Garden for the most dazzling lights display in the city—Garden Lights, Holiday Nights. The attraction is open on Christmas Night, but members and non-members alike must have reservations for timed entries so get your tickets now.
7. Movies
We can't have an article about what's open on Christmas Day and NOT include movie theaters! Movie theaters have been a trusty, timeless place to go on Christmas Day, especially for those who don't celebrate the holiday. Go online and check local showtimes for more info.
Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Great Outdoors
Enjoy a winter stroll along the Roswell Riverwalk. Photo courtesy of Visit Roswell Georgia
8. Take a Hike
Since Atlanta winters are typically mild, families can usually head outside on Christmas Day. Enjoy 14 Family-Friendly Hikes around Atlanta, which includes things like the Roswell Riverwalk with its flat, wide path along the Chattahoochee River. Also check out these Winter Hikes in Atlanta. Still anticipate a lot of whining and complaining? Use our helpful guide, 12 Hiking Games for Kids that Turn Walks into Adventures.
9. Atlanta BeltLine
Take a walk, ride a bike, or rent a scooter on the BeltLine and see all the cool sites of Atlanta's popular intown neighborhoods. While on the path, check out amazing public art and make a detour at one of the great playgrounds.
10. Playgrounds
Burn off some of that Christmas morning energy at one of Atlanta's many parks with cool playgrounds, like Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs. And have you checked out Atlanta's massive Westside Park? It has tons of walking trails and a fun playground.
11. State Parks
Many state parks are open on Christmas Day —several near Atlanta, like Vogel State Park in Blairsville, have playgrounds, and Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs has cool ruins to explore.
12. Outdoor Shopping Centers
Does your wallet need a break after the Christmas shopping? Get the thrill of holiday shopping without the purchasing by window shopping at fun outdoor shopping centers, like Avalon, Halycon, Atlantic Station, and more.
Check out our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day. Photo by the author
Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Restaurants
13. Dining Out
Cooking on Christmas seems fun, but clean-up is another story. Use our list of Tasty Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta, and enjoy a range of options, from quick-service like Denny's to fun experiences like Benihana. Personally, I have my eye (or maybe stomach) on Waffle House for Christmas Day.
Lace up for ice skating in Atlanta at Avalon! Photo courtesy of Avalon
Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Ice Skating
14. Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
What's more Christmas-y than ice skating?! Several Atlanta ice rinks are open on Christmas Day, but not all of them, so be sure to consult individual rinks for hours.
Lights of LIFE at Life University. Photo courtesy of the event
Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Holiday & Christmas Lights
15. Christmas Light Events
Take the kids for a drive to "ooh" and "ahhh" over the magical holiday lights around Atlanta. Hit up one of the paid Christmas light displays and shows around Atlanta; however, not all light displays are open on Christmas Day. Make sure to see these on Christmas Day: Lights of LIFE at Life University and Enchanted Safari by World of Illumination.
16. Atlanta Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays
Take a look at what some homeowners will do when it comes to Christmas lights displays. Just remember to be respectful as these are private residences and everyone wants to enjoy a peaceful Christmas Day.
Santa isn't the only one who likes cookies on Christmas. Photo by Kristin Kneeland
Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Your House!
17. Bake Cookies
Staying at home on Christmas Day means baking, and we've got you covered with the 10 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes to Bake with Kids.
18. Watch Holiday Movies
Sometimes it's nice just to stay in Christmas PJs all day and watch the Best Kids Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season, which includes classics like Miracle on 34th Street and comedies like Elf.
19. Connect to Spirituality
Take some time with your family on Christmas Day and learn about the holiday itself and how your crew connects spiritually.
20. Play Games
Start a new holiday tradition with one of these Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family. Maybe Santa-style limbo?