Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta: Attractions

1. License to Chill at Margaritaville Lake Lanier Island - Buford

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, enjoy 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 - Pine Mountain

Callaway Gardens is 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. 

3. Great Wolf Lodge - LaGrange

Great Wolf Lodge is open on Christmas Day. Families can purchase day passes since it is just a 1.5-hour drive from Atlanta. Kids will have a blast swimming, sliding, and playing in the indoor water park, as well as playing indoor mini golf, visiting the arcade, panning for "jewels," trying the ropes course, and much more. 

4. Skyview Atlanta - Downtown 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 since riders get to see downtown Atlanta from every angle. 

Take in the sights and sounds of holidays at Georgia Aquarium.

5. Georgia Aquarium - Downtown Atlanta

Spend Christmas Day with underwater creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. Open on Christmas Day with special holiday hours from 12-6pm, the aquarium will surely add wonder to both young and old. 

6. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights - Midtown

Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the most dazzling lights display in the city. The attraction opens in the evening on Christmas Day, but since members and non-members must have reservations for timed entries, purchase 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.

8. Dining Out

Use our list of Tasty Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta to enjoy a range of options, from quick-service spots to fun experiences like Benihana. Personally, I have my eye (or maybe stomach) on Waffle House for Christmas Day!

Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta: Great Outdoors

9. Winter Hike

Since Atlanta winters are typically mild, families can usually head outside on Christmas Day. If you anticipate a lot of whining and complaining, use our helpful guide: 12 Hiking Games for Kids that Turn Walks into Adventures. 

10. Ride Bicycles

If Santa brought a new bike or scooter to one of your little ones, try it out on a family-friendly bike trail. These include trails like the Roswell Riverwalk, which has a flat, wide path along the Chattahoochee River.  

11. Atlanta BeltLine

Take a walk, ride a bike, or rent a scooter on the Atlanta BeltLine to see all the cool sites of Atlanta's popular intown neighborhoods. Check out unique public art, stop at one of the great playgrounds, and be on the lookout for Tiny Doors ATL's whimsical creations.

12. Playgrounds

Burn off that Christmas morning energy at one of Atlanta's many parks with fun playgrounds, like Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs, Historic Fourth Ward Park across from Ponce City Market, or Westside Park in West Midtown. 

13. State Parks

Many state parks are open on Christmas Day. Enjoy the historic mill ruins at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, the lake and playground at Vogel State Park in Blairsville, and Georgia's tallest waterfall at Amicalola State Park in Dawsonville. 

14. Outdoor Shopping Centers

Does your wallet need a break after the Christmas shopping? For the thrill of holiday shopping without purchasing anything, go window shopping at fun outdoor shopping centers like Avalon, Halycon, Battery Atlanta, Atlantic Station, and more.

Lace up for ice skating in Atlanta at Avalon! Photo courtesy of Avalon

15. 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 consult individual rinks for hours. 

Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta: Holiday & Christmas Lights 

16. Christmas Light Events

Take the kids for a drive to "ooh" and "ahh" over the magical holiday lights around Atlanta. Just double-check the hours since not all holiday light shows are open on Christmas Day. Make sure to see these on Christmas Day: Lights of LIFE at Life University and Cosmic Sleigh Ride by World of Illumination.

17. Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays

Take a look at what some homeowners will do when it comes to Christmas lights displays. Be respectful as these are private residences and everyone wants to enjoy a peaceful Christmas Day.

Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta: Your House! 

18. 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. 

19. Watch Holiday Movies

Sometimes it's nice just to stay in Christmas jammies 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.

20. Connect to Spirituality

Take some time with your family on Christmas Day and learn about the holiday itself and how your crew connects spiritually. Many churches in Atlanta host Christmas Day services.

21. Play Games

Start a new holiday tradition with one of these Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family. Maybe Santa-style limbo?