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?