What Is Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Many businesses in Atlanta close on Christmas Day but some essential stores open on Christmas, as well as family activities. We've done our research and checked out what is open on Christmas Day in Atlanta to save you from post-present blues and needed things to do. And yes, keep reading if you're wondering, "Is Walmart open on Christmas?"

What Can Families Do on Christmas Day? Fun Activities That Are Open!

License to Chill at Margaritaville Lake Lanier Island - Buford

Head to Margaritaville Lake Lanier Islands for License to Chill, open from 2-9pm 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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Winter Hikes

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. 

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.

Movie Theaters

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.

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day

Use our list of tasty Atlanta restaurants open on Christmas Day 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!

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.  

Atlanta BeltLine - Midtown

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.

Christmas Light Shows

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.

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. 

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

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. 

Family Fun Day at MJCCA - Dunwoody

Everyone is invited to Family Fun Day at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) for a winter-themed celebration featuring crafts, activities, and games happening 10am-2pm.

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.

Stores Open on Christmas Day for Last-Minute Gifts or Essentials

You never know when you're going to need essentials like more batteries to power those new Christmas presents or even last-minute gifts for surprise visitors. That's why stores open on Christmas Day are crucial!

Walgreens and CVS

As we mentioned above, it's easy to run out of batteries, cards, and wrapping paper during the biggest holiday of the year. That's why it's super helpful to have stores open on Christmas, including various CVS and Walgreens locations. Also, you can even find a small gift if needed!

Buc-ee's, 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Gas Stations

Do not sleep on Buc-ee's! This hybrid gas station/eatery/store is open on Christmas (and every day of the year) and is great for last-minute purchases. Most gas stations are open as well so it's a good resource for Christmas Day.

Are Any Grocery Stores Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Atlanta?

Major Chains and Grocery Stores Are Not Open in Atlanta

The main Atlanta grocery stores and chains are not open on Christmas Day, which include Publix, Kroger, Aldi, The Fresh Market, Ingles, Lidl, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Your DeKalb Farmers Market.

Are Walmart, Target, and Costco Open on Christmas Day?

Walmart, Target, and Costco are not open on Christmas Day, and will reopen on Friday, December 26. 

Is Walmart open on Christmas?

No. Walmart stores close on Christmas Day, and typically close early on Christmas Eve at 6pm.

Is Target open on Christmas?

No. Like most large retailers, Target is closed on Christmas and closes early on Christmas Eve. 

Is Costco open on Christmas?

FAQ – What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025?

Q: Is Walmart open on Christmas Day?
A: No. Walmart is closed on December 25, 2025. Most stores reopen early on December 26 for shoppers.

Q: Are grocery stores open on Christmas?
A: No. Atlanta grocery stores are not open on Christmas. Make sure to check those Christmas recipes and supplies before December 25 so you can be ready for the holiday meal prep.

Q: Are gas stations open on Christmas?
A: Yes, most gas stations and attached convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Shell, stay open.

Q: Are restaurants open on Christmas Day?
A: Yes, many are open! Many chain restaurants like Waffle House, IHOP, and Benihana, are open, plus select hotel restaurants.

Q: What can you do with kids on Christmas Day if you don’t celebrate or want to get out?
A:The movie theaters are a tried and true activity for Christmas Day! Just check out the list above for more than 15 awesome ideas of things to do on Christmas.

Q: Is Starbucks open on Christmas Day?
A: Many are, but with limited hours—check the Starbucks app for your nearest location.

Q: Are malls or shopping centers open on Christmas?
A: Though all of the stores are closed, many families can hang out at the shopping center or mall itself. Outdoor shopping centers, like Avalon or Halcyon, are still nice to peruse, window shop, and run around.

Additional reporting by Melanie Preis