Book reservations early before slots fill up. Also, confirm plans with restaurants beforehand, especially as some location hours vary. 

Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta

1. Benihana - Buckhead and Alpharetta

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Hibachi
Why families love it: Chefs prepare a delicious meal in front of awed customers on the hibachi grill. The kid’s menu features chicken tenders, chicken tempura, hibachi steak, chicken, or shrimp. The staff can take a photo of your family with the chef! 

2. Denny's - Norcross

Price range: $$
Menu type: Standard
Why families love it: Enjoy the all-day breakfast; lunch and dinner items are available later in the day. Kid's menu choices include anniversary pancakes, chicken tenders, and mac n’ cheese. Ask about Rudolph pancakes!

Dig into delicious, Brazilian-style steakhouse fare at Fogo de Chão this Christmas.

3. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse - Buckhead and Dunwoody

Price range: $$$
Menu type: All-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse
Why families love it:  Waiters carve various spit-roasted meats on skewers at the table. Salads, cheeses, and stews accompany tasty side dishes. For kids 7-12 years old, meals are half the adult price; ages 6 and under dine free. Open 11am-9pm.

4. Hard Rock Café - Downtown

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Prix fixe
Why families love it: The holiday menu-- the two-course dinner is $37 per person and the three-course dinner is $43. Main course offerings include burgers, grilled salmon, baby back ribs, and New York strip steak, and dessert is a holiday brownie. Reservations suggested.

5. IHOP - Various locations

Price range: $$
Menu type: Standard
Why families love it: Stack holiday memories because kids eat free for a limited time every day 2-10pm! Most IHOPs are open regular business hours 7am-10pm but make sure to check your local restaurant to check individual schedules.

Eat a meal to make Santa proud at Kona Grill -- open for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner. 

6. Kona Grill - Alpharetta

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Christmas menu (and regular)
Why families love it: Features for Christmas include prime rib surf and turf, baked glazed ham, and roasted turkey. They offer a kids' entree of turkey with gravy, mac and cheese and green beans. Reservations recommended. 

Celebrate the holiday with a dinner at McCormick & Schmick's.

7. McCormick & Schmick's - Downtown 

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Standard or prix fixe
Why families love it: Guests choose from the regular menu or the prix fixe two-course special holiday menu, which features items such as swordfish and filet mignon. Reservations recommended. 

8. Marietta Diner - Marietta

Price range: $$
Menu type: Standard
Why families love it: In addition to serving breakfast 24/7, Marietta Diner offers lunch and dinner options, including Greek specialties. Leave room for a slice of the seven-layer desserts!

Dip into fondue for Christmas at the Melting Pot.

9. The Melting Pot – Midtown, Roswell, Duluth, Kennesaw 

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Prix fixe
Why families love it: From 4-9pm on Christmas day, all four Atlanta-area locations offer a four-course fondue feast starting at $59 per person. Reservations suggested.

10. Parkwoods - Perimeter

Price range: $$$$
Menu type: Prix fixe brunch
Why families love it: In addition to a carving station, waffle station, seafood, and plenty of desserts, families can take photos with Santa. $79 per person and $39 for kids ages 3 -12 and under. Reservations suggested. 

11. Red Lobster - Multiple locations 

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Standard
Why families love it: Get the famous, complimentary Cheddar Bay Biscuits on Christmas Day. All Red Lobsters are open and serving familiar favorites! 

12. The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta - Downtown

Price range: $$$$$
Menu type: Buffet
Why families love it: Located inside the Grand Ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta offers a Christmas buffet from noon-5pm. The elegant buffet includes multiple stations with holiday favorites. Santa makes an appearance, too! $155 per adult and $70 for kids ages 3-12. Reservations required.

13. Ruth’s Chris Steak House - Multiple locations

Price range: $$$$
Menu type: Standard
Why families love it: Each location of Ruth's Chris will offer its regular menu of premium steaks and seafood on Christmas day (times vary by location). Reservations recommended.

14. STK - Downtown 

Price range: $$$
Menu type: Holiday menu
Why families love it: STK features a Christmas menu including prime rib, pumpkin creme brulee. The regular menu will also be available. Reservations recommended.

The St. Regis Hotel is ready for visitors and diners to enjoy its holiday decor. Photo by Rebecca Leffler

15. St. Regis Hotel - Buckhead

Price range: $$$$$
Menu type: Holiday brunch
Why families love it: Book the Christmas brunch experience 11am-3:30pm, where Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves are on site. In addition to the holiday buffet, families enjoy live music. The cost is $200 for adults and $90 for children ages 3-10. Prepaid reservations required. This event sells out quickly, so just click "notify" on a reservaiton time and the hotel can you know of any cancellations. 

16. South City Kitchen - Alpharetta

Price range: $$$$
Menu type: Prix fixe dinner
Why families love it: South City Kitchen at Avalon hosts a three-course Christmas dinner. The cost is $85 per person and $42 for kids under age 12. Reservations required.

17. Waffle House - Various locations

Price range: $$
Menu type: Stnadard
Why families love it: Waffle House is always open! Let your kids indulge in the classic, chocolate, pecan, or peanut butter waffles. Other favorites include omelets, hash browns, and bacon. Lunch and dinner menus also available.

What to Know Before Dining Out on Christmas Day in Atlanta

Reservations often require weeks in advance

If bookings are already full, consider another spot or waiting in person. 

Holiday pricing and special menus are common

Make sure to visit restaurant social media pages and/or websites to see if offered menus are posted in advance.

Many spots serve special brunch or early dinner hours

Tips for parents

Bring small activities for little ones, check kids’ menu availability, and confirm parking.

Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Meal Out with Kids

The most obvious and helpful tip we can share is make a reservation if available! By avoiding long waits and last-minute plans, your Christmas meal will go much smoother. And pay attention to holiday menus -- what could be your child's favorite restaurant during the rest of the year may not be during Christmas if he or she hates the choices.

FAQ – Dining Out on Christmas Day with Kids in Atlanta

What restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Atlanta?
As mentioned above, there are some great restaurants open in Atlanta on Christmas day, including some that have .

Do any Christmas Day restaurants offer kids’ menus?
Many of the restaurants offer kid rates, especially for those with Christmas buffets. The hotel events especially feature different rates.

Q:Are restaurants open for Christmas brunch or dinner?
Some restaurants are open for Christmas brunch and dinner. 

Q: Do I need to make reservations for Christmas Day dining?
Yes, you should really make reservations to make your Christmas Day run smoothly and keep the kids' hunger at bay.

Q:What’s the average price for Christmas dinner at restaurants in Atlanta?
Plan to spend a good chunk of change for Christmas brunch and dinner, especially those offering large-scale buffets and Santa experiences.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the restaurants and hotels.