Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Attractions

1. Margaritaville Lake Lanier Island

Families can 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. 

2. Callaway Gardens

Just an hour-and-a-half 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 about an hour-and-a-half 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 fishes...and otters, whales, starfish, etc... by visiting the Georgia Aquarium. Open on Christmas Day with special holiday hours from 12-6pm, the aqarium 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 Day, but members and non-members alike must have reservations for time entry so get your tickets now.

7. Movie Theaters

There can't be an article about things that are open on Christmas Day and NOT include the movies. Movie theaters have been a trusty place to go on Christmas, especially for those who don't celebrate the holiday. Go online and check local theater showtimes for more info.

Open on Christmas in Atlanta: The 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 Rowell Riverwalk with its flat, wide path along the Chattahoochee River.  Also check out these winter hikes. Still anticipate a lot of "How much longer?" and "This is sooooo boring!" comments? That's why we created 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. Visit a Playground

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 newest playspace at Westside Park? It's actually bigger than Piedmont and Chastain and has tons of walking trails and a fun playground. 

11. State Parks

Many state parks are also open on Christmas Day. Several are near Atlanta, like Vogel State Park in Blairsville, which has a playground, and Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, which has cool ruins to explore.

Check out our list of restaurants open on Christmas Day. Photo by the author

Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Restaurants

12. Dining Out

Cooking on Christmas seems fun, but the clean-up is another story. Take the family out to eat and keep the kitchen tidy —we have a list of Tasty Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Atlanta. Enjoy a range of options, from quick-service like Denny's to fun experiences like Benihana. Personally, I have my own eye on Waffle House for Christmas Day. 

Skate the Station is a great spot to bring the kids for ice skating.

Open on Christmas in Atlanta: Ice Skating Rinks

13. Ice Skating

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 the following places and hours: 

• Skate the Station at Atlantic Station: 4-11pm 
• Ice Days in Old Town Conyers: 12-10pm 
• Avalon on Ice: 10am-10pm
• The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill: 11am-11pm 

Lights of LIFE at Life University. Photo courtesy of the event

Open on Christmas in Atlanta: See the Lights 

14. Professional Christmas Lights

Take the kids for a drive to "ooh" and "ahhh" over the magical holiday lights around Atlanta. Hit up one of the professional light displays 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 World of Illumination Artic Adventure at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

15. Home Christmas Lights

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! 

16. 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. Did someone say Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies? Yum!

17. Watch Holiday Movies

Sometimes it's nice just to stay in your Christmas PJs all day. For the homebodies, here's a list of The Best Kids Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season, which includes classics like Miracle on 34th Street and comedies like Elf.

18. Play Games

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