Keeping your kids entertained all day long with nine things to do in Atlanta on Christmas Day
With Christmas around the corner, the tree is up and holiday music is being cued up. A sure sign the season is in full swing. Atlanta is full of holiday cheer throughout all of December and into the New Year. From dazzling light shows to ice skating to Santa meet-cutes, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the winter season. But if you’re coming up short for things to do in Atlanta on Christmas Day, check out these festivities that will take you beyond the base of the Christmas tree.
1. Catch Favorite Holiday Flick on Big Screen
What better way to enjoy the holiday season than to watch your favorite classic holiday movie? There will be showings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at Regal Cinemas all over the Atlanta metro area. The tickets are just $5 and if you are a Regal Crown Member so are a small popcorn and drink combo.
2. See Mega-Watt Light Shows
We could all use some high-voltage cheer this holiday season, and with these megawatt neighborhood Christmas light displays—where you never have to leave your car—you’re sure to flip the switch on some family fun. These Atlanta-area winter wonderlands are brought to you by families with some serious spirit.
For a mega-watt evening, bundle up and flip the switch on some electric lighting displays around Atlanta. If you’re looking for an evening outing that will amaze the entire family, you’re in the right place. Check these out to find the best spots around town to be dazzled.
Related: Shine Bright! Your Ultimate Guide to Christmas Lights in Atlanta
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3. Take a Spin on Atlanta SkyView
Santa may not be gracing the night sky on Christmas, but you can soar above Atlanta in the SkyView ferris wheel. With twinkling city lights below mixed in with holiday decorations downtown, the bird's eye view is the best view. And great news! Each gondola on the wheel is climate controlled, so you won't need to plan for frostbite.
168 Luckie St. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: skyviewatlanta.com
4. Go for a Bike Ride
Even if they didn't get a new set of wheels for Christmas, you'll have some happy elves if you load them up and go for a ride on their old wheels, new scooters, or even hovercraft. If you need a new bike trail to try, check out of our list family-friendly bike paths riders of all ages can handle.
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5. Mix It Up at Main Event Entertainment
If you’re tired of the tinsel and ready to hock the holly, head to Main Event for laser tag, bowling, arcade games, and an indoor ropes gym. Open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and prices for playing vary by selection.
3101 Cobb Pkwy. S.E., Suite 104
Atlanta
Online: mainevent.com
6. Take the Kids out for a Hike
Atlanta weather can run hot or cold at Christmas, so keep Georgia’s State Parks in mind if we land on a sunny and unseasonably warm Christmas day. Trails abound at Sweetwater Creek State Park, and you can start working on your resolutions by hiking the first (little, little) leg of the Appalachian Trail at Amicalola State Park. Need some more inspiration? Here are some more of our favorite state parks near Atlanta. And if you don’t want to venture much further than the Perimeter, you can enjoy exploring miles of trails along the Chattahoochee, a National Parks Service-run land.
Related: National Parks That Atlanta Families Love (& Amazing Cabins Nearby)
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7. Visit the Georgia Aquarium
Yes, the Georgia Aquarium is actually open on Christmas Day. Get the kiddos out of the house and make a splash with the world's largest aquarium. Purchase tickets online in advance.
225 Baker St. N.W.
Atlanta
Online: georgiaaquarium.org
Related: Dive In! An Insider's Guide to the Georgia Aquarium
8. Go Ice Skating or Sledding
Glide beneath the stars and skyscrapers at one of Atlanta's most festive ice rinks—many of which are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you have a different Christmas adventure in mind, grab your snow tube instead.
9. Get a Strike at Bowlmor Lanes
Roll into Bowlmor Lanes on Christmas Day, and try your hand in the arcades, classic table games, and interactive laser tag battles also available. Open from 1 p.m. to midnight on Christmas Day, games are reasonably priced per person and kids under 4 play free.
2175 Savoy Dr.
Chamblee, GA
Online: bowlmor.com