9 Merry Things to Do on Christmas Day

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

Bundle up and flip the switch on some electrifying lighting displays around Atlanta. If you’re looking for an evening outing that will amaze the entire family, Christmas Day is a great time to head out in search of both neighborhood light displays and larger commercial ones too. Many neighborhood displays put on extra-specials show on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and then again on New Year's. And when it comes to drive-through displays and other local programs that are totally lit, many are open on Christmas Day, like Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden, Reindeer Road World of Illumination at Six Flags, and ATL Holiday lights.

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