"A lot of locals might want to do something different," she said.
"Also instead of staying home a lot of residents do go out for their Christmas lunch or dinner. A lot of our accommodation providers do really nice spreads."
Ms Bui said it had been a tough six months for the tourism sector because domestic tourist numbers had been down.
"It is looking like Christmas Day and Boxing Day could be a boost for our attractions."
Agrodome customer services manager Dale McCourt said Christmas Day was business as usual for the attraction, which opens every Christmas.
"We are still fully operational," she said. "We're open all year round and get a lot of Chinese tour groups on Christmas Day - they don't recognise Christmas so it's an ordinary day for them."
She said the staff working on Christmas Day get into the festive spirit and wear Santa hats.
Polynesian Spa managing director Martin Lobb said Christmas Day was always busy.
"There are always a lot of people in Rotorua and Christmas Day is normally a really busy day and we don't expect this year to be any different."
He said a lot of tourists who visited the Polynesian Spa on Christmas Day were glad the attraction was open.
"People don't just want to sit in their hotels and motels. They want to get out and do something," he said. "We do have Christmas decorations up so the place does also look a bit festive."
Most businesses spoken to by The Daily Post which were not open on the 25th said they would open again from Boxing Day.
What's open on Christmas Day
Agrodome on Western Rd is open from 8.30am to 5pm
Skyline Rotorua on Fairy Springs Rd is open from 9.30am to 5pm
Paradise Valley Springs on Paradise Valley Rd is open from 8am to 5pm
Te Puia on Hemo Gorge Rd is open from 8am to 6pm
Waimangu Volcanic Valley on Waimangu Rd is open from 8.30am to 5pm
Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter on Fairy Springs Rd is open from 8am to 5.30pm
Free Christmas Day activities
Work off Christmas lunch or dinner by taking a walk in the Redwoods
Take the family and a picnic to Hamurana Springs
Go for a drive to Lake Tarawera or Tikitapu (Blue Lake), go for a swim, walk or kayak
Have a family game of touch rugby at Government Gardens or the Village Green
Take a walk in Kuirau Park and play in the park
For kids, young and old, make a slip and slide in your back garden